Boating; Tortugas Skipper's Meeting


Boating; Skipper's Meeting

by boatguy Ed

The 'Skipper's Meeting' coincidentally took place during Happy Hour at the Big Game Waterfront Grill Sunday. We commandeered a large table and ordered pitchers of beer. The waitress informed us that there would be an automatic 18% tip added to the bill. “That's fine with me because we always tip better than that anyway,” I said.

The group staggered in from 4:30 on and everyone drank beer except 'Miami Rico' who drank Cuba Libra’s or rum and coke, to us. We missed having 'Hot Tamale at the meeting but she was in Miami visiting her grand-daughter. We are amazed that she could have one of those.

“I call this meeting to order,” said 'Commodore, Pensacola Slim, Jim.' He's not joining the cruise but he makes the meeting official. After the roll call was taken we all started re-affirming our intentions to go on the cruise. Rico was very excited when he showed off the new Satellite phone he'd bought for the trip.

“That will come in handy,” I said, “I might get some internet service down there?” Rico didn't respond but I thought I could hook it up to my laptop somehow.

Boston Bob told us that Monday was a poor time to leave on a sailboat because the wind would be so light. They would leave on the outgoing tide which would start a few minutes before 10 am. They would motor to the sea buoy and await the push from the tide. If the wind remained weak, it would take 24 hours or more to reach the Fort.

As the  testimonials spewed forth we all felt invigorated . Yes, again this year we are going to the Dry Tortugas National Park and we are going to have a great time.

Tony, the young bartendar fell in with us as we celebrated our impendind departure. He started apassing around shots of a drink called the 'Buttery Nipple' and everyone except Boston Bob and his wife drank the sweet shots. I hate it when Sailors are smarter than powerboaters.

I don't remember much beyond the cab ride home. Daryll's Fort Myers Beach Taxi did a lot of business. We were happy to have his service. Just one more happy hour and we're gone.

Boatguy Ed (boatguiEd@aol.com) is a manufacturer of the worlds BEST anti-fouling bottom paint,www.supershipbottom.com. TWEET me @boatguyed and a corresponding web site ishttp://www.boatingbyboatguyed.com/........ NEVER, EVER TRY TO BUY HIM A DRINK!

This column is meant for educational purposes only. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Void where prohibited. Some assembly required. Do not read while operating a motor vehicle or heavy equipment.



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