Exciting Times - the Snowbird Rally south from SAIL!

Wow - great news! As I've mentioned previously, SAIL Magazine is sponsoring a rally for new ICW

cruisers this fall which I'll be leading. The purpose of this rally is to provide a sense of safety and security for the new cruisers, introduce them to the ICW and the cruising life in a fun and friendly fashion. We've got a couple of great gigs planned - an all day seminar in Annapolis, plus parties and potlucks along the way and a wrap up party here in Miami where I am currently, at No Name Harbour in Baggs State Park.
Just today, I participated in a video conference call with one of the cities along the route. They are EXCITED that we're coming and they're rolling out the red carpet in a HUGE way.
We're talking parties, transportation, tours of the city, VIP dockage....all this and more in an historic town I consider to have the nicest waterfront on the ICW. We're talking Low Country hospitality here folks....more details as plans are firmed up, but if you, or friends, are thinking of going south this coming fall, check out the details at the above page, or join us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SailMagICWRally This is going to be a fun, and historic, trip south.
The recent post answering some ICW questions was VERY well received - thank you everyone. With that in mind, I'm going to answer a couple of more questions on the ICW that I've received - and again, feel free to use the contact form at the lower right corner to send me your questions. I'll get to them as quickly as I possibly can.

Question from Debbie...
We are currently docked in cape may at canyon marina under engine repair it should be fixed by this weekend . We want to continue on to Chesapeake bay through the CD canal then on to the ICW to warmer climates is this doable this time of year or are we kidding ourselves ? We are on a 35 ft C&C. We left Halifax N.S. to Maine and did the US coast until engine problems plagued us in NewJersey :(

Hi Debbie - I thought I'd left the Chesapeake late a few times but you win that one! People do this trip at any time of the year and you'll see people sailing on the Chesapeake all year long. I've done the bottom third of the Chesapeake as late as February myself. Just watch the weather for any northers, more for the cold than anything else. This year has been really brutal weatherwise - as I'm sure you know, it's worse than anything we've seen in years - so duck into cover when you have to, travel when you can. With any luck, you'll catch a break and be able to get down the Chesapeake without any weather issues. There are lots of good anchorages on the Chesapeake, you can manage it in three long days, four reasonable, or one long overnighter if you feel up to it. The good news is, once you're at Norfolk and on the ICW, the ocean mitigates the temperatures and it's likely to be 5 - 10 degrees F warmer.

Heading up the Delaware, catch the flood tide leaving Cape May about a half hour after slack low and ride it up to the C&D - try not to do this with a north wind - it'll be cold and likely rough. Been there, done it in mid December, don't recommend it.

Don't know what you have for heat onboard, I suggest you purchase a Mr. Buddy - see http://www.walmart.com/ip/Mr.-Heater-Portable-Buddy-Heater/5712813 - use it until you go to bed, it'll warm the cabin up nicely. Don't use it overnight however, since you don't want to risk CO poisoning.

Please email me with any other questions you have, or if you need any advice re anchorages, etc. as you go. Let's make this trip a bit easier on you than it has been so far!
oh - Chesapeake City, at the end of the C&D has a free dock with power, so if you can leave Cape May early enough with the tide, you'll have a nice dock to tie up to. Annapolis is an easy day after that.

Good luck, please keep in touch with your progress, you can friend me at wally moran on Facebook if you wish.

Question from Murray

We are currently outfitting our hunter 45ds for a cruise to the bahamas, caribean... My question is on the ground tackle that we would need. The dealer gave ua a delta anchor with 20 ft of chain. I am thinking on adding a cqr with 200 ft. Do i need j2 anchors both with 200 ft of chain? Wont that be heavy? What are your recomendations

Hi Murray - nice boat! What size CQR? I'd suggest a 45, and the 200 feet of chain sized to the boat is a good choice. You might want to consider another 100 - 150 feet of three strand in addition to that. While this is a lot of line for the Bahamas, there will be anchorages in the Caribbean where you'll need more rode. The chain of course means that coral can't cut through. Be sure you have a snubber also. 

Check with your West Marine catalogue for the appropriate chain and rope size for your boat's weight, or Calder's cruising guide.
I have 75 feet of chain plus 150 feet of rope on a 34 foot boat with a 35 pound CQR and I'm going to add another 75 feet of chain. You might consider keeping the Delta if it's appropriately sized and put it on 100 feet of chain with another 100 feet of three strand. 

If you decide to bring a third anchor, give a Danforth style some thought - there are some anchorages where it will be the only thing that will hold. Just don't trust them anyplace where the currents swing you around, they can foul too easily in those conditions.

Yes, this will all be fairly heavy, but when the winds kick up, you won't mind, believe me. I dragged the other night in a blow, and the only reason I did was because I had too little rode out. I reanchored with 135 feet in 10 feet of water and had no problems.

You'll rarely need the extra anchor - but should you lose your primary, having that chain on the secondary will be very useful. 

Lastly, I'm hearing very good things about the new anchors available - Rocna and so on. You might want to take a look at them before making any final decision. Keep in mind, when it comes to anchors, everyone has a favourite - you'll get lots of advice. Just remember - weight is the key. 

Amazing dolphin video...

AT SUNDAY, 8 PM EST, YOUTUBE WAS HAVING TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES - PLEASE BOOKMARK THIS PAGE AND RETURN TO IT IF YOU CAN'T SEE THE VIDEO. THIS IS WORTH THE EFFORT, I PROMISE YOU.

This may be the most amazing video about dolphins I have ever seen - be sure to share this one with friends - the more people understand how intelligent they are, how compatible with humans, the faster they will receive the protection they need.
Next post, back to talking about the ICW - promise! Here's the link to the last ICW discussion

...and now, some real talk about sailing!

19 foot boat in No Name Harbour before starting the Great Loop
If he can do the ICW, what do you have to worry about?

This fall, I'll be leading a group of new cruisers south from Hampton on the ICW, an event known as the Snowbird Rally, and sponsored by SAIL Magazine. To get the details, you can find them at this link, and we will shortly have Facebook and Google + accounts up which I'll provide links for.
And as you all know, the ICW is a topic I frequently speak about at various boating seminars. I also offer people the opportunity to ask questions via the contact form you see popping up in the lower right hand corner of this page....neat hey? I bet you wondered what that form did!
I'd like to answer some questions from one of our LiveBloggers, Carl. While his boat is somewhat different from what most boaters will have, the questions are good ones all the same. So with no further ado....

1.  What type of equipment would I need on my boat?  (I have a 25 foot O'Day.) 

You won't need any additional equipment other than is found on most boats. I would suggest a few things, such as a second anchor, a good dinghy (and motor), good PFDs, a bright anchor light, good fenders. Before starting out, get a good bottom paint done using a marine paint rather than one suited for fresh water, and new anodes. Change your oil. Replace the impeller. Essentially, if your boat is in good shape up north, you'll be fine down south. If you're doing the Erie Canal on your way south, a handheld VHF is a good idea. Actually, it's a good idea for anyone, especially if you've taken the admiral ashore while you swab the deck.
In terms of printed materials, a copy of the Waterway Guide (ICW), Kettlewell's ICW strip chart book, its companion guide, and either the Doyles' On the Water Chartguide, or Chuck Baier and Susan Landry's The Great Book of Anchorages. 

2.  Do we travel as a group or is every one on their own to reach a certain destination?

Boca Chita Harbour, Biscayne Bay

We'll be traveling as a group, but each captain is welcome to set their own pace. For those wanting to go ahead, I'll provide guidance and information about what they will be coming up to. I expect that the group will come together at pre-determined locations for scheduled events along the way. Most of the time, we'll travel as one group.

3.  How could I estimate the cost of additional expenses that I would incur?

Take your best guess and multiply it times 3.786!  Actually, that's hard to estimate Carl - the biggest expenses will be food and fuel. Food will not really be any different than you pay now, fuel will be individual to every boat. If you're Canadian, beer and liquor are a LOT cheaper in the US, as is dining out. 

4.  I realize there is a fee for the trip and would like to know what all is included?

We'll have a day long pre-rally seminar and prep material, guidance down the ICW, daily weather and routing reports for each boat, including the location of problem areas and known shoal areas based on the current state of tide as we come through.
There will also be a number of organized events along the way, including a closing bash in Miami, and speakers at various stops. We'll be organizing local events when feasible, such as tours and so on, in the more popular stops. Oh, and the Swag Bag every boat will get is going to be awesome!

5.  What is the situation for either docking or anchoring at night?  If docking, will there be enough spaces for every boat in the group?  What is the average cost for docking?

The overnight stops are being planned to provide, whenever possible, a choice of anchoring or docking. As this is the busiest time of the year, dockage is always a question - where we have planned on docking, we'll have reservations and these will be confirmed before arrival. There shouldn't be any issues about dockage. Any seriously bad weather along the way could change our plans but for obvious reasons, that's not something we can predict. We're cruisers, we'll deal with it!
Docking on the ICW runs from $1 - $2 per foot - we will be negotiating discounts where possible. FYI, my best information indicates that, unless there is a weather issue, most sailors prefer to anchor out - and spend the money saved on beer. And there are lots of good anchorages along the way.

6.  How readily available is shore power?

How long is your cord? All marinas offer shore power, usually in 30 and 50 amp. Since you probably don't have 120v on that boat, make sure you have a 15 amp to 30 converter plug. They're available at most marine retailers. Take a look at that link to get an idea.

Calm sunset on the ICW in S. Carolina

7.  My boat has a 10 horsepower outboard motor.  How can I calculate how much fuel I would need to keep on board.  What is average sailing time versus motoring time.

That's a good question for everyone actually. In your case, before you head out, take a full five gallon can, run your boat for an hour and then estimate your 8 hour usage. Carry enough fuel for two days. There are lots of marinas where you can refuel on the ICW, both diesel and gas.
There are many places you can sail on the ICW - providing the winds are right, you can probably sail 20% of the time, although I know I'll get an argument about that from others. I sail as much as I can, motorsail when possible. It saves fuel, and wear and tear on the engine. And it's so much more pleasant.
Keep in mind, much of the ICW is narrow channels that block the winds, making sailing is a challenge, but in places such as the Albermarle Sound, Neuse River, Bogue Sound, Indian River and so on, you can sail for several days at a time. Don't count on that, but it's a nice bonus when it happens.

8. Could I find suggestions for provisioning the boat, how and what types of food and supplies to take?

That really depends on your own tastes, and if you have refrigeration on board. I'll try to have a webinar on this topic in the near future. If you're a Canuck, don't forget to bring Tim Horton's coffee and Canadian beer (for the rally leader of course!).

9.  Are there places where additional items can be purchased?

Absolutely. We'll never be more than 20 - 30 miles from provisions. If you don't have refrigeration and are depending on an icebox, this means you can easily carry meat and fresh veggies, rather than canned stew! I ran without refrigeration for several years in fact, before installing it.

10.  Would we ever eat together as a group, do most people eat on board or at restaurants after docking?

We'll frequently eat together as a group, putlucks and so on, and I'm sure there will be lots of visiting back and forth between boats. Some people like to dine out, and there are lots of good places close to the ICW. It's entirely your choice. (Everyone please note: I don't care for lima beans or liver....just sayin').

11.  What type of heater would I need for my boat since the trip starts late in the year?

It's not typically this cold - I was very late heading south
This was taken in January in Carolina...

This year, some got caught by a foot of snow in North Carolina and that nasty polar vortex! If we have a repeat of this year's weather, I'm booking a seat on Southwest Air!
Ok, seriously...I have a permanently installed propane heater and a great dog and they have both come in handy on cold nights. Unless we're really fortunate, we'll get the odd cold night in Florida at that time of year. I recommend a Mr. Buddy propane heater - there is a single and double bottle version, but it's far more economical to get the hose and attach it to a 20# propane tank. See here for details.

12.  When we end up  in Miami, are there slips available for docking?  I will have to go back to PA to get my trailer.

Yes, a great many in fact. You'll have lots of choices here. On the other hand, you may choose to hang out down south where it's warm, go further south into the Keys, or cross to the Bahamas. I did Tampa Bay and the west coast of Florida in an O'Day 22 some years ago. GREAT trip. I recommend it in fact.

So there you have it folks.....if anyone else has questions regarding cruising, the ICW or sailing/boating in general, now you know what the window at the bottom right hand side of the page is for. Look forward to hearing from you, and answering your questions.

Lazing on a Sunday afternoon - er, Monday....

Sailing against the Miami skyline - spectacular views

 Life is good - spent the last few days at the Miami Boat show - met people I know from around the world, including some boat builders I first met in Durban SA. Looked at some great boats - but decided not to buy - and just who am I kidding here?
I plan to spend a few more days here, and then head further south into Biscayne Bay, visiting some favourite spots such as Boca Chita Key, Coconut Grove, Elliot Key and No Name Harbour. The original plan was to head over to the Bahamas, but a pending delivery is keeping me from leaving the US. The boat I'm to deliver is in Cuba, so it's going to be complicated, as anything to do with Cuba is. We'll figure it out, and it ought to be a fun trip.
Biscayne Bay is very attractive however, so I'm not going to suffer much - and as always, it'll be good to get out of this hyped up city. It may be attractive, but the people leave a lot to be desired, most of them anyhow.

One Loverly Bunch of Coconuts.....add rum....

To the left are a lovely bunch of coconuts. They were part of an 'experiment', two years ago....I cut them down myself in order to mix the coconut water in them with some Cuban rum I had aboard. My intention was to do a video on how 'real' cruisers drink rum...figured it would be great fun. And it was...I think.

...and see what you get?

I'm sure you're wondering what the results were... well, the photo of me here probably gives you a pretty decent idea of the outcome. This was after my third coconut and rum, drunk straight from the coconut.
I'm telling you, there's something real wicked in those coconuts. I mean, three rum drinks isn't a lot, are they? Er, I mean, shreee rom drinkiepoos, that's ok, right? Uh.....well, you get what I'm saying, I'm sure. I'd play the video but I seem to have misplaced it...imagine!
But I just happen to have a bottle of spiced rum aboard. Is that a coconut palm I see on the shore? Yes! Aduana! To the dinghy!!!

Miami Beach Report - and your Right to Anchor

Several of the 25 dinghies
anchored in Sunset Lake to block anchoring
in front of Karlton's house (shown)

Update on Miami Beach - The situation for transients in Miami Beach has gone downhill - badly. 

Miami Beach used to be a great place to hang out just as recently as two years ago. That's changed, significantly. A large part of this change is due to the changes in Florida state law, which were supposed to be helpful to boaters and which most cruisers thought would help our situation in the state. In south Florida, that may not be the case.
The anchorage at the police dock in South Beach is now full with local liveaboards and wet stored boats. There is perhaps room for one or two more boats, well out and close to the channel and significant wake action. Furthermore, due to complaints about crowding at the dock from locals and the neighbouring condos, the city is now enforcing a 20 minute limit at the dock - no mooring, just load/unload.
So given the cramped conditions in the anchorage and the lack of dinghy dockage, there's no point in anchoring there, other than perhaps overnight. It's certainly no place to visit the area from.
One can of course go around to Collins Canal to tie up. It is STRONGLY advised that you have a strong cable or chain and a very good lock, since theft has been common here.

The situation in Sunset Lake has not changed, other than for the worse, in the last two years. For those unfamiliar with the Sunset Lake situation, you can read about it here: Sunset Lake Controversy
Karlton now has nearly 25 little dinghies, effectively blocking close to a third of the anchorage. The local police advised me this morning that the neighbours are considering purchasing their own dinghies and entirely closing off the anchorage to cruising boats. They also advise me, contrary to information I have from the FWC stating the opposite, that the FWC has told them this mooring field is legal.
As well, the city has now put a No Trespass notice on the only public land on Sunset Lake, making it illegal to land there. This came as a result of pressure from the monied homeowners on Sunset Lake. The only other option is to dinghy around to the police dock and that's now a non-starter. So you can't go ashore in Miami Beach - at least, not easily.

The police are sympathetic and would like to see the tatty looking liveaboard fleet gone, as well as see Karlton's little fleet out of there. It seems the pilot program, which has made all of this legal, is NOT working in favour of transient boaters. I'll have more to say on that at a later date, largely because I have to rethink my opposition to the program, given its unintended results.

My opinion: Miami Beach is not worth the trouble. I will not be coming here again.

Now for my personal thoughts on the Sunset Lake situation - anyone who has followed the problem is aware that I've fought it as strongly as possible. I've written to the Miami Herald and seen the situation publicized in the paper, spoken at a City Council meeting on it, spoken with Karlton (the howeowner), discussed it at length with Major Daugherty of the FWC and also with the local police...most of this is public knowledge and can be read in various boating forums.

I've done my part about supporting anchoring rights, and this in a place where I spend perhaps a week total per year. I'm not even an American for pete's sake. Where is the usual US gumption about standing up to bullies, which is what Karlton is? There are seven or eight boats crowded up in this anchorage right now, crowded in an area that should comfortably support 20 boats. And I'm the only one stupid enough to kick up a fuss? No one asked me to take this on, I agree, but everyone would have benefitted from the results had I won the fight.
So I have two suggestions on how this could be handled, for anyone who wants to take up the fight.

First, and easiest - find a half dozen really trashed up boats and anchor them well in Sunset Lake. Fill them full of junk, and put a solar lawn light on them as Karlton has done with his boats. Mimic him as closely as possible.
Advise all of the homeowners on the lake by mail that since Karlton has shown it's legal to anchor on the lake, you have chosen to place these boats there - as is your right! They don't have to be big boats - some really junky looking rowboats scavenged from a local marina that wants them gone will do the trick. The local police seem to feel that a boat under 16 feet is ok without night lights, so that's your ticket. 

Then, tell the local homeowners that these boats will be removed if, and only if, Karlton removes his fleet and guarantees that it will not return.
In other words, stir and let simmer. Season to taste. Enjoy.

Second method - force Major Daugherty of the FWC, or whoever the current officer in charge is, to charge Karlton with the appropriate violations. If he won't do it from a properly worded request, go to court and get a writ of mandamus. A mandamus is basically a court order to an organization or individual to do their job - which isn't being done here.  I had thought of doing this, but as a Canadian, I might be deemed to not have legal standing on the issue.
Here's a quick rundown on what a writ of mandamus is -

A writ or order that is issued from a court of superior jurisdiction that commands an inferior tribunal, corporation, Municipal Corporation, or individual to perform, or refrain from performing, a particular act, the performance or omission of which is required by law as an obligation.

A writ or order of mandamus is an extraordinary court order because it is made without the benefit of full judicial process, or before a case has concluded. It may be issued by a court at any time that it is appropriate, but it is usually issued in a case that has already begun. (link to definition)

Lastly, if you care about your anchoring rights at all, start spreading the word on the various online forums you belong to. That's the least you can do. It's time that bullies such as Karlton found out that boaters can, and WILL, fight back.

FORCED! Forced I say, to go sailing...

It was terrible - I had planned to loaf all afternoon in the 80° temperatures when an email from my editor at SAIL Magazine alerted me to the fact that we needed a photo of Gypsy Wind under sail. This was for an article I had written on sewing your own mainsail from a Sailrite kit which will be published shortly.
'The art department is in an uproar, there's no lead photo for the article. We need a photo of your boat under sail..." according to the email.
Well, what's a guy to do when duty calls but...go sailing?
Now I had to unhook the electric, take off the dinghy, untie the lines, get my good friend Al and his wife Joyce to follow me out in their Island Packet to take pictures - well, you get the idea. A perfect afternoon I had planned to share with a bottle of spiced rum and a book, shot all to heck. Life just isn't fair sometimes.
So off we went. The winds were about 10 knots out of the south, and the Indian River was flat and calm. In the near distance, another dozen sailors were mucking about, no doubt also victims of heartless editors...
Surely you can see just how hard all this was - hauling on those lines, watching those wind shifts, paying attention to the depthsounder....watching all the stuff I hadn't secured below tumble to the sole while I heeled, then slide across the floor as I came about...
Anyhow, as you can see, life is tough on a sailboat in Florida in the winter....sure could use some crew, especially as I get closer and closer to the Bahamas and those beautiful white, sandy beaches and gorgeous turquoise water...of course, it being so cold in the north, even cold in Texas, just getting yourself dug out of all that snow to get to the airport could be a challenge. I understand, I really do!

Being serious again, since I'm this late in the season, I'm thinking of attending the Miami Boat Show  - if you're planning on being there yourself, let me know and we'll get together. If you aren't planning on being there - why not? It's a fun show.
And just so you'll know what you're missing, here's what a Miami sunset looks like...

Polar Vortex...Sorry About Your Luck...

Oh, the weather outside is frightening....I mean, there's snow - well, a snowflake or two in Georgia, but I have yet to hear reports of any crossing the Florida state line. This, of course, is why I travel south every winter. After nearly 50 years in central and Northern Ontario, I finally figured it out - spending five to six months of every year shovelling snow, looking at snow, cursing snow, praying for it to leave, I decided I had to get out. That's when I bought my boat...
Oh, I did make an attempt prior to that. One year, I decided in November I would ride my motorcycle to Florida from Ontario, leave it at a friend's place and fly down to it a few times over the winter, then return north with it in the spring. I was all set to leave on Saturday - and the previous Tuesday, it snowed. I can't begin to tell you how upset I was - I rolled the bike to the street, fired her up, put her in gear and promptly found myself underneath a 780 pound object.
I can't begin to tell you how upset I was that entire winter.
I'm aware that there are still some snowbirds heading south, not yet as far as Florida in this, the worst year for cold in the ten years I've been doing this. I'm hoping they're tied to a dock tonight, with a heater plugged in. And there are those who are living aboard in places like Port Credit, outside of Toronto, which is really cold, or in Annapolis, where the above photo was taken by my friend Mike - I swiped this pic from his Facebook page. You've got to really love boating to live aboard in these conditions.
A quick update on the Cruisers' Hangout - A Night with the Experts - since this amazing webinar featuring the top cruisers in the world - the Pardeys, Neals, Shards, Liza Copeland, Pamela Bendall, Tania Aebi...we've had nearly 900 views - that's on top of the 175 who attended the live event - on youtube. I'm working now on editing the production, and adding a ten minute interview with - well, that would be telling, but it's an exciting and interesting interview with one of cruising's big BIG names.
If you haven't seen this webinar yet and your goal is to go cruising, you can view it HERE. I'm working now on our next Cruisers' Hangout, but if there's a specific topic you'd like us to cover, let me know through the comments or via the Contact Form on this page.
Until then, stay warm. Or join me, here in Florida, cruising south on the ICW.

Amazing boat rescue video

A friend and colleague of mine, Charles Doane, who is an editor with SAIL Magazine, was recently airlifted from a badly damaged catamaran stranded 300 miles east of Virginia. Essentially, the boat was hit by a rogue wave just after passing through the Gulf Stream. Pushed backwards on its rudders, damaging both of them severely, the boat was only able to turn to starboard, even with full power on the starboard engine.
After taking time to see if they could effect repairs, and realizing it simply couldn't be done, they contacted the US Coast Guard to be taken off.
Below is the amazing video of this rescue - just stunning to watch these men in action. I got a chuckle out of the fact that they also rescued the beer cooler - just watch!
Following the video are some links to news articles about the rescue. Also, just posted now, is the link to Charles own blog and his post about what happened here - Charles Doane - an astounding tale.


Newspaper article link

p.s. don't forget to answer our vitally important question from yesterday's post...

And now, from the lighter side....

It's been a heck of a week - the successful Cruisers' Hangout Webinar, a busy busy boat show - I'm tired of being so serious.
So - without further ado - a question that has bedevilled mankind since - well, since Gilligan's Island went on the air.
As most of you know, Russel Johnson, who played the Professor, recently passed away. The news reminded me that I'd never fully resolved in my mind a burning question - Ginger, or Maryanne?
Men know automatically what I'm asking. Ginger, the sexy sultry movie star, or Maryanne, the quintessentially sexy girl next door.
So, guys - weigh in here. Which one is it? Ginger? Or Maryanne?
And for you ladies....a bit easier choice....the Professor? Sexy, good looking and smart. Or Gilligan? Goofy, good hearted and adorable.
Which is it? Let's hear from you folks...

Thank you everyone!

Paul and Sheryl Shard, Lin Pardey at the Toronto Boat Show

Thank you everyone who came to, helped promote, talked about, blogged about and built the buzz about 'Cruisers' Hangout - A Night with the Experts'. This google hangout for cruisers was superb, with lots of folks in attendance and lots and lots of questions.
That brings up the only problem we had, and that was my fault...many of you here on LiveBloggin' expected this webinar to be more about the ICW than it was intended to be, and a great many questions showed exactly that. Mea Culpa, I should have been more clear that this webinar was about cruising in general. There will be ICW centered webinars in the future though, so stay tuned.
It simply wasn't possible to respond to all the questions and I apologize for that, but here's the good news - ALL of the questions you sent in will be answered in very short order, in the edited version of 'Cruisers' Hangout'. That will be posted in about a week to two weeks on both YouTube and here on LiveBloggin' - it's a great deal of work to do it right as you can imagine. Plus - be watching for a super special 'extra' segment I hope to add to it - this will be a real treat to a great many of you.
A great number of people on social media gushed about how much they enjoyed this webinar, and there were many calls for another one. That being the case, remember that you read it here first - we're already planning the next 'Cruisers' Hangout'. If you have ideas on the topic or topics you'd like to see covered, let me know. More on this in a later post.
Lastly, I'd like to thank my guests - Lin and Larry Pardey, Sheryl and Paul Shard, John and Amanda Neal, Tania Aebi, Liza Copeland and Pamela Bendall. They had some fabulous stories to tell, some excellent advice and offered a real glimpse into what the cruising life is REALLY all about.

Were you paying attention?

It's been an exciting Sunday here at the Toronto Boat Show, and tomorrow will be an even bigger day, with tomorrow's Google Hangout webinar, Cruisers' Hanngout, A Night with the Experts, at 7:30 New York/Toronto time.
Those of you who have been paying attention will have noted that I've added a new page here - and that page is a live feed for Cruisers' Hangout - yes, that's right, so if you should have any difficulty in linking up to the Google Hangout, just come here to LiveBloggin' and click on the link just below the photo of Gypsy Wind - or click on  THE LINK and your browser will open up a page here with the live feed.
The only drawback to this is that you can't use the Q&A facility that Google has for questions - but you can text your questions to (410) 849-9694 and I'll put them in the queue for our experts to answer.
And if you haven't yet signed up - WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? The link to sign up is at https://plus.google.com/events/cj0mk5bit80f03it7bmbge7qphs
See you tomorrow!

So today I sat in on the Pardey's Storm Tactics Seminar...

..not only sat in on it, but LiveBlogged it on Facebook while learning about heaving to, reefing, storm parachutes and more great stuff.
Tomorrow, you'll have the opportunity to listen to the Pardeys', the Shards, Tania Aebi, Liza Copeland, Pamela Bendall and myself discuss cruising. Best of all, you'll be able to get YOUR cruising questions answered by these pros!
Questions such as one someone asked of me while I was blogging on Facebook - do these heaving to techniques work on a catamaran? Best answer: Join us tomorrow night on 'Cruisers' Hangout - a Night with the Experts', and find out for yourself...
(for the record, that question wasn't asked of the Pardeys today....so tomorrow night, I hope someone thinks to ask it)
Sign up for this amazing Google Hangout at this link here...

So I spent an hour sipping rum with Lin and Larry...

I know, I know, that sounds like bragging, but the Pardeys are really down to earth folks - it could as easily been you there instead of me and it would have made no difference to them. They're really cool folks.

Naturally, we spent some time discussing Monday's upcoming 'Cruisers' Hangout - A Night with the Experts'.
I have to tell you, based on what I heard, this is going to be an absolutely amazing Hangout.
Lin and Larry are going to talk about their core philosophy and what changes have occurred over the years - and IS IT STILL POSSIBLE to “Go small, go simple, go now".

Following that, I spend some time with Pamela Bendall, another of our participants and she's got an interesting history for you as well.
In other words, DON'T MISS THIS AMAZING EVENT! Click here on this link... 

Are you ready for this?

Monday, January 13 at 7:30 eastern (NY/Toronto), what will be one of the world’s premiere webinars on cruising will be held LIVE on YOUR computer screen. That’s right - this group of the world’s most knowledgeable sailors will be talking directly to YOU, ready to answer YOUR questions.

So - are YOU ready for this? Here's a quick checklist for you - 

Have you cleaned off your computer screen for the best viewing? 

Found the most comfortable chair in your house? 

Purchased, chilled and have ready to sip, your favourite sundowner beverage? 

And, most importantly, even though it’s winter for most of us, have you slipped into a t-shirt, shorts and flip flops? 

Because that’s how real this Cruisers’ Hangout is going to be. You’re going to be in the cockpit with Lin and Larry Pardy, Paul and Sheryl Shard, Tania Aebi, Liza Copeland, Pamela Bendall and host Wally Moran, Contributing Editor from SAIL Magazine.

Sign up now, at this link here: Cruisers Hangout. See you Monday evening.

YOW! The Buzz is Building...

I just took a look at the visitors's stats for the past 24 hours...over 1200 hits in the last 24 hours. Of course, to get those numbers, I needed a little help from my friends - the Pardeys, Shards, Tania Aebi, Liza Copeland, Pamela Bendall!
Seriously, Monday's upcoming webinar is going to be an AMAZING event - do you know that, outside of the poles, there is no place on earth this group hasn't sailed to? This group has achieved FOUR circumnavigations, one of them singlehanded, countless crossings of the Atlantic and Pacific, drank thousands of gallons of rum at sundowners....er, skip that last one would you?
These are the cruisers who wrote the book - let me make that books - on cruising (nod to the Pardeys). And if they didn't write the books, they did the video (nod to the Shards here). There are over a dozen books on cruising from this group - countless videos and how tos, innumerable seminars and presentations...and Lord only knows how many cockpit sessions with friends!
Frankly, if you want to learn about cruising, THIS is the webinar to watch.
Monday night, January 13 at 7:30 eastern (NY/Toronto) - go to the Google Hangout Page to sign up for Cruisers Hangout - A Night with the Experts

TEASING IS DONE - HERE'S THE BIG NEWS

Come Cruising With Us...
By now, most of you have figured it out - we're doing another amazing Google Hangout, this time featuring the speakers from the Toronto Boat Show. These speakers are all acknowledged cruising experts and, between them, have sailed virtually every corner of our world. You recognize the names, now get up close and personal with them in this online webinar - bring your questions, because at least 45 minutes of this 90 minute program will be dedicated to answering YOUR questions about YOUR cruising.

Here's the official announcement:

Join SAIL Magazine Contributing Editor Wally Moran plus special guests Lin and Larry Pardy, Sheryl Shard (Distant Shores), Liza Copeland, Pamela Bendall and Tania Aebi for 90 minutes of cruising wisdom from the pros. 
Whether you're a new or experienced cruiser, or a wannabe, discover what cruising is truly all about from the people who are out there and doing it. Best of all, get your OWN questions answered live and on air during this truly amazing webinar. We look forward to having you join us Monday, November MAKE THAT JANUARY 13, at 7:30 pm eastern (New York) time.

You can join this Google Hangout by clicking on this link - Cruisers' Hangout - A Night with the Experts

Update #2 - The Big HINT!

Ok - the most amazing cruising webinar ever is looking to happen on Monday, January 13 at 7:30 pm eastern US time. And just who will be our guests at this amazing event?

Well - some hints....

What female sailed around the world with just a cat as company?
For our next guest, you need to look to distant shores...
Another has written two books and her boat on the west coast will 'steel' your heart...
Another speaker sails with the world's most amazing pup....(this one's a gimme!)
And our last two guests will only do it as long as it's fun...

Now, how's that? Can you figure this one out? Once you do, you'll realize just why this is going to be such an amazing seminar. And, you'll be able to ask the panel the questions YOU need the answers to. Don't miss this amazing webinar!

If you can come up with the names of our speakers for this Google Hangout, I'll provide you with a free download of 'Sailing South, First Timer's Guide to the ICW'. Use the comments form on this page, let's see who the clever ones here are!

Update Numero Uno - the BIG TEASE!

Ok - the first detail you LiveBloggers need to know is the date and time - at this point, the most amazing online cruising webinar (I am not kidding you about this) that you may ever see will be held either Monday, January 13 or Tuesday January 14, at 7:30 until 9 pm, eastern time.
The second detail you need to know is that you can join up and join in with your questions and comments on this Google Hangout by simply signing up - and get your cruising questions answered by....
...And that is the Big Tease - just who are the speakers at this amazing cruising webinar?
Stay tuned folks....this is going to be SO worth it.
The countdown begins...

Update - New Google Hangout on Cruising...

Ahoy LiveBloggers - stay tuned, I'm working right now on what could be the definitive - and I mean that, THE definitive - webinar on cruising ever held.
More details later this week, but so far, the initial planning is looking solid!
I wish I could say more, but it's all yet very tentative at this point. Trust me though when I tell you that if you have any plans to cruise at some point in your life, you will NOT want to miss this webinar.
It's going to be that good.

Did Santa Forget Something?

Boca Chita Key, in Biscayne Bay

Hello all, and belated Season's Greetings from Aduana and I. I hope everyone had a fabulous Christmas season (or holiday season for the terminally PC) and that Santa was good to you. But....just in case he wasn't - I found (courtesy of LiveBlogger Daren Magness) some really great boat deals online.
Unfortunately, the 63 foot Oyster with a crew of former Hooter girls was not either in my dry bag (hung up by the propane heater with care), nor on the list of boat deals here, but LET'S ALL REMEMBER - my birthday is next month, and it's a big one ending in a '0'. I continue to hope...
Oh, in other news - Canadian LiveBloggers who are not frozen solid should be at the Toronto Boat Show, where I'll be showing off my suntanned bod - and doing seminars on the ICW and on Cuba. So, there's something for everyone, boaters, droolers and imps! Hope to see you there, I'll be watching for you!
This year's seminar line up at the Toronto Boat Show is absolutely amazing - I am just stunned at the caliber of the speakers.
First off, Lynn and Larry Pardey are speaking in their first time ever Canadian show. In addition to being interesting speakers, they are also really great, down to earth folks and you'll immensely enjoy meeting them. By the way, did you know that Larry is a Canuck? Yes!
Another speaker, Herb McCormack, hails from the publishing industry as do I - you'll have seen his writing in Cruising World, as well as other publications. We last met in Georgetown Bahamas, so there will surely be a few brews hosted sometime soon.
Paul and Sheryl Shard are of course at the show. Eternally popular with their Distant Shores tv series, they make cruising look easy! Hey, what am I saying, it IS easy! Sort of....btw, if you haven't picked up any of their videos, you're missing a true cruising treat.
John and Amanda Neal are once again at the show - I missed their seminar the last time around, but NOT this time. I've heard nothing but great things about them, and this seminar. This seminar is NOT to be missed if you plan on any serious cruising.
There are two speakers discussing how to buy your first boat - you should check this out, since a mistake here can be both expensive and VERY frustrating - like having to replace both main and genoa the first season because you didn't know what you were doing when you bought your first boat...'nuff said.
Liza Copeland, ever popular, returns with an interesting group of seminars....I first heard her speak at Strictly Sail, St. Petersburg Florida, in the late 90s, and I still find her excellent advice from that seminar applicable to my sailing today.
Tania Aebi, another world famous sailor, is also speaking. She was one of the first female solo around the world sailors - at age 18 in a 26 foot boat. I've not yet met Tania, but always looked forward to it.
Another female solo sailor, Pamela Bendall, will be speaking. Her book, What Was I Thinking, pretty much sums it up - at least for those of us who've gone cruising!
And, last but surely not least, there's myself, speaking on cruising the ICW, and also on Cuba. Here's the total Speakers List - check it out and mark your daytimer for the seminars you want to see.
And this is just a partial lineup of the show speakers - I'm really looking forward to this.
Lastly, here's the links to some really good boat deals I mentioned above- check out the Seidelmann and the Watkins - if you're looking to do some cruising, both of these boats will get you nicely on the water for well under $10k - Inexpensive boats