Boating; Preparing for the Dry Tortugas

Preparing for the Dry Tortugas

“The Dead End Canal Yacht Club'” annual trip to the Dry Tortugas is coming up. Boston Bob will take his newer sailboat, Cap'n Crunch will pilot his 34' Cruiser and the club boat, a 40' Jersey will act as mother ship. First a little background!

The Dry Tortugas National Park lies 77 miles west of Key West. (From web site) The Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson are endlessly beautiful, enveloped by warm crystal waters, sandy beaches, an abundance of wildlife and breathtaking natural scenery. Grab a snorkel and walk into the water—just a few feet from shore lays a coral reef, where hundreds of tropical fish and marine animals will thrill you as they dart past your mask. Bring your camping gear and spend the night (or two or three) under the stars. Keep your eyes open for the sooty tern, a magnificent tropical bird that chooses Bush Key as its only nesting place in the United States. If you’re a bird watching enthusiast, you’ll be delighted by the more than 300 different bird species that inhabit this 100 square mile park. Take a tour and learn the interesting history behind Fort Jefferson, which was built in 1846 and is comprised of 16 million bricks, making it the largest masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere.
 

Accessible only by ferry private boats or seaplane the remoteness has preserved the natural beauty. One of the most popular activities while near Key West, Florida, is visiting the Dry Tortugas. The Dry Tortugas, a cluster of islands with white sandy beaches, can be reached by ferry for a fun-filled day trip or for overnight camping. Partake in activities such as snorkeling the fringe reef, camping, bird watching, and more or learn all the history behind the Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson on a guided tour.

How did the “Dead Enders” tradition begin? Many of us went to the 'Torts' independently over the years but the limitations of the Park being what they are we found a flotilla to be the most efficient for the greatest number of boats. My first time was aboard a 38' Morgan and I wish I could say that it was a great trip but when the auto-pilot quits and the mast head and compass lights go out, it ain't good. We, the owner and I, struggled to keep from jibing in the following wind in moderate following seas.

We missed the Fort by a few miles to the West, no big deal at all but when we made the eastward turn a rogue wave flipped the 12' Boston Whaler we were towing. It was certainly my fault because I was at the helm. We made an inauspicious entrance to the fort after righting the whaler with Steve 'Ahab' Thurlow's imitation of McGiver leaping into the water and flipping the little boat.

The skippers who brought two 12 foot Boston Whalers were convinced to Ferry the crews from two Shrimp boats to and from from the East Reef. In return they gave bags and bags of shrimp to the three sailboats in our flotilla. It seemed to be at least a hundred pounds with about 30lbs headed jumbo shrimp. We ate what we could and then called for a cook-out the next day in the camping area. A great time was had by the 20 something crews.

As payback for our generosity the guests used our black plastic bag for their refuse unbeknownst to us at the time. Just at sundown, when everyone not holding a camper permit must leave, we discovered the over filled bag. The Park rules are; if you brought it you have to take it back with you. Despite triple bagging the original bag and placing it in Ahab's whaler, the birds discovered the shrimp trash and had a ball. We could always tell where he was as we motored back to Fort Myers Beach because birds were constantly circling overhead.

I must admit it was the most interesting 5 days I had ever spent on the water up to that point. I and my fellow Dead-enders have been trying to recreate ever since then. Next we will describe the supplying of our boat, 'My20%'.

Boatguy Ed (boatguiEd@aol.com) is a manufacturer of the worlds BEST anti-fouling bottom paint, www.supershipbottom.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.