All Entries Tagged With: "sailing"
Captain Bilgeplug and the head hose
Dear Capt. Bilgeplug, I’ve been reading a lot lately about extensive problems with the onboard MSD, more commonly known as the ‘head’. With all the horror stories out there, we are now very concerned, if not actually afraid, of this necessary device. Is it a basic design flaw? Would it be safer for us to [...]
Marco Island, overnight
The sail north from Little Shark River was fantastic. The wonderful thing about sailing is that you’ve gotten where you are going as soon as you set foot on the boat. It’s slow and peaceful, what a way to leave the stress behind. The only thing you need to do is change the scenery once [...]
Little Shark River, the Florida Everglades
After leaving the crab trap obstacle course behind, we had an absolutely beautiful sail from Key West. There were zillions of crab traps. I just can’t imagine that there are that many crabs in the Gulf of Mexico. We spotted the entrance to Little Shark River as the sun was beginning to kiss the horizon. [...]
Marathon… Nope, didn’t make it
With all our repairs made, the boat nice and tidy, and most things in working order, we decide to strike out for Marathon. I’ve not had the pleasure of tying up to a mooring ball in Boot Key Harbor before, so this should be interesting. I have listened to all the stories from others who [...]
Key West, ahhhh…
It was a slow trek in. If you read the previous blog you know we were ripping along at about 2 knots, which is not much more than walking speed. It seemed like it took forever to get into the port. We entered Key West from the south channel, which took us right past two [...]
The Marquesas Islands
The Dry Tortugas will always hold a special place in our cruising logs. The place has so much beauty, but can be very fussy for the sailor. It would be wonderful if our federal government would use some of the excessive stimulus dollars at hand and put in some mooring balls… hummm… perhaps I’ll write [...]
The Dry Tortugas ~ Paradise with a twist!
It was a dark and stormy night… We were really glad to see Fort Jefferson. The pictures do not do the waves justice. We had spent the night pitching and rolling in the confused seas. We were looking forward to a bit calmer water as we entered the bank that supported the fort. We followed [...]
Burnt Store to Estero Island
Forgive me BLOG readers, for I have sinned. It has been… ummm some unknown days since my last entry. One of my readers wrote to me (thanks Ellan) and let me know that today is Wednesday. So, when anyone asks what day it is… I have an email to prove it. So here it is, [...]
Pelican Bay / Cayo Costa State Park
I woke up this morning just before sunrise. We are anchored in Pelican Bay, where we have been for the past several days. The anchorage is along the east side of Cayo Costa State Park on the west, and protected on the east by a small Key, Punta Blanca. The waters are calm as the [...]
Florida Bay Scallops, 2010
Scalloping season has once again arrived in Florida. It opened early this year, June 19th if you were watching closely. The season normally begins on July 1, but was opened early due to the tragedy in the Gulf with the oil. Notice I did not say “spill” which is something that occasionally happens with my [...]
Capt. Bilgeplug and the Seagull
Dear Capt. Bilgeplug, As you are aware, we are all facing economic hardships and money is tight. We like to drop anchor and come ashore a couple of times a week for a nice meal (something other than fish) We have had to tighten up our budget a bit and are now looking for alternatives. [...]
XLII Regata del Sol al Sol 2010 / Elice II
It’s a sad day for me… Here I sit with only my computer and imagination taking me back on the race. I was fortunate enough last year to compete in this race to Mexico, and it was the thrill of a lifetime. Stunning night skies followed by brilliant sunrises in the open ocean, it’s when [...]
Vinoy Basin Anchorage – one of my favorite stops
Located in the heart of St. Petersburg Florida is one of our favorite anchorages, the Vinoy Basin. Approaching St. Petersburg from Tampa Bay you will see the Pier sticking out in its colorful upside down pyramid. At night the place is lit up with some really nice effects. The building changes colors and is always [...]
Dear Capt. Bilgeplug / the nap…
Dear Capt. Bilgeplug, I could sure use some advice. None of my friends in the marina are willing to get involved, or offer any advice. You see, I don’t seem to get enough time hanging out at my boat. When I’m at home my wife keeps me hopping with a list of chores. Mow the [...]
Compass Island BCYC cruise
Sailing season in Florida, finally. After a rather long and cold winter (40′s & 50′s) the temps are finally coming back up to something livable. Once your blood is thinned by the Florida climate it becomes painfully difficult to endure anything below 60 F. The good folks at the Boca Ciega Yacht Club decided that [...]
Key West/Dry Tortugas May 2009
Early on May 02, 2009, 7 boats left the safety and comfort of the BCYC (Boca Ciega Yacht Club) basin and nearby waters to embark on our latest “trip of a lifetime”. Destination: Key West, the Dry Tortugas and point’s in-between. Xanadu, Panache, The Rachael, Casa Mia, Second Love, Sailacious, and Celebration made up the [...]
Gulfport Florida with a little ‘Clam Bayou’
I didn’t think I could do it, but I somehow managed to persevere. Expending minor amounts of mental energy and proper planning, I was actually able to achieve the almost impossible. Wasting an entire day is truly becoming an art form for me. It’s not for everybody. My standards of a normal day have changed [...]
eMarine Systems, shipping issues
I wonder when it actually changed. I don’t believe it happened overnight but surreptitiously crept in while we were all sleeping and the Internet was being invented. For those of you not old enough to remember, we used to have something called “Customer Service.” This was a grand thing. You would walk into a store [...]
How to open a coconut
Okay, so there you are… marooned in the Florida Keys, adrift for endless hours among the mangrove islands upon your boat and enjoying a nice Rum Sundowner (cocktails for you landlubbers). Suddenly and without warning it happens — you run out of mixer. I know, very traumatic if you are not expecting it. You’ve [...]
Vinoy Basin, St. Petersburg Fl
Many years ago I was watching the local news when the weather guy cut to a camera shot from a bank building in downtown St. Pete. They showed sailboats in the harbor anchored on a beautiful morning as the sun sparkled along the water. I pointed at the T.V. and said, “One day that is [...]
