After leaving Cocoa, I realized that my exhaust elbow needed to be replaced, so I pulled up in Vero Beach. No sooner did I get a mooring ball then the alternator bracket cracked. And then, while investigating those problems, I realized I had issues with my shaft coupling and alignment - although to be honest, that's been a bit of an ongoing issue. Now was a good time to deal with it for good.
So I got the bracket welded and refitted, the exhaust elbow replaced with a nice shiny stainless steel unit, and now I'm waiting on a part to be shipped in from Europe. No wonder they call this place Velcro Beach - I feel I've been caught and can't escape.
So, what's all this have to do with Fatty? Bear with me, I'm coming to that.
As most of you are aware, I've been putting together a day long cruising seminar to take place next December in Cocoa Florida. The date is December 2, so the timing is exactly right when everyone is coming through on their way south, right after the Cruisers' Thanksgiving in St. Marys, GA. So as you can see, my time here when not fixing things has been put to very good use....
The big news is that Fatty has consented to be our keynote guest speaker for the seminar, and boyoboyoboy, are we excited about that. Along with Fatty, we have the inestimable Pam Wall who will be speaking on crossing the Gulf Stream, and cruising the Bahamas. Then, we have weather guru Chris Parker, who will talk about weather for cruisers - always a concern, and no one better than Chris to explain it. I'll be the guy up front taking notes!
We will also have a seminar on medical onboard emergencies, and I will be discussing Cruising in Cuba, and the changes that are taking place that affect American cruisers wishing to go to Cuba. Following all of that, there will be a Q&A Roundtable free for all with all of the speakers ready to answer YOUR questions on any topic.
And, don't forget the very special three hour breakout session with Fatty where he will speak to a dozen cruisers about Offshore Sailing, Passagemaking and Storm Proofing - Sailing, Cruising and Heavy Air. Those taking in Fatty's three hour breakout will get a free video of the entire day so they can watch the afternoon seminars at their leisure.
Following the Q&A Roundtable, there will be dinner, with entertainment provided by fellow cruiser and entertainer Carl Dirkes. Carl toured when younger with some of the top bands of the day, so a good time is assured! You can learn more about him at Carl Dirk's website.
Lunch and dinner are included in your ticket price. This is a full day of education and fun with fellow cruisers. We'll be discussing the topics and destinations you'll need to know about to make the next part of your cruising adventure a success.
So as you can see, I've been keeping myself busy here. As if all of this wasn't enough, there's of course the preparations for the 2017 Sail to the Sun ICW Rally - hard to believe it's only two months away. The itinerary is finalized, and I'm now into doing the final prep. If you've been considering joining the Rally, there are two spots still open. After those are filled, we're done. You can find more information, or request a Rally brochure at www.ICWally.com
Whew! After reading this, I think I'm needing a nap!
Before I nod off, here's the link to the seminar and ticket information: Sail to the Sun Cruising Seminar
Don't delay - seating is limited and it's first come - first served, especially for Fatty's breakout session. Come out and join your fellow cruisers, learn from the experts and have a great time.
P.S. Fatty will have copies of his books available for sale.
