congratulations to mike and brenda.

[kickingbug1]

    i know all the sailors here will join me in saying "congratulations to mike and brenda". they have just purchased an Island Packet 31 and plan on cruising the west coast of Florida starting in august ( see their blog Wrinkles in Our Sails"). two great people who will begin yet another adventure together. i tip my captains hat to you both. the pics of the boat say it better than i could-----prettiest girl at the dance  (tell brenda i like the green)  good luck. see you at the clr.

[HeaveToo]

That is awesome.  An Island Packet 31 is a beautiful boat.  She will be strong and sea worthy.

There is a lot of bright work though!  Lovely boat with a skinny draft capable of blue water.  NICE!!!!

[crazycarl]

Mike,

If you need help launching the IP at CLR, Steve is awesome at the bow!


CC

[hoddinr]

Cruising the west coast of Florida in August??

I hope it has air conditioning.  August is a no wind, thunderstorms almost every afternoon, and stifling heat in July, August and September.

And don't forget the hurricane threat in West Florida peaks in October.

Seriously though.  Have fun.

[Greene]

Thanks guys.  The guest berth will always be available to you.

Yes we know August isn't the perfect time to start our cruise in that  area.  Brenda is a teacher, so her retirement has to coincide with the end of her contract.  So, August it is.  We planned on starting our cruise wherever we ended up buying our boat.  It could have been in the Great Lakes or the East coast just as well.  We found our IP in Bradenton, so that is where we will start.  We will coastal/ICW sail our way north and be in Orange Beach/Gulf Shores by early October.  We plan on being in a protected marina slip through January 1st or the end of the main hurricane season.

The boat does have an air conditioner system, so at least some of the days we will be able to cool down inside.

Mike

[Vectordirector]

Mike and Brenda,

First, Congrats!  Even though I've never met you, I know exactly how you feel right now.  Nothing beats retiring and chasing your dream.    If you come south, look me up,  I'll more than likely still be in Punta Gorda.  I hear that both our marinas are highly rated and cruisers sometimes stay for weeks.  Supposedly, some never leave!  If you get a chance, come say hi.  If one just wants to day sail, I don't think there is a better place to do it than here.  Can't think of anywhere I'd rather be.  Summer is coming up, I'll see how I like it.  I grew up in St. Louis and I really don't think it will be any worse than that was.  AC makes it all work.  Stay inside or go hang in the pool, what's not to like?    It beats winter in Madison, I can guarantee you that!

I've never had the "cruising" bug.  I enjoy my pool and real bed too much!  So far, I'm liking the Eclipse for day sailing.  For no wind days, I'm thinking of a 28' express cruiser, probably a Chaparall or Formula.  Nicely used, of course.  Plenty available under $50K down here, and no slip fee as I can keep it on a lift in my backyard canal.  They burn about 15-20 gallons an hour cruising at 30 knots, depending on propulsion.  I wouldn't feel safe in the Gulf in anything smaller.  I could be at Cayo Costa in 30 minutes and throw out the hook, stay as long as I want. 

Weather changes rapidly down here, make sure you are properly equipped for it.  It is different down here,  saltwater is not good for anything on a boat.  Maintenance is crucial. I just finished putting 2 coats of Cetol on my boat.  It will need to be done every 6 months, I think.  There isn't really much wood on the boat and it only took about 30 minutes per coat.  Up at Lake Geneva the last application lasted 3 seasons outside with indoor winter storage.  I'm sure the IP guys know what the best wood treatment is for their boats.  I like Cetol.  YMMV. 

Oh, one other thing I learned about retirement:  Don't feel guilty when some jealous idiot gives you a hard time about retiring while still young enough to enjoy it.  Remember, you earned it.  Enjoy your journey. 

Fair winds, beautiful yacht, great choice.  I'll be following along on your blog. 

Vectordirector

[brackish]

Congrats Mike and Brenda!

I hope you will keep us up to date on your progress either here or on your blog.  I will be down (Mexico Beach) in August and again in October.  If you happen to make a stop in Apalachicola or Port St. Joe after crossing the big bend area, both good places to stop, I hope I can coordinate, finally meet you folks in person and see the boat.  The inside of Cape San Blas is a great place to anchor for a spell, very well protected, with a good quiet marina just across the bay.  From there you can get back to the ICW via the industrial canal under the Port St. Joe bridge.  However, weather permitting, I would stay out front at least until St Andrews inlet at Panama city. 

During that time frame the wind on the upper gulf is normally OK in the afternoon not so hot in the morning but you probably know that. 

[Bob23]

I CLAIM THE V-BERTH!!!!!!!!!

[Greene]

You have dibs Bob.  Just meet us August 1st at Charlotte Harbor Boat Storage.  To motivate you I will describe your free luxury 2 week vacation.

Arrive at the yard and find the boat on the hard in the middle of a beautiful working yard lot.  The water will be easily in view when you climb the mast. I've heard the asphalt just shimmers in the summer heat.  Work alongside Brenda and I sanding off the scum on the bottom so you can begin the exciting bottom paint job.  1/2 lunch break is included no charge.  Climb the ladder and crawl into your v-berth until 6 a.m.  Fall asleep to the soothing sounds of semi trucks and Mike's snoring.  When the work begins again you will be supplied with fresh water and whatever snacks you bring with you. Sweet deal so far?  Sand, paint and clean for several days and we'll reward you with the opportunity to take us out for dinner and drinks. 

The highlight of your vacation will be cleaning out the bilge and replacing the pump and float.  Man are you lucky.  Finally you get to install a new cutlass bearing and climb the mast to replace the cloudy lenses on the anchor light.  Think of the great pictures you can take and the memories you will have for life. 

Man this cruising life sounds awesome!  So glad you will be sharing it with us.

Mike and Brenda

[Bob23]

This sounds great! Except for one thing: Do I have to sleep until 6am? I'm usually up at 4. So if you'll allow me that one luxury, I'm in!!! Do you supply the sandpaper or should I bring my own? And bilge work? I love it!! And I'm small enough so I'll fit right in. And I'm really gonna get to climb the mast? Really? I'm giddy with anticipation!!!
Guess where I'm taking you to dinner: "The Celtic Ray". Man, this sounds so exciting...I can't wait!!! Thanks!!! I bet all the other Compac-o-nauts are so jealous right now.
Bob23- what a lucky guy I am.

[Vectordirector]

I'd volunteer to help out but it looks like you have it covered.  I hear Bob is great at brightwork too.  Plenty of that on the IP.  Have fun!

Vectordirector