Hey Everybody,
Well I finally got time to sit down here and type a blog entry for any of my followers. Geez, I sound like a preacher. More like....for anyone who would like to follow my adventures as a sailboat captain here in Fort Myers Beach. I arrived safely, with my parents following me in a rented minivan, on Friday, November 27th around 11:30 pm. I had all day Saturday to get organized just enough in order to jump right in Sunday with Captain Paul, the previous owner, on learning all about Star of Orion and any quirks/issues she might have. Before I get into that, lets first acknowledge my parents for helping me out tremendously. All during my transition training my first 3 days, they diligently stayed inside Dianne and I's condo painting rooms for us. Not to mention stocking my refrigerator before they left. They did a great job and I can't thank them enough.
Turns out, Star of Orion is quite a boat. The largest I've ever owned, she was a bit intimidating at first. I've never owned a boat that had running hot/cold water, Air Conditioning, Heat, refrigeration, a macerator pump, shower, or a navigation station. Captain Paul and Captain Ron quickly put me at ease after showing me all the systems and how simple they all operate. I guess in all the excitement of moving and buying this business I kinda psyched myself out a little! During the first few days, we tackled the task of changing out the oil and filters on the Yanmar Diesel and checking a few of the strainers on the intake thru-hulls. Also, we did plenty of docking touch-and-gos in order to get me acquainted with how Star of Orion reacts to different tides/currents/winds. We did 2 sunset sails together in light winds to practice reefing procedures. On day 3... I was supposed to have 4 people out for a half day sail, but a big front to the north and one off the Atlantic kicked the winds up that day to over 20mph and I had to cancel/reschedule them. I would have liked to have had the charters aboard, but with those winds the ride was bumpy. I know it was bumpy because Paul and I still went out to do some maneuvering and drills in some heavier conditions. With a single reef in and full jib, she sailed beautifully! The rail was almost in the water and she crashed thru the waves great. We were even kicking up some spray on in the cockpit. Oh by the way northerners, did I mention the weather is warm here? I don't miss it.
The next day, I had to myself since Paul needed to get ready for his trip to the Bahamas to check out what was supposed to be his next adventure. However, I just got word that he is on his way back and the boat didn't turn out to be what he needed. I'm sorry it didn't work out for him. I was excited to see his new boat show up at the dock later in December after a long trip from the Bahamas. Hopefully a new girl will show up on the radar soon.
I was really excited to have a 6 person charter scheduled for Friday the 4th but just my luck, a weather system is pumping showers and thunderstorms all over Fort Myers. Had to cancel. I've been able to get a lot of projects done because of the cancellations, but I'm here to sail and make money at the same time. Can't do that if the weather won't cooperate. I'm scheduled to do 2 separate charters tomorrow, but once again the weather is calling for showers and scattered thunderstorms. Granted, I'd still love to go sailing but we'll get wet if it rains no matter how big the bimini top is. I needs me some good weather!
So here I am. Its Friday night. Dianne is still up north till I fly up Wednesday to bring her and her parents down permanently via Budget Rental Truck. Yee Hawww! Can't wait to see her. This is the longest we've been apart since we first met back in the summer of 1994. She's a great wife. I'm doing my best to make the condo look better organized for her. I think she'll be happy with what I've accomplished.
If there is one good thing about Captain Paul and Ron getting home early, its the fact that if anyone would like to sail on the Gulf of Mexico next week while I'm gone there will be a captain here to do it. Be sure to book your Fort Myers Sailing for the coming season so you don't lose out on a great adventure.
Did I mention that its warm here and that sunset sails are amazing? I look forward to sharing my adventures. Lets Go Sailing!!!!
Fair Winds,
Capt. Dan Mendat
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