Just got back from the SeaBase Coral Reef Experience
Bob Taschler (bob_taschler@PUBLICITAS-USA.COM)
Mon, 27 Jul 1998 12:44:01 -0500
We had three boats: Silent Harmony, Serenity and Mi Hi.
The crews aboard Silent Harmony and Serenity had an excellent time. The Captains
were great. Sails were up most of the time weather and wind permitting, the boys
got turns at the helm and act as deck hands. In spite of some rough weather, we
snorkeled a reef, two wrecks and an underwater limestone quarry. Each had plenty
of marine life. Everyone who wanted to got a chance to fish. A couple of 4 ft
plus barracuda's (what a fight!), a dolphin and some sea bass were caught and
released. The boys learned a bit about navigation, the basic terminology and
functions of the rigging, and we even got a chance to learn how to use a sextant
to measure latitude by sighting the north star.
Key West was a welcome break (even if it is a bit immodest with some topless
female bathers, strip clubs and obscene and gay T-shirt shops), but the boys
were ready to go back aboard that night. (Some adults had to be dragged back
aboard by shore patrol! *L*) Everyone helped with chores and mess, even the
Captains. Food was basic but good and plentiful. It helps if you have someone
who knows how to spice and sauce things up.
Our biggest adventure came at night during a thunder and lightening storm with
50 knot winds in a protected cove. A small neighboring boat with a family of
three began to drag anchor and almost collided with ours. Their anchor snagged
out anchor line and they slid toward us. Their starboard side slammed into our
port side. We put out fenders and then hands hung onto each other's life line
rails and mast guy wires to keep the small boat from drifting about and smacking
into the other boats at anchor in the cove like a pinball machine. (Hmmm ...
standing in our skivvies, soaking wet, holding onto wires attached to tall metal
poles during a lightening storm!) When the heavy part of the storm passed 20
minutes later and the wind died down, we untangled the anchor lines and the
small boat started it's engines and headed into the beach to tie up. Our Captain
was great. He really knew how to handle the boat and the crew. If you meet
Captain Phil, you will have the rare pleasure of meeting an excellent man.
On the other hand, the crew of the Mi Hi reported that they didn't put up sails
(motored all the way), weren't allowed to fish, only some of the food stored
aboard made it to the table, didn't learn about sailing, couldn't go below
during the day because the hatches were kept closed while under way so it was a
110 degree sauna, couldn't eat or drink (except water) between meals, weren't
allowed to fall asleep in the cockpit (the Captain would pour cold water poured
on their crotch if they did. Can anyone say sexual molestation?), and snorkeled
only twice. They were bored to death, but didn't say anything out of fear and
ignorance. When we got together at the end of out trip and compared notes, they
certainly felt cheated. Letters will be written. Enough said.
Also, if anyone draws Capt. Tom of the Midnight Dragon, you can be sure to have
an excellent time too. Some of our crew were on his boat three years ago and we
met up with him in one of the cove. Heck of a nice fellow.
Hope all of you have smooth sailing!
YIS,
Bob Taschler
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City |
