Introductions

Welcome to the Southern Crosses blog, and thank you for visiting. I would like to introduce the crew of the s/v AbbyGale based in St. Pete Beach Florida. We are aboard a 1985 40′ Endeavour Center Cockpit sloop rig sailboat. The sloop rig designation means that we have a single mast, and are just a bit over 56′ tall. The center cockpit means just that, the cockpit is in the center of the boat. I’m the third owner of this vessel and have sailed her for the past 8 years. During that time we have replaced most of the major systems, to include a new engine. We were a new crew and this was our first sailboat, so the learning is constantly in progress. Some lessons were pretty tough, and others were just plain fun.

I retired from law enforcement in 2000 after an extensive career with a central Florida sheriff’s office. While there I worked everything from patrol deputy, undercover narcotics agent, detective, and helicopter pilot. I’m now employed with an international security company working worldwide. I’ve had the great opportunity to visit many countries and meet lots of truly great folks along the way. During my travels I penned Southern Crosses, my first novel of a planned series.

My wife Sheree, and Admiral of the vessel, is also retired from the sheriff’s office. Sheree has been a great sailing companion along the way. I may be the Captain, but she is the Admiral. Life at sea has many of the same rules as a shore based marriage. When the Admiral makes a suggestion, well, the Captain jumps! Sheree has been a wonderful companion along the way and is always willing to try a new adventure.

And now for the vessel’s first mate, Abby, who is a 12 year old Umbrella Cockatoo and sailing enthusiast. She is quite a talker and stays involved in every aspect of boat life. She is also a fantastic watch bird while at anchor. Abby is a big part of our lives and travels everywhere with us offering unlimited advice along the way. When the weather is bad, sailing is rough, and we are all tired, Abby brings a little extra sunshine into our lives.

Thanks again for visiting and I do welcome your comments. Please feel free to browse the cruising logs, stories and book review sections. I look forward to hearing from everyone, thanks again.

From the decks of the s/v AbbyGale

Larry and crew

Filed Under: Featured

Tags: law enforcement • novel • sailing