an Ode to Marine Manufacturers, or Fixing Stuff in Exotic Places, Redux

We all know the line, we even use it as a badge of honour amongst ourselves in recognition of our reality: We are not 'cruising', we are 'fixing stuff in exotic places'. Except that if you're like me, not technically competent, it's having stuff break - or breaking stuff in exotic places - and then traveling to still more exotic places till you find someone who can fix it.
That's not really what this lifestyle is supposed to be about....
A good friend who replaced his alternator with a pricey Balmar system was good enough to give me the two 80 amp Hitachis he was originally going to use for the upgrade when he was unable to sell them. One, he told me, needed new diodes, the other was fine. Better than fine, it was new, unused, in the box even!
So while sitting in Bimini waiting for a weather window, I decide to swap out my working just fine, 35 amp alternator for the larger one. What was I thinking? Cue in the violins now please....
First of all, I installed the 'new but not working one', thinking it was the good one. It didn't work. So, I installed the other one. It didn't work either, so I figured it was actually the broken one since it was in the older box.
That's logical, isn't it? I mean, they're both new, so go with the condition of the box it came in. I re-installed the first (non working) one, figuring I had missed something in the install.
There was a reason I nearly failed shop class in grade school, as you can imagine...
I read online that the unit needed to have the exciter wire installed correctly....that wasn't required on my old unit. So I spent hours searching out the information on the internet.
Now I'm not a totally inept doofus...ok, I am, but I've installed a windlass on this boat, as well as an engine, a new furler, I've built a sail from a kit...but if you've ever tried to install an alternator in anything but the four wheeled vehicle it was intended for, you're in uncharted waters, let me tell you. For starters, the manufacturers do NOT put proper labelling on the units. If you're not a trained 'alternator guru', you have to guess at which stud is the ground attachment for example. Or which terminal is the 'L' terminal and where does it attach to?
And since no two boats are the same, you then have to figure out the connections that are appropriate to your boat. All this while hoping that that red and white wire at the instrument panel in the cockpit is the red and white wire you see in the wiring harness in the engine room. And no, it wasn't, it was the yellow and green wire....that took some time to figure out too. (Aside - WHY WHY WHY do the manufacturers of multimeters use such stupidly short cords?)
Now all of this would be considerably easier if the manufacturers were to put some labeling on the units, or include a nice photo or two (the photo above is from a cruising website, NOT a manufacturer), and instructions - you know, like people who manufacture windlasses, or mainsail kits, or furlers - do. Marine manufacturers in other words.
Yes, I'm about to commit what to many of us is a horrific sin - I'm going to praise, with faint praise, the natural enemy of most boaters, the marine manufacturer. Hold tight....I know this is scary stuff.
These guys don't assume we're some kind of technical genius - they figure we're as dumb as dirt and they are right. They know us well! After all, we own boats, how bright can we be?
They very kindly don't say that, or even give a hint that they know how dumb we must be, they just put together directions that a complete doofus, such as myself, can follow to get the job done. That's smart on their part. (Special thanks here to Matt and Jeff at Sailrite, and also Scott and Scott at Selden, you guys rock!)
Seriously - a windlass installation (see Installing a new windlass, SAIL Magazine) is a complex job, involving some serious wiring to several components, numerous connections and a fair bit of ingenuity to complete. Compared to installing an alternator - two, perhaps three wires and three bolts - it's like flying a 767 compared to flying a kite.
Yet I had a far simpler time installing the windlass, with a great deal less trouble - all because the instructions were complete, detailed and well thought out. Thanks to the guys at Quick for their fine directions and superb customer service...
The sum total of instructions for the alternator? There were None. At. All. And the diagram of the unit was wrong in any event. And the right info about the exciter wire? Ahhh.....don't ask, heck, it wasn't even labeled on the unit. Honestly, I now understand why car repairs are so fraught with problems.

My opening query - the thread ran to over 120 posts

So I turned to the internet, particularly my friends on the Sailing and Cruising group on Facebook. This, it turns out, was the right move, as there is a considerable amount of expertise in the group and a huge willingness to help. Although it took a while to ferret out the problems, the suggestions, diagrams and questions about what was happening with this job kept me moving in the right direction until finally, I established that the alternator I was attempting to install was, indeed, the faulty one.
About this time almost to the minute, my benefactor came online and told me which one was bad.....wouldn't you know it?
Out came the other unit again and, since all the other potential problems - ground wire, exciter wire, connection to the instrument panel, etc. - had been corrected while 'fixing' the faulty one, it was just a matter of three bolts, three wires and start 'er up.
The exciter wire, now properly connected, fired off the idiot light and warning buzzer, then stopped as the power came up. The voltmeter immediately shot to 13.4 from 12.3, telling me that all was good in Electronville. So good in fact, I popped a couple of warm brews into the fridge to turn them into ice cold ambrosia as a reward for all my hard work.
So the next time you are struggling with an impossible install or repair - remember, it could be worse. Or cost more. Or, more likely, both! Don't struggle on your own - join an online community of sailors and share the misery with them. It may not make the job go faster, but it'll be much more fun!

At anchor in Bimini....

Local hunting conch in Bimini...

At anchor here in Bimini, after an uneventful crossing. The arrival, now that had some drama!
About seven miles out, I decided to put in the North Bahamas chart chip so that, you know, I would be able to see the channel clearly and enter without any problems.
Now where did I put that silly little chip? It's always in the nav table. Always - well, except for now, when I need it. Seems that when I sold the old chartplotter, I left that chip in it. Darn. Someone got a deal there.
Fortunately, I've got my paper charts...
In any event, the entry to Bimini is very easy and well marked, especially now that the casino is here - can't be having the guests roll the dice before getting to the tables, can we?
How many of you remember the range markers - a couple of stakes - we used to use to get into Bimini - line them up, turn left about 20 yards off the beach, and follow the pretty blue colour into the harbour. I honestly wonder how many of the boaters I see here now could actually manage that?
Fast forward to about 500 yards from the channel markers....and the sound of the exhaust changes. What's this? No water from the exhaust? Not good, especially this close to shore. Turn the boat around and head back out towards sea...
Duck below to check out the engine and whew! - it's just a hose clamp at the top of the engine that's broken, the hose coming loose. Easy fix. Stick it back on, and run the engine slowly to keep the pressure down so it's not blown off again. Being so close in, I didn't want to take the time, unless forced, to find and install a new hose clamp if this would work.
And why didn't I just raise the sails? Love the concept, but there was no wind at all to use the 'emergency white things'...
That changed real quickly the next day though. The winds went into the east, the direction I'm heading in, and are anywhere from 10 - 20 knots...which makes for a miserable ride across the Bahama Banks in a slow sailboat. The waves are small, perhaps two feet, but short. Think Albermarle Sound here. Worse still, they will be staying out of the east until sometime next week and I won't be able to leave here.
Gee...that's tough.
So...what's changed in Bimini? The north end of the island has been developed with a resort and casino - lots of pretty pink houses, to quote Mellencamp, and they are doing the best they can to 'pave paradise' here, to quote Joni Mitchell. Don't you just love progress?
However, the rest of Bimini is doing fine. Sherry is still serving her great conch fritters on the beach, and her Goombay Smash is still pretty darn potent. Captain Pat at Seacrest is still as congenial as ever. Captain Bob's has new owners, and the menu prices are badly out of date, with a $10 meal ending up at $17. Eleanor is still Eleanor, hard at work in her shop.
My Three Daughters still has the best conch fritters in Bailey Town, and really fabulous conch burgers - at $5 for the fritters, and $6 for the burger. No kidding - someone should tell them progress is happening and they need to jack up their prices and drop their quality to keep up - ok, sarcasm meter just pinged the limit there. Oh, did I mention they have homemade ice cream for $5 a bowl? Yummmm.
I come to the islands to experience a different lifestyle than what I find on the mainland. Why people call it progress to transplant what you can already experience there is beyond me.
At this resort, they actually ship in crates of shells to build walkways and gardens, bring in palm trees - I'm serious - and build sand beaches on the harbour side when there is a beautiful sand beach just 200 yards away on the Atlantic side.
Except, no one goes to that beautiful beach, and it's empty even at sundown. These people are all hanging out at the infinity pool, telling one another how great it is in the Bahamas.
Fact is, they could be at any resort in any tropical area and it would be exactly the same. These people will tell their friends they have been to the Bahamas and I suppose that's true, but it's not accurate.
They may be traveling, but they aren't exploring, aren't discovering the real world, and they wouldn't understand what we do as cruisers, because they wouldn't be willing to put in the effort it takes to cruise.
They miss so much, and they haven't the slightest idea that they do. They may be living the good life, but it sure isn't the best life.
In any event, I'm happy to report that the sun still shines, the beach is still free and the water is warm. Life is very good. Now if only I could get 24 hours of anything but an easterly wind and get moving on to Chub Cay and then the Exumas.
Gotta run folks - there's a sunset awaiting on the Atlantic side that needs my rapt attention.
(Remember, you can find my location by following the 'Where's Wally Now' link here on LiveBloggin', at "Where's Wally?")

Cuba Bound!

A quick post, as I'm getting the boat ready for travel...

At last - the stars have aligned and it's off to Bimini after far, far too long in Miami. From Bimini, it's then over to Chub Key - or possibly Andros and then over to the Exumas. I'll be avoiding Nassau like the plague - far too many murders there recently, including several on boats (see story here). Besides, why go to an island paradise and spend time in a city? I want beaches, sun, sand and rum!
From there, it will be on to the Exumas. This trip, I want to visit the northern Exumas, I've missed them in past years. Some lazy cruising down the islands follows, with a stop at Staniel and other popular spots to revisit some past haunts. Maybe drink some rum, chase lobsters and find the best conch fritters in the world. That sounds about right...
Of course, Georgetown comes next - it'll be quiet at this time of year with most of the winter transients having returned north, or moved on further south into the Caribbean.
Lots of room at the Chat and Chill for a cold brew in other words, and less crowding at the market when de mail boat comes in!  Maybe take in a rake and scrape....Ya mon, we be limin' dere, goin' wit' island time.
Talking about the market, sad news that the Georgetown straw market burned down - I'm sure the folks who traded there will rebuild and I'll certainly let everyone know what I find out in a forthcoming post.
Following Georgetown, it's Salt Pond on Long Island. The resort there, Long Island Breezes, has apparently closed, which is unfortunate - it was a great spot to hang out. I'll reprovision from the anchorage in Long Island, since there are two stores and prices are considerably less than in G-town.
Next, it's on to the Jumentos, which with the advent of the Explorer Charts for that area are much easier to transit. The bottom end of that chain brings us to Ragged Island, and this trip, I'll probably take a day or two to explore there. My last trip, the weather was just right for crossing to Cuba, so I was gone the next morning barely 12 hours after I'd arrived. Ragged Island has the bar with the airplane on (or is it 'in') the roof. Met the owner my last trip, so it'll be fun to reconnect.
Sixty-five miles from Ragged Island and up comes Puerto de Vita, Cuba's easternmost port of entry. The folks at Puerto de Vita are very friendly and make the process quite simple, for which I'm quite grateful.
I'll be using wifi as it's available to keep everyone in touch, and also, you'll be able to follow my trip using the 'Where's Wally' feature on the Delorme InReach unit I carry.
To find my location, and where I've been, click on the 'Where's Wally' tab you see at the top of this page, just below the photo of my boat. Currently, as you can see, it's set to my last location at the end of the ICW Snowbird Rally, but that will be changing as of Saturday at about 0100 hours.
You can also keep up with my posts on Facebook, at Sailing and Cruising, and also Sailing and Cruising: Cuba, even while I'm in Cuba.
Using the Delorme InReach unit, I'll be able to post regular updates via satellite, so you'll be able to follow what's happening. Unfortunately, photos won't be possible unless I find internet, which is difficult in Cuba outside of a resort or major hotel. Even then, given the poor bandwidth, photos might not be possible.
It will be possible for you to email me via the Delorme, and I do hope to hear from you while I'm underway. I'll try to answer questions, but at 160 characters per message, it's gonna be a challenge to give a lot of detail.
For those wanting more information about cruising to and in Cuba, my FB page is the most up to date site for information about cruising in Cuba on the net. I actually have people who live aboard in Cuba posting to it, as well as people who are cruising there now, or who have very recently returned from cruising in Cuba. It doesn't get more up to date than that, so accept no substitutes!
I make a serious effort to keep the information current, and to give you the facts, not the rumours and incorrect scuttlebutt you'll find everywhere else. Check it out, if you're planning - or just dreaming - of cruising to Cuba, then you'll appreciate Sailing and Cruising: Cuba

(ps - posted while at anchor in Bimini, Bahamas, after an uneventful crossing :>)

WE'VE WON!!!

Just in from Scott Berg of the SSCA - the Florida Legislature has adjourned three days early. This ends the current round of fighting to preserve anchoring rights in the state of Florida. In other words, we won. Our rights to anchor in that state have been preserved...for now.
Best of all, I won't have to write (and you won't have to read!) again about this issue for another six months.
Special congratulations to everyone! I hesitate to mention names because I'll be sure to miss some, and there are some who deserve mention who don't want me to mention them, or whose place was on the quiet side of this fight and who can't be mentioned.
So I'll cheat here, and quote from the SSCA's press release - Judy Mkam, Kim Russo, Jim Neff, Mike Bodin, Phil Werndli, Jackie Werndli, G.W. “Casey” Jones, Bob Burns, Sue Ross, Kingsley Ross, Sally Marcinek, Becky DeVillier, Eric Eisle, Brian Davidson, Brian Schaefer, Glenn and Eddie Tuttle, Scott Berg, Ken Chumley, Jay Campbell, Dave Skolnick, Wally Moran, Mike Ahart....and there are more, many more. 
Also, to those leading this fight - Scott Berg, Phil Johnson of the SSCA and Capitol Access and lobbyists Jerry Paul, Robert Shave, and Jamie Miller.
My personal congratulations to everyone I worked with, everyone I spoke to, everyone who shared a post on this, signed the petition, encouraged the leaders or troops, donated money, designed a poster, found emails, or even simply offered to help - every sailor, cruiser and boater everywhere who took even the smallest part in this battle. This was your fight, and YOU all came through in the end.
This is YOUR victory.
YES, I'm babbling...you expect me to be coherent with this news, after this fight? 
After I'm done babbling, I (and probably everyone else in this fight) am going to crack open a fresh new bottle of rum to celebrate.
One of the biggest highlights of this fight was how the entire boating community came together to fight as one against the people who would remove our rights. I personally noticed several new leaders who raised their heads above the gunwhale  - and that is great news. 
I think everyone is much more aware of how strong we really are, what we can accomplish when we put our hearts to it.
That's important because the battle may be won, but this war is not over. Now, we need to consolidate, and to start working towards changes in Florida laws and regulations that will resolve the problems that have led to this ongoing fight. So even though this current battle is over (thank God for that!), there's lots left to do. But now, we have a united boating community to work with, and that will be so important going forward.
In the meantime, however, there are boats to sail, anchorages to find, and sunsets to enjoy. I'm out of here. Next blog will be from Bimini!

Moving on to Cuba!

It's time to head out, if for no other reason than to play with my new Furlex roller furler. I've been here in south Florida for far, far longer than planned. So the first weather window next week, I'm outta here! Vaminos!!!
As you can see on the chart here, it's off to Bimini, and then on to Eleuthera, down to the Exumas, through to the Jumentos, and then off to Cuba.
From Puerto de Vita, it's east and around to the south coast of Cuba. During this voyage, I'll be visiting Cienfuegos, Trinidad and the other beautiful and historic cities on Cuba's south coast.
I'm also looking forward to exploring Jardines de la Reina - Gardens of the Queen. This area is a beautiful, and remote, region of cays on Cuba's south coast renowned for fabulous diving and some spectacular beaches. It's reputed that you can go for weeks here and never see the Guarda Frontera.
The dockmaster at Hemingway also told me that you can look over the side and watch the lobsters marching along under your boat - and I do love lobster!

area of Jardine de la Reina

one of the many small cays in the Jardine...

From there, it's westward bound to Cayo Largo, and some beach time, then around to the north coast and back to Hemingway to revisit Havana. Then, 115 miles back across the Florida Straits to the Keys.
While I'm away, I'll be using the DeLorme InReach unit to communicate when I don't have easy access to the internet. That will be most of the time - Cuba's communications infrastructure leaves a lot to be desired.
Among its other talents, this unit provides 160 character text messages, plus the ability to create a 'bread crumb' trail of your track. I used it last fall coming south on the ICW Snowbird Rally, and over 8000 people checked it out in a seven week span, so it was pretty popular. My ex-wife's divorce lawyer REALLY thought it was great...(kidding, just kidding!).
You can follow me here, over on this page: Where's Wally? Bookmark it now, and it will be live starting on Monday, April 27. The Where's Wally feature will also appear regularly on my Facebook page, Sailing and Cruising, along with regular updates of the trip.
Hasta la vista, amigos!

Strange Bedfellows in the Florida Anchoring Battle

The fight goes on, and we are are struggling to hold our ground against sneak attacks and behind the scenes amendments in Florida. In the meantime, while others are fighting the good fight at the pointy end, I’m in the bilge skulking about as usual. I came across some interesting sludge down there...

The big three on the Florida Anchoring Wars have historically been Boat US, the Seven Seas Cruising Association and the National Marine Manufacturers’ Association.

Lately, a lot of people have been questioning why the NMMA has not taken a more public stand against SB 1548. I mean, really? Not be against a move that will harm boating in one of the Union’s most ‘boaty’ states?  A bill that will harm sales and employment in their membership?

So I sent NMMA director Thomas Dammrich a letter that asked that question. I also asked that if I were incorrect in this, that he please correct me. 

He advised me: “Your information is incorrect. NMMA has been engaged on this issue for years and continues to be engaged today”. Note the use of the word “engaged”, which is typically doublespeak and means whatever the person using it wants it to mean. He also said that their state legislative director, David Dickerson, would contact me. 

Mr. Dickerson called, we talked, and I asked: “Could the NMMA state that they are unequivocally opposed to residential anchoring setoffs?” There ensued a very long silence.

He ultimately had this to say: “The NMMA does not believe that homeowners have the right to an unfettered view of the horizon. We recognize that in limited circumstances there are problems with boats anchoring too close, for extended periods of time. We're working with the legislature to find a way to protect boaters' rights and also recognize, also address, the issue of boaters anchoring unreasonably close for extended periods of time”. 

So there. It’s definite, they don’t like setoffs. 

But wait - what are “limited circumstances”? What does he mean by “too close”, or “extended periods of time”? What is “unreasonably close”?
That’s a lot of gray area for the NMMA to play about in and I’m a guy who likes things black and white. I asked Dammrich about these specifics in another note. Dickerson got back to me and basically said - we feel that these are issues for negotiation with the legislature and not a subject for public discussion.

 So I am left having to speculate because of that. It is NEVER a good thing to let me speculate as I have a vivid imagination... so fasten your seatbelt, take your motion sickness pills, this could be a wild ride.

NMMA has a nice young man, David Chiles, who lobbies for them. Met him in Vero Beach last September. One might think that, during this crisis, he’d be going from office to office in Tallahassee, speaking with senators, discussing the pros and cons of SB 1548. Ok - the cons, since by and large, this is not a good bill for boaters.

One might think that....but Chiles, so word has it around the capitol, has been told to sit down and stay quiet. Now why would that be? This is important business - so said NMMA Director Thomas Dammrich in 2011 in a letter to me, stating:

“I expect that NMMA will be very active in 2014 when the report is reviewed by the legislature to be sure that any bill under consideration supports the boating lifestyle and the right of boaters to use the state’s waters liberally and under consistent laws.”

But some things have changed since then, including, so it seems, the NMMA’s staunch support of boaters’ rights. Let me tell you an interesting little story I heard...

Seems some young Miss who works as a lobbyist for boating interests wants to see the city of Fort Lauderdale drop its ordinance that disallows people from remaining on their boats for more than six months. That’s horribly inconvenient to the megayacht crews - and to the owners, who have to provide supplementary (and expensive) housing for them.

Let’s face it, we cannot, in Fort Lauderdale, ever inconvenience the rich. Right, Mayor Seiler? But I digress...

So this young Miss, she suggests - or it is suggested to her, I’m not sure on this point - that if the NMMA is quiet about SB 1548, which Fort Lauderdale loves to the point of having hired an expensive lobbyist to promote it, the City just might, you know, wink wink, nudge, hey doncha know - change its ordinance to suit the megayacht people. 

Isn’t politics wonderful?

So is there the least bit of evidence for any of this? Well, yes there seems to be...

During the committee hearing when SSCA and Boat US openly opposed the dwelling unit set back provision, the NMMA supported the bill and did not oppose the amendment. There has not been one single statement from the NMMA opposing the dwelling unit setback provision, and no effort by the NMMA to push for amendments that would delete the dwelling unit setback for view. That’s pretty telling, isn’t it?

During the hearings process, people addressing the bill fill out an attendance card in which they state that they a) support; b) do not support; or c) are there for information only. In other words, they don’t have any real feelings on the proposed legislation.

Well, young Chile’s card reads ‘C’ - there for the information. Really?
So I thought, maybe Chile’s has a case of ‘management induced laryngitis’, which, if ignored can lead to unemployment, so let’s see what the NMMA website say about this issue.

Dang! I must have a faulty internet connection. There’s not a single mention that I could find on the NMMA site regarding SB 1548.

WHAT? The NMMA isn’t damning this legislation because of how it affects boaters? Not to mention the people who sell to boaters, who pay dues to the NMMA, who pay the salaries of the NMMA executives?

I must be wrong. So I thought, let’s talk to Phil Purcell of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF) about this. 

Well, Phil sounds like a nice fellow, he really does, very considerate man. He even said that local municipalities need to be able to weigh in on this subject, that “one size doesn’t fit all”, (or so it sounded, which is why I put that in quotes), but my phone connection was a bit iffy. He really wasn’t advocating a return to local ordinances again, was he? Nahhh, couldn’t be.

He did say lots of nice things about not wanting to harm the boating lifestyle though, and that everyone should play nice, which I thought was very lovely of him.

Except - the MIASF hasn’t taken a public position on this issue, which I find amazing for an organization that represents companies doing “$11.5 billion dollars south of Palm Beach,  with 136,000 employees”. That’s a quote from Phil, by the way. See, he knows his stuff, doesn’t he?

But - maybe what he has to say on this issue might not be welcome news to the boaters who buy the products and services of his members? That would make it bad news for the owners of the companies he represents, wouldn’t it? 

A shame my phone went out just before I was going to ask him that. He did say that he wanted more information on this topic - so perhaps we, as boaters, can provide him with more information on this issue. 

His email is info@miasf.org, and you should tell him that SB 1548 affects you directly, that you won’t be cruising in Florida because of it, and that you will not be spending money with his members for that reason.

That should focus his attention on this issue properly. We might even hear from him on this issue, publicly, which would be nice for such a prominent organization located right in Fort Lauderdale, where megayachts and bedrooms are so closely linked, and everyone understands what is needed - wink wink, nudge, doncha know? doncha know?

There's actually more - a major power yacht builder who supports the legislation, for one. Also a Fort Lauderdale marina. What about a legislature that has no data - I’m serious, a senator asked this question just last week -  on how this bill will affect businesses, or even how many anchorages will be affected. 

No one in the government has any idea how much damage this bill will do to Florida businesses and communities - because they haven’t bothered to research this issue at all. 

This bill is being driven by a few wealthy homeowners who don’t like boats at anchor, and it is being enabled by boating organizations such as the NMMA and MIASF that won’t stand up, grow a spine and publicly make the concerns of the boat buying public - who are the clients of their member companies - the major issue instead of playing politics with their friends.

Excuse me now please, I have to leave you...for some inexplicable reason, I feel the need to go have a long, hot shower. 

Florida Anchoring Battle - We Need YOU to Speak Out Please

Time to fight for anchoring rights!

Fellow boaters - I promised I would keep you up to date, and aware of what you can do to fight back against the unjust and unfair attempts in Florida to restrict anchoring rights. Well, the time is now!
I've just been speaking to SSCA not five minutes ago. Scott Berg, and Phil Johnson are in Tallahassee, fighting for us on the Florida Anchoring issue. They cannot do this on their own - they need ALL of us, and they have asked me to speak to you directly.
Everyone - right now please - send a letter regarding your opposition to the Senate anchoring bill. Even if you've already sent one, send another one. Don't put it off, it's too important.
The SSCA wants a flood of letters over the next several days, as hearings start on Tuesday. Write your letter - I'll post some ideas below to help you - and share this post with EVERYONE, on EVERY group you belong to that might even have someone using the water, even if it's only a stand up paddleboard! wink emoticon
Be polite. We are the good guys in this fight, and we have to look like it. There are enough out of control landowners - with dinghies anchored out, loud blaring stereos, even paintball guns being shot at anchored boats - to make us look good. We don't have to be shrill or angry - we just need to point out that it is not us who are the problem here.
Then - if you are a Florida resident, the SSCA NEEDS you in Tallahassee on Tuesday. They NEED to show the committee that it's not just out of staters who are crying about this issue - it's taxpaying locals. They currently have four people to put in front of the committee - how about another dozen of you making the trip?
Also - if you guys think it's the way to do this - how about some offers of cash for gas for these people who go for us? Let's get this effort humming.
I can't go - I'm too recognizable in this fight, and I'm not local - I don't present the image that this committee needs to see. They need to see you, and know you were concerned enough about this issue to take the time to come to Tallahassee to speak to them. The SSCA will give you some pointers on this beforehand - don't worry, you'll be supported all the way. Contact me using the contact link on this page if you can go, or go directly to Scott Berg on the SSCA Facebook page and let him know you're in for this.

Here are the people we need to email, the committee members:

Chairman Charlie Dean: dean.charles@flsenate.gov
Vice Chairman Wilton Simpson: simpson.wilton@flsenate.gov
Senator Thad Altman: altman.thad@flsenate.gov
Senator Greg Evers: evers.greg@flsenate.gov
Senator Alan Hays: hays.alan@flsenate.gov
Senator David Simmons: simmons.david@flsenate.gov
Senator Chris Smith: smith.chris@flsenate.gov
Senator Darren Soto: soto.darren@flsenate.gov

Below are the points you should make. Try not to copy and paste, but if you have to - hell, do it. Just get the letters out there.
Thanks everyone - together, we can WIN this one. Let's make it happen. One last remark - I already am aware of how much so many of you have done in this fight - the letters, the shares, all of it - and I'm hugely proud of the effort you have put out in defence of your rights.
Just one more time now. TOGETHER, WE CAN DO THIS.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Starting with the subject line -
Florida Senate Bill 1548
Opposition to Dwelling-Unit Anchoring Set-Back Provision
______________________________________________
1. As boaters and cruisers, we support the SAFETY-RELATED provisions of SB 1548 that directly relate to the stated purpose and title of the bill which is Vessel Safety such as: the provisions limiting anchoring within a safe distance from a marked mooring field, public boat ramp, marine railway, launching facility or landing facility. Similarly, public safety justifies the provisions restricting the anchoring or mooring of a vessel that is incapable of navigating under its own power, vessels that cannot dewater, vessels leaking petroleum, vessels in violation of marine sanitation laws, and vessels that are unattended or derelict. We support all of these provisions.
2. But statewide legislation should not include provisions that are founded upon interests that are not necessary for safety. We oppose provisions that are designed to establish preferential rights or control over areas of public waters of the State of Florida based upon setbacks from all “developed waterfront property” that would arbitrarily create areas of public waterways within which occupants of boats may not anchor. Such provisions are related to convenience, preference, and aesthetics, rather than safety, and would result in laws that pick between classes and groups of people based upon the nature of the structure they choose to occupy.
3. Therefore, we strongly oppose the provision banning overnight anchoring in public water anywhere within 200 feet of a dwelling unit that was built on private land. We respectfully ask that, as members of this Committee, you please remove this provision
4. We are sensitive to the concerns raised by some legislators and constituents about issues related to anchored boats. Some of these relate to disputes about between a few individual high-profile property owners and boaters. We recognize that these concerns have increased and will continue to increase as more people move to Florida and buy properties located adjacent to public land such as submerged land and the waterways above it along Florida’s coast.
5. As to disputes between individual upland property owners and boaters, we believe those are matters that are proper for handling on a case-by-case basis through enforcement of civil and penal measures, such a nuisance and harassment. Although existing laws allow for policing of such bad conduct, we would support reforms that strengthen the enforcement tools to help resolve such disputes. But we do not believe the proper approach is to pass sweeping statutory statewide bans on where members of the public can anchor on public waterways throughout the State.
6. Waterfront property owners (including many of us boaters) must be reminded that the marine coastal resources of this State are not private. They are public. The submerged lands that would be roped off by a blanket set-back would encompass land that is owned by the State and, accordingly, by ALL Floridians … including many of the boaters and cruisers who also own land in Florida and pay taxes in Florida to help support the State's ownership of this submerged land.
7. We understand the “Not-In-My-Back-Yard” or NIMBY concept. But public waters are not the "back yard" to any waterfront private property. It is public submerged land. The back yard of upland private property ends at the mean high waterline. Every waterfront property purchaser knew this when they purchased their land. As upland property owners, we should not expect the government to give us control and dominion over public waters just because we purchased private property adjacent to it.
8. Such a blanket setback covering lands owned by the public would set a dangerous precedent that could lead to proposals by people owning property adjacent to other public lands (such as condos on a beach and houses next to state parks) … asking that beachgoers stay off the beach and park visitors stay away from the boundaries of state parks.
9. Similarly, as boaters, we recognize that it would be improper for us to ask government to give us control and dominion of land that is upland of the waterline through a provision preventing landowners from locating their house or condominium within 200 feet of any shoreline. This too would be unfair. To be fair, we recognize that private upland property is not the "back yard" of boaters.
10. We've heard some people in the capitol tell stories about their experiences with boats anchored near properties they own on a lake. Remember, marine coastal waterways are very different from a private lake. First, coastal waterways are not private at all. Second, in most lakes, the depths throughout it allow anchoring just about anywhere. With marine coastal waters, however, there is a small number of areas where there is enough depth to anchor a vessel and enough depth in the areas necessary to access those anchorages ... and where there is adequate protection from the wind and weather. These anchoring spots are unique and serve as the basis for the estimated 1,000,000 boats travelling throughout Florida's waterways annually.
11. The proponents of such this anchoring ban have not performed a necessary analysis showing the consequences such as the number of anchorages that would be eliminated by a particular setback. Without that geographic and bathymetric analysis, it is very risky to adopt such a setback.
12. Remember too, that there are some stretches of the Inter Coastal Waterway where there may only be a couple small suitable anchorages within a stretch of 50 miles or so and theses spots are necessary resting grounds for boaters seeking safe, daytime travel, and safe night time rest. We would not want to take away these safe havens for the convenience or view of others who are safely ashore.
13. The proponents of the anchoring setback have not performed a necessary analysis showing the economic consequences such as the amount of lost revenue, lost taxes, and lost jobs resulting from the exclusion of so many customers supporting so many coastal small businesses from the Panhandle to the Florida Keys, Southeast FL and all the way to Jacksonville. It is not clear to us that local businesses and Chambers of Commerce have been included in this discussion ... although there are some local Chambers that are starting to take notice. Without this economic analysis and full involvement from the small business community, we believe such a provision is not ripe for consideration.
14. Access to Florida's coastal waterways is a key component of this State's rich maritime history. One recent article asked whether Florida is becoming '...The most cruiser-unfriendly state'. This is a sad trend. To many, Florida MEANS water and the salt life. This needs to be preserved, protected, and jealously guarded.

Wow! That Went Well!

Thank you everyone. The last post, on the Florida Anchoring Crisis, certainly got around. In just three days, it was seen by over 4400 of you, which is a almost a new record for LiveBloggin'. The only post to exceed that number, with 5318 hits to date, is the post I did on the Middle River anchorage in Fort Lauderdale, which you can view here. Seems you LiveBloggers are fanatics about defending our right to anchor!
The most important thing you can do now is to contact Florida legislators and let them know that you do NOT approve of these changes, and that you will not come to Florida if they go through. Even if you don't now own a boat, your dollars matter to these people as a tourist, so let them know, loudly.
You can get the names and contact information you need right here, from the SSCA trifold.
Stay tuned for more news on the Florida Anchoring fight, as it will be coming to a head very shortly. And be sure you speak up for your rights, before you lose them. Look at it this way...the sooner we win this fight, the sooner I can stop writing about it, and write about fun stuff instead...like the following.

HAVANA DREAMIN'...
In other news - I am about to complete a project I've been working on for a while now - a film to be called Havana Dreamin': A Cuban Exploration, about sailing around Cuba, discovering the country and its people. I've already been twice to Cuba, sailing the north coast, and this next trip I'll sail the south coast to complete a circumnavigation of the island at Havana. During this trip, I'll visit Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, Havana and Varadero, as well as many inland destinations. Think rum, Cohibas and tropical scenery!
The end goal of all this sailing is to make this film available via public television and the internet, so that everyday Americans, and the rest of the world too, can see for themselves what the REAL Cuba is like. In other words, not the phoney, hyped up stuff that Conan just put out, or the 'beautiful people' garbage of Paris Hilton and her narcissistic online selfies. What these people are showing you is not what Cuba is really all about. I should know, I've been there, I've seen it for myself.

Revolutionary Signage is common in Cuba

To create a film like this takes money, a lot of money, particularly if you do it the Hollywood way. The problem is, do it that way and you then get a slick, mass produced type of film that feels and looks like a travelogue - and is about as dull as one.
LiveBloggers know that's not my style. My plan is to create a beautiful, simple film about Cuba that shows the true Cuba - its people, their lives, homes, work...their attractive countryside, scenic anchorages and much more. The plan is to film this quietly, without a Cuban government 'handler' attached to us, so that we can get real footage of real Cubans in real life situations. The 'real' Cuba in other words, the one you have yet to see.
To make this happen, I need to fundraise. So far, we've raised almost $4000 out of a total of $16000 needed. $3000 of that is from a Canadian sailing foundation which only came on board last week, so I'm very, very excited.
To raise the balance, I've created an Indiegogo crowdfunding program, which you can view here, at Havana Dreamin': A Cuban Exploration.

Entrance to Marina Hemingway Club Nautico

Take a look - tell me what you think of it, and if you feel inspired by this project, please donate. There are some truly wonderful awards we have for you.
At the very least, please share the link to Havana Dreamin' with your friends, it will help us out immensely.
That's it for this issue of LiveBloggin' - next edition, back to anchoring.... ok, maybe not then.

Anchoring in Florida - Crisis Situation

I spent several days reading the results of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Anchoring Survey, conducted last November/December, after it came out a few weeks ago. The survey’s intent was to gather information to assist the FWC in making recommendations regarding changes to anchoring regulations in Florida, a topic which will be addressed by the Florida State Legislature this spring.

There were two major concerns on cruisers’ minds: the enactment of local rather than state authority for rule making, and residential setoffs. Both of these were addressed in the survey, and were the topic of much concern at two public meetings held last fall (http://www.sailmagazine.com/cruising-news/reporting-live-anchoring-meetings-florida).

My concerns are twofold: the survey’s clear anti-boater ‘bias’, and the fact that nearly a quarter of respondents are “stakeholder group not identified”.

However, that survey doesn’t matter any more, as Florida Senator Dean has just recently proposed very boater unfriendly legislation.

The Good Senator, who hails from northwest Florida, that bastion of anchoring issues - (and what favours have been promised by Florida legislators in SE Florida to the Good Senator for proposing this legislation I have to ask) - has proposed legislation that, among other things, sets up a 200 foot setoff from residential property. That’s right - 200 feet, not the 150 feet proposed by the FWC whom, rumor has it, the Good Senator is displeased with.
Can’t imagine why that would be. The FWC hasn't bothered moving the clearly illegal dinghies anchored out in Sunset Lake behind Frederick Karlton's house, placed there to block any anchoring. They must be illegal, because FWC Major Daugherty told me they were, two years ago. Now they're derelict by the FWC's own definition of the term, with heavy growth on the bottoms and sides and anchor lines, non-working solar lights instead of proper anchor lights, and they are blocking navigation.
But hey! When you donate big bucks to politicians, many sins are forgiven, and you get to keep your little dinghies, even if they are illegally anchored and derelict. Ah, but excuse me, I digress here. That's just business (and politics) as usual in Florida. One law for your rich friends, another for the rest of us....

Illegally anchored dinghies in Sunset Lake
put there to block legal anchoring

Getting back to the Good Senator’s legislation, there’s just one problem with 200 foot setoffs: they will effectively eliminate anchoring in all of south Florida. 

You read that right: a 200 setoff, with a 5:1 scope in 12 feet of water and a four foot distance to the bow, plus boat length, will eliminate over 90% of the anchorages from Palm Beach south, and reduce even the largest of anchorages such as Lake Sylvia and Middle River to one or two boats at most.
Sunset Lake, one of the safest anchorages around, will be totally gone. All of the anchorages along Venetian Causeway will be...gone. Hurricane Harbor - gone. Do I need to continue?

Given that all these anchorages are staging areas for boaters heading to the Bahamas, and that the weather isn’t always what is needed for a crossing, putting this legislation under the Vessel Safety category is ludicrous. It’s possibly the most dangerous legislation we’ve ever seen, as it could force boaters to go offshore in less than optimal conditions because they can't stay where they are.

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention....if you get a ticket and don’t show in court, it’s a misdemeanor conviction. Given the transient nature of our lifestyle, who will argue the situation with a marine police officer, even when they’re in the right? Easier to move on. That’s justice, Florida style, for you.

The Seven Seas Cruising Association has taken a stand against setoffs, which was announced at the Miami Boat Show, and is preparing to address this current legislation. However, this fight needs you to step in and take a stand. Even if you sail on an inland lake, you need to involve yourself here, as other jurisdictions will take note of this legislation and possibly attempt to enact it where you boat.

I will discuss the specifics in my next blog post, as well as what we, as boaters, can do to prevent this legislation from being enacted, and keep you updated with the news as I become aware of it. In the meantime, we all need to get ready for a fight, if we are to preserve our rights to anchor in Florida. Yes, it’s that serious. The sky IS falling. Stay tuned.

If this were a cruising boat anchored here,
you can bet it would be tagged as derelict.

For more discussion on this issue, see my previous Sailfeed article at http://www.sailfeed.com/2015/02/florida-anchoring-survey-the-cynical-point-of-view/

Florida Anchoring Survey - the Cynical Point of View

Dinghy anchored behind Miami Beach house to block anchoring

The FWC recently released the results of its Florida Anchoring Survey, and the results were, well - intriguing. Not so much that the results were that out of line with what might have been expected, but some recent conversations have brought out the cynic in me. After reading this post, you may well feel the same.
Some history first. Last spring, 2014, the Florida legislature attempted to enact a law which would have permitted some municipalities - read Miami, Fort Lauderdale principally - to enact local anchoring legislation. That legislation would have brought us back to, as the late Claiborne Young was wont to say, the 'wild west' for cruisers, with legislation differing from town to town. Think back to pre 2007. Think 24 hour anchoring limits in some places, perhaps 72 in others before the water cops rushed you out of town.
Cruisers rushed to the mast, headed by Boat US and the SSCA, and hauled that legislative canvas back down the mast before it filled, but that wasn't the end of it. Oh no....
The FWC - Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - was tasked with conducting surveys, one of which I attended in Vero Beach and reported on in SAIL. (see FWC Meeting)
They then put out a survey on the internet, the results of which can be seen here, and the executive summary here.
At the meetings, cruisers were very explicit on two particular issues - local vs state legislative authority, and setoffs. Well, the survey seems to have come through for us on the local vs state issue - 81% of respondents agree that legislative authority should remain at the state level. We're off that hook.
However, on the issue of setoffs - that's where this survey makes me wonder just what's going on...I'll come back to this, be patient...
The question itself was set up in a way guaranteed to skew the result. That's because many cruisers, like myself, feel that there should be no setoff at all, in large part because it's not necessary. Setoffs also violate the Public Trust Doctrine, but I've covered that issue before - and no doubt will again.
The law has other ways of dealing with the issues that setoffs are supposed to solve that do not infringe on the rights of both boaters and the general public. But there was no 'Zero setoff' choice. Hold that thought for a moment...
The Florida legislature wants, desperately, to keep their wealthy constituents happy. To do that, they need to show that they are addressing this issue on their behalf. How better to do so than to accept a recommendation from the FWC, which was 'supported' by a plurality of those taking the survey, which would effectively close almost every anchorage in the south of Florida?
'Gee gosh, how can you blowboaters and cruisers complain? We TOOK a survey and the majority of you agreed to what we've just enacted as law.' Quitcherbitchin' in other words.
In other words, because 32% of respondents agreed that a 150 foot setoff from private property was acceptable, the legislature will feel the need to enact this as the standard. And yes, I'm taking bets on that.

So. 32%. I might find some solace if that number represented an identifiable group - but over HALF of that number are 'stakeholder group not determined' as you can see by the chart here.
That's right. We're going to get screwed by a group of people who are not identifiable as boaters, OR as waterfront homeowners. We have NO idea who they are, or who they might represent.
The survey indicates that 17% of all respondents are Florida waterfront homeowners. It also shows that 22% of all Florida respondents are not identifiable - 'stakeholder group not determined'.
Here's the definition, from Gary Klein of the FWC, of 'stakeholder group not determined': "that group is anyone who does not meet the other three categories listed which are:  Cruising Boater NOT a Waterfront Resident, Waterfront Resident AND a Cruising Boater or a Waterfront Resident NOT a Cruising Boater.  One example would be NOT a Waterfront Resident and NOT a Cruising Boater."
In other words, people who have no real interest in the decision and are not affected by it. So they could be guys with a 22 foot fishing boat living inland for example. Or someone without a boat living in downtown Miami.
But there's another possibility, a very ugly possibility, for this group - they could be bought and paid for respondents, people whose replies were sought by those wishing a certain outcome to this survey. In other words, waterfront homeowners who want changes to the laws that benefit them.
Am I being unreasonable? Let's look at unreasonable here. Frederick Karlton, of Sunset Lake fame, spent over $30,000 on 20+ Pico rotomolded dinghies to place behind his house to block boaters from anchoring there, as you can see in the photo here.

Dinghies behind Karlton's Sunset Lake home, Miami Beach

That is unreasonable. And, it demonstrates the lengths to which those opposing anchoring will go. It is not beyond the realm of belief that these same people - not necessarily Karlton but those of his ilk - have purchased survey respondents and skewed the survey to give them the result they want.
The great unwashed here represent about 2400 or so people. If each of them was paid $10 to fill out this survey, it wouldn't amount to what one man paid for 20-some Pico dinghies. To people with this kind of wealth, that's not an unreasonable amount of money to get the result they want.
Why would setoffs be the result these people want? Simple - a 150 foot setoff will effectively close every anchorage in south Florida. Just look at the charts done by my colleague Mike Ahart, from Waterway Guide.

The one shown here is of Middle River, Fort Lauderdale. As I write this, a friend anchored there tonight tells me there are 8 boats anchored there - which is probably 1/2 to 2/3 the number this anchorage could comfortably accommodate. With a 150 foot setoff, to which you'll add at least 100 foot of rode, PLUS your boat's length...this anchorage will hold one, perhaps two boats.
This law would effectively eliminate all but three or four boats from Lake Sylvia as well, and there would be no place to anchor from there to Miami. In Miami, it would eliminate anchoring along the Venetian Causeway, and....gee, Sunset Lake. Who'd a thunk it?

Why do I believe that 150 foot setoffs are in our future? First of all, for those of us who have been watching, it's been coming for a while now. The pilot program didn't make the homeowners happy.
There is incredible pressure from certain municipalities - Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Stuart and Martin County, probably others - to permit local rule making.

No choice for Zero setoff...

We were promised back when the Pilot Program was brought in that local rulemaking would not happen. But 'something has to be done' - that's the message state legislators have been getting. The FWC was tasked to research the issue, and they have done so, using a survey so skewed that the one result cruisers would want was not even on it, as you can see here.
And it just happens to be the one result that gives unhappy homeowners what THEY want - the removal of anchored boats from their view.
So yes, I'm cynical. I strongly suggest that the results of this survey should only be used with the total removal of this 'unidentified stakeholder' cohort. Otherwise, they are, in my opinion, total garbage.
I also state here - and I'm going to get some people at these organizations upset with this comment - that those negotiating on our behalf, the Seven Seas Cruising Association, Boat US and the NMMA - state clearly that the only acceptable result is NO setoffs, which is in line with the Public Trust Doctrine. It's also in line with what their members have clearly stated is what THEY want.
I say this because, as one government official said to me, 'the tough part is getting the laws changed. Once changed, they are easy to amend'.
In other words, let's say we settle for a 50 foot setoff. The precedent has been set, and it's no problem for the rules to be rewritten to 100, to 150 feet at some later date.
Local building codes mandate setoffs between houses that are far, far less than 150 feet. Every house on the water is closer to its neighbour than I can possibly get with my boat to the house. Why should we be discriminated against?
No, this survey stinks, and we need to tell Florida, yet again - obey your laws and leave us alone. We aren't the problem.

Cuba - What's Really Changed?

The net is just buzzing with talk about Cuba since the release yesterday (Jan 16, 2015) of the new US regulations regarding the embargo. Everyone wants to go to Cuba - nothing new there - but just what do the new regulations actually say? That's the real question, and it's not being properly answered by most of the people discussing it.
For those of a legal bent, I'm going to include links to the new regs at the end of this article, so you can nitpick to your heart's content. For the rest of us, it'll be a bit more ad hoc.
First of all, what has actually changed in regards to taking a boat to Cuba?
The short answer? Everything...and nothing. Recreational boating to Cuba has not been approved. In fact, 'recreational' tourism outside of the person to person tours has not been approved. You still cannot legally go to Cuba and swill mojitos on the beach.
Here's what senior administration officials have said: [the new regulations] "...are not meant to facilitate tourist travel to Cuba, as tourist travel remains prohibited by statute."
Well, isn't that a bummer? But remember, I said "legally". We'll come back to that comment.
The big change and the one that's going to bring more Americans to Cuba are the changes in the 'general license' structure.
Prior to yesterday, certain individuals were permitted to go to Cuba if they fit certain criteria placing them in either a 'general' or 'specific' license category. Those groups included Cuban Americans with family in Cuba, those on official U.S. government business, including some intergovernmental organizations; journalists; professional research; educational and religious activities; cultural including public performances, athletic and other competitions.
The specific license category required that you file an application with the Office of Foreign Asset Controls (OFAC); the general license category was by declaration, subject to proof of qualification if demanded.
Here's how it works: an American journalist can legally go to Cuba for work purposes under a general license. That hasn't changed.
So there you are with your sailing blog. That's journalism, isn't it? Well, yes, but not in this case.
Unless you have a significant and verifiable presence as a journalist, which includes getting paid for your work, you don't qualify. The devil truly is in the details, and there are lots of them.
But let's say that you really are a journalist - and you want to sail to Cuba (are you listening Peter S?) or otherwise qualify legally...can you now sail there?

That's not clear. You couldn't do so previously, and there appears to be nothing in the new regs changing that. The answer to that one will have to wait until someone asks the question, but given that travel by boat is largely seen as recreational, I don't see it changing in the immediate future.
Now, I did say 'legally'...here's what I think is going to happen.

A lot of Americans are going to find some way to travel to Cuba by 'fitting' themselves into the legal categories. That wouldn't be particularly hard to do as a quick read of the new regulations will show you.
It won't be a good fit and in many if not most cases, it won't be legal. But if the US government doesn't care, and doesn't bother with verifying those individuals - accepting in good faith people's declarations that they are a bona fide writer for the Podunk Daily Chronicler, or the Grand Supremo Guru of the Church of the Book of Jib - then it's going to happen.

That means that some people are going to choose to travel to Cuba by boat. I don't doubt that a half dozen set off today from Key West actually.
The real test will be in the reaction of the government to those doing this. I suspect there will be no reaction, that the government has no intention of prosecuting anyone for traveling to Cuba, no matter how they get there, or why. In that way, they can create pressure to totally lift the embargo, which is this administration's apparent goal.

Time will tell. My next blog, I'll discuss what it's like to actually travel in Cuba by boat....in the meantime, for your viewing pleasure, and because I'm such a tease...here's a video about a Saturday night in Cuba - enjoy, and stay tuned, there's more to come!

Oh yes, I did promise some links for the nitpickers and the legally savvy amongst us, if that's not being redundant... - http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Programs/Pages/cuba.aspx and also http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Programs/Documents/cuba_faqs_new.pdf

Back to 'Real' Cruising...

Eleuthera - the next destination...

 The Rally is over. That's right, the SAIL Magazine ICW Snowbird Rally, which I had the honour of leading, is now over, a piece of history, a fait accompli. It was a wonderful trip, and I have many new and great friends as a result of it, people with whom I had the pleasure of sharing something magical and long awaited in their lives.
Now it's back to the everyday life of cruising....and I can honestly say that as much as I enjoyed the Rally, I'm equally glad to be done with its responsibilities. Now all I have to worry about is hauling the boat for a new bottom job, some fibreglass work, install a new furler, and...well, those are at the top of the list. If you own a boat, you know what I'm saying. The list never ends. And for those wanting more detail on the ICW Snowbird Rally, you can read my blog posts there at Snowbird Rally.
Talking about lists, I hope that Santa filled your stockings with every little thing your heart desired, and that you spent your Christmas with family and loved ones. In my case, Christmas was a potluck with Rally friends on their boat in Coconut Grove along with several others. It was a great time and a great way to spend Christmas.
This next week will be spent wrapping up the Rally - writing the story of the event for SAIL readers, doing a writeup for the brass with recommendations for next year, and planning for my next adventure.
That will be my long awaited exploration of Governor's Harbour, in Eleuthera, in the Bahamas. I stopped there but didn't go ashore some years ago during a delivery, and promised myself a return visit. That is now on the radar.

Cuba's south coast...

Following that, I'll be heading on to the Exumas, and then...on to explore the south coast of Cuba. The south coast, so I am told, is far more attractive and interesting than the north coast. The harbourmaster in Hemingway assured me that lobster walk on the bottom by the hundreds in the La Jardine de la Reina, just waiting to become your dinner....mmmmm. Then there's the fascinating cities of Cienfuegos, and Santiago de Cuba, Trinidad and Guantanamo, which I'll pass by...
This visit will be especially interesting due to the recent announcement by President Obama that the US will seek to normalize relations with Cuba. That doesn't mean that American cruisers will be able to sail to Cuba anytime soon, but it's one big step closer to that time.
What I'm really interested in hearing is the opinions of Cubans - if they've even been informed of these changes by their government in fact, since the press is very tightly controlled in Cuba. The only people who regularly get outside news - news not controlled by Cuban censors - are those working in tourist facilities where outside TV channels are broadcast. These same channels cannot be had by the ordinary Cuban, and only recently has the Cuban government made internet even remotely accessible to Cubans. Many sites are blocked, if they're even viewable, given the very slow speeds that Cuban internet operates at.
It promises to be a very interesting journey, and I look forward to sharing it with you here....in the meantime, here's to a happy, and healthy, New Years.

p.s. if you simply cannot get enough of sailing oriented reading, try my Facebook group, Sailing and Cruising. It's a closed group, with zero tolerance for trolls, spammers and the usual nastiness of so many Facebook groups. Group members are especially happy to help newbies with their questions, and no question is too trivial. Just remember,  since it's a closed group you have to request membership - the special knock at the door is rat a tat tat tat, and the secret password is 'green pickles'. See you there.

Florida - earlier than ever!

One thing about this SAIL Magazine ICW Snowbird Rally, it's keeping me moving. I typically hang out more than I have been while travelling south, and usually am not far beyond the Florida border by New Year's Eve. But at this moment, I am on schedule to reach Miami by this Friday, December 19.
That, for me, is amazing progress.
It's also been nice, as this fall has been a cold one. We've had some really chilly days - but today at Peck Lake, just past the St. Lucie inlet, we anchored up and went to the Atlantic shore, which was perhaps 100 yards away over the dunes - and in shorts no less!
Aduana got to chase shorebirds, roll in the sand, dig her way halfway to China, and generally stretch her legs after so much time on the boat. I sat and sipped a beer while looking at the waves roll in, and laughed at Aduana. She's now conked out beside me, one tired little pup!
Now that we're past Stuart, we're starting to see the stereotypical Florida powerboater - we were waked seriously twice today, and it will only get worse as we get south, and powerboater IQs diminish accordingly.
However, there IS sometimes justice. Earlier this week, a boat called Stardust was running the ICW, waking everyone very heavily, including our boat. Worse, according to the women, the guy running the boat was grossly overweight and naked - well, naked except for a captain's cap. Fortunately, I missed seeing that as I was below, cursing the idiot while hanging on as he went by.
So he gets to New Smyrna Beach just after high tide, and gets pulled over by the Coast Guard for excessive speed in a no wake zone. He gets a ticket, and along with it, since the Coast Guard likes to discourage these twits, a very close inspection of safety gear, etc., along with the appropriate comments about how many complaints the guy's boating caused.
Here's where it gets good: after the Coast Guard is done with him, the guy drifts onto a shoal, and the Coast Guard wouldn't tow him off. He had to call for towing, and since the tide was going out (3.5 feet!), he was stuck there for at least 12 hours. Karma does bite, doesn't it?
Now, here's where it gets magical - the following day, Stardust passes all the same boats he passed the day previously, but this time very politely, at slow speed, no wake, and, with a shirt and pants on - oh yes, the Captain's cap also.
Sometimes, you just have to smile!

Anchoring at Titusville...