Captain's Blog - 1st Edition

I found the captain up at the helm with a coffee in hand, navigating the waters to our next destination. I thought this may be a good time to ask him some questions regarding our adventure this far. Between dodging crab pots and waves, here is what he had to say.

What has been the most challenging aspect of this process?

The most challenging for me is allowing myself the screen time needed to do the proper planning. There’s so much research travel wise but also for boat maintenance and fixes. It all takes so much time. I spend hours and hours on a screen. Sometimes it feels like it's totally unproductive, other times a lot of headway is made.

What did you feel we were really well prepared for?

I feel like we were overall really well prepared. It may be easier to come up with some things we weren’t prepared for.

Okay, is there anything you were under prepared for?

I was not prepared for the amount of time it took to provision and prep the boat to get out of Marco Island. I didn’t fully realize the amount of planning time every single day would take.

Is there one thing you would do differently?

Knowing what I know now, I would have planned for more time to relax. This is a lot more work than I anticipated, and I thought there would be a little more down time.

With all the lessons we say “This lesson is a lesson we will only need to learn once.” What is one lesson learned over and over again?

Salt water is really really salty.

What is another aspect of this adventure that you didn’t expect?

The amount of time we haven’t been able to spend anchored. Travel distances, availability, controlling depths, wind…there’s so many elements that dictate where we can spend a night or three. It’s almost impossible to plan and book a spot more than a few days ahead because the likelihood of delay.

Is there anything that is easier than you expected?

So far, maneuvering the boat and handling the big seas we’ve been in.

How many Apps do you use daily just to function in a day planning for this tip?

9! And that does not include the electronics on the boat – i.e. Syrade chart potter, Radar, AIS and Autopilot etc.

Which Apps are your favourite navigating apps?

Aqua Map

Storms for weather

What is something you are looking forward to short term?

Making it to No Name Harbor without encountering the thunderstorm ahead that I promised you we wouldn’t get caught in.

(Side note - this is how it went. We are the blue dot. The Special Marine Warning was for waterspouts.)

What are you looking forward to long term?

Fresh water boating.

What are your top 3 memories so far?

Anchoring in Panther Key after leaving Marco Island

Our golf cart tour day of Key West

Meeting and spending time with the Sinclair family (Catamaran family)

Of the places we’ve been to date, do you have a favourite?

They’ve all been amazing their own way. I really couldn’t pick a favourite?

How is handling Holy Cow different than handling Unabridged?

Holy Cow is slower to react, but moves with purpose.

Knowing what you know now would you own a boat in the south?

Right this second, I would really have to think it through – A LOT. The work involved because of the salt water can dampen the enjoyment. It’s a daily grind. I wouldn’t buy a 53’ over a 48’ if I were to have a boat in the south.

What has been the most helpful?

Wife and kids. We are an amazing team.

What do you want your fans and readers to know?

I miss you all.

Do you have questions for our captain? If so write them below and I will ask him for our Captain's Blog - 2nd Edition.

Below is a map of our stops along the way to date.