Sandy cay day trip

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Thursday, June, 30, 2005, 11:35 UTC
Hope town Abaco

Guest: MacKenzie age: eight almost 9
Yesterday we sailed from Hope town to Sandy Cay. We did some snorkeling. Tutu=grandmother found out that she can snorkel! While everyone went snorkeling except for Shane (My dad) and I stayed back and slept. It was a little cold for me. So I snuggled under my dads arm. Daddy's arm is like a blanket. We got up to see that Tutu was in the water with a life jacket around her arm with the hurt thumb. We also went to the beach. Before we found out that Tutu could go in the water, we went to the beach I stayed with Tutu at the beach. We picked up little and big shells. They were mostly all Turbans. They weren't all turbans. We found 2 big ones and 1 extra small one. We also found about 8 medium ones. All those add up to11 shells. We already had some shells so we couldn't keep all of them but I might be able to bring some back for my friends. We came back and ate dinner. After dinner Jessie and I slept in the Hernandoe's hide away ( the fifth cabin) I think that I slept better then I ever have (on the boat). Now were motoring tooooooooooo I don't know.
Good-bye,
Mackenzie

NNNN
/EX

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The best

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Tuesday, June, 28, 2005, 20:05 UTC
Hope town Abaco

Guest Maxine:
The Bahamas at their best! This is 'tutu of the thumb' reporting. (See previous log posting!)

The low pressure area that had followed us around a few days finally departed and left us with a perfect sailing day! Winds upward of 20 knots with drifting clouds and skies that were the perfect reflection for these islands incredible blue, green and turquoise seas.

We left Manjack for Great Guana. It was a joy to watch our apprentice sailors learn to do perfect tacks. Capt. Mark is a patient tutor and the kids learned fast. Even the grandkids (11 and 8) take a turn at the wheel and have learned to read the compass, maintain a heading and read the wind.

After some pretty intense sailing, we opted to take the dingy in, and had dinner at the famous 'Nipper's', a brief walk across the island from the Abaco sea side to the ocean side. The Bahaman experience - conch burgers, kalik beer, served on the bluff overlooking the ocean. A walk on the beach., the grandkids tried out the colorful pool after dinner.

Back aboard Stray cat we discovered how NOT to drain water from the cold chest on the deck. With the aft cabin hatch open. The entire chest containing many gallons of cold water was now soaked into the sheets, pillows and mattress. The inhabitants slept on deck! Another bright and breezy sailing day followed - and everything is dry.

I'm pleased to report the thumb with 8 stitches had the dressing changed today by a local EMT at Hope Town. So far so good.

Looking forward to more good sailing tomorrow. These apprentices are getting pretty professional! Capt. Mark is prepared to just sit back and relax --- in a few more days!!

Happy sailing!

NNNN
/EX

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Manjack Cay, Abaco

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Sunday, June, 26, 2005, 13:48 UTC
N. Abaco

Guest Lybby

Hi. I'm mother of guest Jessica. I was selected to tell the exciting tale of Saturday's adventures. The excitement was provided by our beloved tutu (grandmother in Hawaiian, i.e. my mom). Tutu loves to travel all over the world and as of late, she tries to hit a hospital at every local. This trip is no exception. It all began with the desire to have a glass of lemonade, then the 35 pound, granite upright freezer door slid out of here hand and nearly sliced the top of her thumb off. Captain Mark quickly became paramedic Mark with the ice packs and gauze. We wrapped the finger, iced it and made Tutu lie down with the thumb above her head. Luckily, I had just read in the guide book that Cooperstown, the closest town to our Manjack Cay location has a medical clinic. Off we went trying to verify medical facilities an arranging a taxi to meet us at the dock via VHF. Well, we knew Tutu was feeling ok when Mark announced he had an injured 79 year old lady aboard. Tutu promptly corrected him of her youthful 76 years! While everyone else got things prepared to transport the patient, Jessica and MacKenzie read Lezzy Maguire "totally crushed" book to her and made sure she drank water and stayed hydrated. At Cooperstown, the word had spread and the taxi driver was there. They called the nurse and told of our arrival but we beat her to the clinic which was closed because it was Saturday. Anyway, 8 stitches, pain killers, antibiotics and a dt shot later the nice nurse Cornish drove us back to the boat. I'm glad to report that Tutu is doing fine and has managed to get out of all the cooking and dishwashing. She can swim with thumb carefully out of the water. I believe her domino skills will greatly improve this trip, much to the delight of MacKenzie. Now that the hospital adventure, Mark's first, is over, we look forward to smooth sailing.

NNNN
/EX

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Exploring the Abaco's

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Friday, June, 24, 2005, 16:03 UTC
Hope town

Guest: Jessica Moore age 11
The weather has been great; it rained a little last night and a little this morning. We went into town and got lunch meat because we ran out. I got a conch shell to bring back home. The water is smooth; none of us have had to get out the seasickness bracelets. We haven't gone snorkeling yet. There hasn't been good water. We have gone swimming though. We found a live conch (2). The beds are great. And we all slept well. Most of us are into good books and have them out. The parents are having a great time helping with the sails. The grandparents are well into good books and enjoy swimming and are mostly game for anything. Right now we are heading to a spot to try to find snorkeling and prettier reefs. But we are all having a great time and are enjoying ourselves.

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/EX

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learning the ropes

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Wednesday, June, 15, 2005, 20:22 UTC
Mid Bahama banks

Guest Suz Bear:
Ahoy to all of you good folks out there! Rick and I joined Captain Mark in Miami last Saturday for sailing school. Having sailed with the good Captain once before, we have been looking forward to this learning trip with great anticipation! As we hail from wintry Steamboat Springs, CO. - yes, it snowed a few days before we left - we have been anxious to get into warm weather and beautiful, crystal clear blue water. Add the challenge of learning as raw beginners, and what a great adventure we are having. We crossed the Gulf Stream (second time - just checking to see that, yes, we can do this) and headed for Bimini. We spent a lovely night with good breezes and started our day out learning about chart readings, pilotage, GPS, navigation systems - it is so fascinating. I am starting to realize that sailing puts all of your senses to good use. No wasting away out here! We went into Bimini to get a few grocery items as we walked down the dock we saw a cooler with Lou Rabin, Steamboat Springs, on it. Then, in talking with him, we found out that Steve Evans boat was two boats away he's also from Steamboat Springs. Either it's that two degrees of separation or Steamboat people have a lot in common! Travel and adventure! We made our way down to Honeymoon Cay, did some swimming and spent another beautiful night listening to good music and eating better than in most restaurants. This morning, Captain Mark had us review what we had learned and fed us some more information - learning about weather, barometric pressure, reading the waters (color determines what is lying under the surface), and off we go thru a cut between Gun Cay and Cat Cay on to the Bahamas Banks heading for Chub Cay and then on to the Abaco's. As I type this, Rick is at the helm and we are plotting our course every hour to practice our charting skills. Mark is napping (think we should wake him - after all, we are beginners)?! Only kidding, of course, as the waters are the most beautiful clear blue and calm we have ever known! And, this actually gives us the feeling of confidence we had hoped for - besides, Mark was up way earlier than us!
Hope all is well with you and a Happy Father's Day to our Dad's! More to follow from Ricardo later. We are having the best time ever - just as we had anticipated. Thanks to our generous Captain and friend.

NNNN
/EX

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Tropical depression# 1

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Thursday, June, 09, 2005, 08:50 UTC
Coconut Grove Fl.

Capt. note:
I have been watching an air mass of disturbed air near Honduras that is taking shape. It is about 500 mi south of Miami and moving north. The depression will become a storm (winds of 39kts.) late today.
This soon to be the 1st named storm of the season will not become a hurricane, it will move towards the north western part of Florida and make landfall sometime Saturday.
The impact on my adventures will be sloppy, rainy and windy conditions on Friday and Saturday in Miami. I will be leaving for the Abaco islands Saturday, I will be hoping for favoring winds.
Today is new icemaker day and follow me TV installed to a Satilite dish. Yesterday I purchased a new faucet for the galley sink, would you believe $189.00 at Home Depot, if it had the word marine in front of it the price would have been 400.
I better get to installing that faucet.
Mark
NNNN
/EX

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Single Handing

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Saturday, June, 04, 2005, 13:43 UTC
The Tongue

Capt.note:
My eight guests left yesterday, I was all set to sail single hand to Miami but I was just too tired so I turned on the A/C, plugged in the cable TV and passed out. Sometimes you just need to do that.
Got up early and went to a local's restaurant in Nassau for a traditional Bahamian breakfast of stewed grouper and Johnny cake sounds bad but it is soo good.
Currently I'm in the so called tongue of the ocean with 3,000 feet of water beneath the keels abeam Chub Cay in the Berry islands 27 miles south of NW channel light. I can hear some radio chatter but I pretty much have the ocean to myself. I will enjoy the peace and solitude for the next day and a half. The usual nonstop whorl wind of cleaning Stray Cat and maintenance activities await me in Miami. I will have three days to Prep for my next trip which begins Friday and goes to the Abaco islands.
Mark

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/EX

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exploring

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Tuesday, May, 31, 2005, 11:38 UTC
Ships Channel the Exumas

Capt. Mark
The weather and forecast has not changed in five days, no one on board is complaining.
I have eight guests on this trip and they are very experienced free divers. They have been bringing home Grouper, snapper, black Margate and also angled a very nice Spanish mackerel. We have been slowly exploring all the primitive spots in the northern islands of the Exumas, with their long white beaches and crystal clear waters why go fast?

NNNN
/EX

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Day two

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Sunday, May, 29, 2005, 09:24 UTC
Allens cay

Guest: Anne O'Connell

Today we are anchored at Allen's Cay. Cloud cover is 1/3, winds are from the SE at 10 kts. Air temperature 82, water temperature 79. It's day 2 and we're in full relaxation mode.

Beautiful anchorage for sleepingflat calm and the starriest night we've seen in a long time (no city lights to interfere). Looking forward to more of the samestay tuned!

NNNN
/EX

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Down time

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Monday, May, 23, 2005, 14:42 UTC
S. FL.

Capt. note

Well I'm back in Coconut Grove, FL. For those yachties out there who wonder about what I do when I'm not chartering, here is what I have been doing since the day after my return from the Bahamas.
Removed the high pressure fuel control of the starboard engine and sent it out to the lab for rebuild, installed a new microwave/convection oven, installed five new mattress, ten new pillows, replacing all four 12vdc distribution panels and one 120 vac, ordered a new stack pack sail cover, installed a new inner forestay, installed one new Magma gas grill, installed 15 new roll stops and gaskets to port lights and hatches. I will try to complete the remodeling of the navigating station and install a new radar before leaving for Nassau Wednesday.
That's how I spent my days off, about sixty hours and money, about $8,000. It's all kind of normal Captain stuff.
After my next charter in the Bahamas I have a real week off. I will be the guest of my dentist and his wife, Ross and Debra Nash at an island resort near Hilton Head, NC. It's so nice to have such good friends but it presents a problem. Amongst "live-aboard sailors" such as myself, semi-formal dress code is considered to be deck shoes and shorts and for formal we add socks, I think I have a problem. Add to that, in the back of my mind, wait I better say in the very front of my mind, I was thinking the resort might be an excellent opportunity for me to meet a lady but then they probably have requirements we live-aboards don't know or have forgotten. Sometimes it's hard to be a sailor. Maybe I should vary the way I dress each day; say one day deck shoes and shorts, the next day Tevas and shorts, or maybe I should consult with a land person. If you have any suggestions let me know.

NNNN
/EX

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Days off

Capt. note
Capt. Mark
Well I'm back in Coconut Grove, FL. For those yachties out there who wonder
about what I do when I'm not chartering, here is what I have been doing
since the day after my return from the Bahamas.
Removed the high pressure fuel control of the starboard engine and sent it
out to the lab for rebuild, installed a new microwave/convection oven,
installed five new mattress, ten new pillows, replacing all four 12vdc
distribution panels and one 120 vac, ordered a new stack pack sail cover,
installed a new inner forestay, installed one new Magma gas grill, installed
15 new roll stops and gaskets to port lights and hatches. I will try to
complete the remodeling of the navigating station and install a new radar
before leaving for Nassau Wednesday.
That's how I spent my days off, about sixty hours and money, about $8,000.
It's all kind of normal Captain stuff.
After my next charter in the Bahamas I have a real week off. I will be the
guest of my dentist and his wife, Ross and Debra Nash at an island resort
near Hilton Head, NC. It's so nice to have such good friends but it presents
a problem. Amongst "live-aboard sailors" such as myself, semi-formal dress
code is considered to be deck shoes and shorts and for formal we add socks,
I think I have a problem. Add to that, in the back of my mind, wait I better
say in the very front of my mind, I was thinking the resort might be an
excellent opportunity for me to meet a lady but then they probably have
requirements we live-aboards don't know or have forgotten. Sometimes it's
hard to be a sailor. Maybe I should vary the way I dress each day; say one
day deck shoes and shorts, the next day Tevas and shorts, or maybe I should
consult with a land person. If you have any suggestions let me know.

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The last word

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Monday, May, 16, 2005, 17:14 UTC
Bimini island,the Bahamas

Guest Larry
Today we headed out of Bimini and back to Miami and our real lives. As usual we had our lines out fishing and finally hooked a real dolphin. Unfortunately, just like the Miami Dolphin cheerleaders we "encountered" on Bimini, this one also got away. At least this one we managed to get to the boat but "Al the Fisherman" couldn't get it on board. Oh well, there's always next year. We all had a great time and compliment Captain Mark for being the perfect host and charter guide. So until next year and the next the BWBB (Boys Will Be Boys) trip, adios from Larry (First Mate), Al (Fish Master), Scott (Conch Master), Eugene (Dive Master) and Bob (Joke Master).

NNNN
/EX

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Leaning Mark's world

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Monday, May, 16, 2005, 11:56 UTC
Bimini island,the Bahamas

Guest Scott:

Although there was a fair wind, everybody enjoyed a restful night as we were anchored off Cat Cay, except for maybe Bob who slept on the front trampoline of the boat in his wind sock (commonly known as a sleeping bag). The day started with an absolutely amazing sunrise viewed by Wind Sock Bob, Eugene and Scott. Once everybody had their sugar and caffeine fix of Little Debby snacks and coffee, we pulled anchor and were off to our first snorkeling site. As we made our way to the first site we passed a sand mining operation which mines sand (duh) and ships this sand to Florida. (This was the story as told by Captain Mark. Bob being the skeptic he is and assuming Florida has plenty of sand already, will be verifying this on the all knowing internet.) The first site was a concrete casino boat that was pushed aground sometime in the 1920's. This proved to yield an abundance of fish with several large schools which hung tight to the ship. One could swim in the middle of one of these schools and be surrounded by the fish as they stay just out of reach. From this site it was off to Honeymoon Harbor, which was a protected cove. We dropped the sea kayak in the water and took turns paddling around the cove and frolicked with resident ray which would approach you in search of a free meal. Speaking of meals, this is where we broke with the tradition of sandwiches for lunch and cooked up the rest of the chicken and Mutton Snapper (more commonly referred to as Grouper by Larry). Eugene won the piggy award by polishing off a fish sandwich and a large chicken breast. While in the cove, we were witness to a photo shoot with models and several new Formula boats. The lines and curves were absolutely stunning, and the boats were pretty cool too. After we had enough sight seeing, we pulled the anchor, dropped the fishing lines and headed back to Bimini. Pretty quick we hooked into another barracuda. Fearless Larry was unable to remove the hook from the barracuda, and after hearing the whole sand mining story (see above) was not sure if he trusted Captains Mark's suggestion of grabbing the fish by sticking your hand up in his gills to prevent him from biting you. Captain Mark stepped in and demonstrated he really knew what he was talking about, however, Bob is still a skeptic about the whole sand mining thing. The rest of the trip back to Bimini was fairly uneventful with several of us napping on the way in preparation to the final poker game. Back at Bimini, we showered, had a few drinks, and solved the worlds problems while watching the last of the dolphins migrate back to Miami. Dinner was Pork Tenderloin, cooked by chef Larry, since our usual cook was off chasing a large Bahamain gal with pimples. We never found out if he caught her or not. Dinner was fantastic as usual. After dinner cleanup, it was poker time. To put it briefly, there were an assortment of games including seven card A and a very long game of guts. There were even times when some of us didn't know what game we were playing and hoping to win with a nine of spades. At 11:30, we all called it quits and headed to bed to prepare for our journey back home where we would say goodbye to Mark's world and back to our own world.

NNNN
/EX

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Gun Cay

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Sunday, May, 15, 2005, 10:54 UTC
Bimini island of the Bahamas

Scribe Eugene reporting
-------------------------------------------
We set out this morning destined for more snorkeling, fishing, and general relaxation.

We pulled lines as we made our way to a new snorkeling site. Unfortunately, our lures proved ineffective as we arrived at our destination. The dive site consisted of two large rocks, surrounded by reef. It was a great dive, although the current was unusually strong today. The dingy was dispatched to aid with roundup.

Our next destination is Cat Cay. Captain Mark had positioned us such at we could make the majority of our trip under full-sail. The quiet movement of the ship, along with the gently lapping of the waves against the hull was hypnotizing. Again we pulled lines, but this time we used our bally-hoo, purchased at the local bait shop (for a small royal dowry). It appears the fish are more interested in the bally-hoo; at least the barracuda are. Larry, Bob, and I each landed one. Scott, the brave, removed all the hooks.

Upon entering Cat Cay, we made our traditional pilgrimage to the local Tiki Bar. After several rounds of reverence, we anchored nearby for the evening. Since we had not been successful with bounty from the sea, we had to settle for Ribeyes; poor us.

The evening poker appeared to start as all the others, although behind the scenes a master ploy had been constructed. Al, after complaining about our "colorful" poker varieties, was to be the victim of the craziest poker game that the remaining group could conceive of. At just the right point of the evening, Bob stepped to the plate and spewed the most ridiculous description of a poker game that could ever be thought up. As previously agreed to, the others nodded and commented "oh yeah, I remember that one". Al, after eye rolling and inaudible comments under his breath, surprised us all by not only agreeing to play the hand, but by winning a substantial pot. Even the best of plans

NNNN
/EX

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Fun in the sun

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Saturday, May, 14, 2005, 12:17 UTC
Bimini island of the Bahamas

Guest Larry
Friday, May 13 ship's log. The captain put us under sail and as we headed north for some snorkeling, "fishing" and treasure hunting (an unexpected surprise). Al had all the lines out looking for our dinner for the evening when out of the blue we got a strike. As Al struggled with our dinner, another predator (a shark) decided that it was also hungry and took half of our Spanish mackerel. Well, so much for dinner, but hors' douvres it is! We then anchored off North Rock for some snorkeling. Bob, Eugene, Scott and Larry took off towards the rock. On the way Eugene found some booty and shared it with us when we got to the rock. The wonderful booty he shared with us was a set of snorkel, fins and a mask someone dropped to the bottom. We swam all around the rock and there were thousands of beautiful fish and none of us had a camerayet. On the swim back to the boat Scott saw something shiny on the bottom and discovered in addition to snorkel gear that person also dropped a very expensive underwater camera! Suddenly we felt like treasure hunters! After some debate, Bob convinced Larry that the right thing to do was to have the captain make an announcement on the radio that some lost items were found near North Rock and to contact us if it was theirs. We took off towards the marina, "fishing", and this time Al finally earned his pay by catching another Spanish mackerel (this time the whole thing) and a Mutton Snapper. We can eat tonight! Upon our arrival at the marina we discovered that there were dolphins at the marina, Miami Dolphin cheerleaders. Captain Mark and Eugene went in search for these "dolphins" but leave it to Larry and Scott to find them. The Land brothers got a personally signed autograph of a picture of the "dolphins." Something to treasure for life! Al then cooked the delicious Spanish mackerel (he's not only a fisherman, but can cook too)! For the rest of the evening the boys played poker and took back Larry's kids college fund he had earned the night before. What a cruel game! O, during the game we had a visitor who came to claim the snorkel gear and camera. A young lady with the Shark Institute capsized her kayak earlier in the day and dumped everything out. She had already flown off the island but we gave the gear to the Shark Institute and they said they would get it to her. After hearing the story Larry decided that we indeed did the right thing. Overall, it was a great day in paradise!

NNNN
/EX

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Miami To Bimini, the Bahamas

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Friday, May, 13, 2005, 11:51 UTC
Gulfstream crossing

Guest Bob:
Friday, May 13, day 2 for the crew of the Stray Cat, sailing the beautiful waters of Bimini. Our journey began when we all met in Coconut Grove. We met Captain Mark and got our safety briefing. Our friend Steve from Miami visited us for bit (while his wife finally let him out of her sight). Our sailing trip started Thursday morning at 6:00 AM as we set a course for Bimini from Coconut Grove, FL. Most of the crew was sound asleep when the engines started up and Captain Mark got us on our way. Our trip took about 8.5 hours, due to an easterly wind and a slightly choppy sea. We arrived in Bimini around 2:30 and the approach was smooth, and the view was spectacular. We "fished" the entire trip to Bimini without a single strike, even though we obviously have an extremely experienced group of anglers (Scott even taught us what a planer was) as evidenced by the sophisticated and comprehensive gear brought on board. No one (even Bob) got seasick during the trip (amazing). We had a terrific chicken dinner and a conch-blowing contest was held. While it may seem unsettling that a group of men alone on a boat started competing over who could blow the best conch, we managed to do this without incident. I won't say who the best conch-blower was, but I will say that Bob seemed the least proficient. We ended the evening with a friendly poker game (except when Al bitched about any game that had more than one rule) that concluded with Larry and Eugene padding their children's college funds. Scott, on his virgin voyage, has acclimated well to the adventure as expected. Everyone got a good night's sleep. Bob took advantage of a clear, cool night and slept under the stars on one of the trampolines up front. Friday morning, we had a simple breakfast with some locally baked banana bread, found a pay phone that was redneck-friendly to make contact with our loved ones and began our excursion to some good fishing and snorkeling sites. As I write this, we're now being powered by the wind. Sail On!
NNNN
/EX

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Frazer's Hog Cay, Berry islands to Gun Cay Bimini islands

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Thursday, May, 05, 2005, 14:07 UTC
Bahama banks to Bimini

Captain's note:
My friend Danny has flown over to Nassau to help me sail back to Miami. The truth of the matter is that he is a fishin machine and we will be sailing some of the most productive fishing waters in the world. Having said that, So far off Mama Rhoda rock at Chub Cay we lost a big fish than at the tongue of the ocean near North West channel light we lost another big one. Danny Has caught three large Barracudas (of course no one wants them) and at last a Spanish mackerel for tonight's dinner.
The sailing is spectacular with the wind at about 45 degrees out of the SW at 20kts. We are making 8kts in 2' to 3' seas and building. We will anchor at Cat Cay tonight for an early Gulf Stream crossing to Miami.
I 'm always torn when returning from the serene beautiful of the Bahamas to the real world of the big city big country with it's many urgencies and sad news reports but it's the biggest and best shopping mall in the world particularly when you always seem to be shopping for boat parts. B O A T break out another thousand!
Mark

NNNN
/EX

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Up the Exuma chain

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Friday, April, 29, 2005, 12:22 UTC
Lee Stocking Island

Capt. Mark,
We moored at Lee stocking Island yesterday waiting for the wind shift behind the cold front passage that we knew would pass last night.Today we picked our way thru the coral fields than out Rat Cay Cut. We are off shore on a beam reach in about 15kts, 4 foot seas, 82f bright sun, whats not to like? No fish not even a hint(yet). We will set up an approach to little Farmers Cay cut in the next hour.
NNNN
/EX

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Kidds cove Exuma to famers Cay

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Wednesday, April, 27, 2005, 13:30 UTC
Great Exuma off shore

guest Melinda:
We're off shore the Great Exuma Island in one to two foot seas. Air temp is 82 F and water temp is 79F with winds from the southwest at 10kts. A beautiful day. Earl's making sandwiches for all of us. Good thing it's calm. No fish on yet - but we'll find one. The Stray Cat seems to handle well and we're all relaxed and kickin' back. i can't wait to learn some of the tricks for sailing. It is my first sailing trip on the ocean. No motion sickness yet. A group of us from work got to go on this trip. We spent the night at the peace & plenty last night. Great people and good food was found everywhere we went. Here's to a great day on the water.
NNNN
/EX

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Pumpkin Key

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Friday, April, 22, 2005, 18:40 UTC
Islamorada

Guest Cooper age 9
This is our 2nd to last day here on the Stray Cat and so far it has been a great expeirience for my family and I. We are on our way back to Miami, Florida.Today we went to Elbow Reef wich was the fourth reef we`ve visited this week.
Guests Katie and Alyssa Age 14 and three quarters and 13 and an eighth
Well yesterday we went to Molasses Reef and saw a ginormous sting ray and a a bunch of pretty fish.We also saw a Nurse Shark on the way into Key Largo. As the sun was seting my father and brother blew on the conch rather loudly and a person from anoher boat came over to see why they were blowing it.Today when we were on way to Pumpkin Key we saw a pod of dolphins and they came really close to the boat and we also saw a really big turtle and when we were khayaking we saw another dolphin. Also today when we went to the Elbow Reef we went snorkeling and saw a shark(that was rather frightening). Also one day we saw a stingray jump out of the water. Also many of us have rather odd sunburns as my dad would put it but i don't think so. And my guess is that all you guys back in connecticut wish you were here!!
NNNN
/EX

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Fun in the sun

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Tuesday, April, 19, 2005, 21:50 UTC
Islamorada

Guest Doug:

The muse of Neptune and Apollo calls forth:

The young acolyte (CJ) sounds the conch shell. It tolls across our anchorage at sunset, signaling the end of a wonderful day (and the beginning of happy hour). The kids are either reading or playing cards or poking each other, taking goofy pics or videos, sharing tales of snorkeking in the deep earlier in the day, or trying to get each other to walk the plank. Particularly intense given sightings of shark and barracuda earlier in the day. Myself, Lee Ann, and Capt. Mark have strategically separated ourselves and are enjoying some vintage 1957 Chateau Lafite Rothschild (or something like that). The sun is a a red/orange ball descending towards the horizon as a vintage Bahamian Smack (sailboat) slides by. Simple dinner, beautiful weathter, great boat, all is well with the world.

Will we ever be back?
NNNN
/EX

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Key Largo points south

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Sunday, April, 17, 2005, 19:19 UTC
Miami Coconut Grove

Guest Betsy:

Hey everyone! We've stoped for our second night off the coast of Key Largo. It's about 82 degrees and windy. A bit chilly if I say so myself. In the middle of the day we dropped anchor for a quick swim and the water was quite refreshing. We then sailed through the mangrooves where we saw a jumping stingray which we have named a stingphin (half stingray half dolphin). That was one of the highlights of the day. We anchored around 5ish for the night and Katie and I went for a good kyack. It was wicked hard on the way out because we were going againstt the wind. We definatley got our work out doing that. Now we're all just haning out, reading or playing cards. Tommorrow we're hoping to do some snorkling (fingers crossed)! Thats all for now! Goodnight!!!!!
NNNN
/EX

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Miami to the Keys

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Saturday, April, 09, 2005, 13:12 UTC
Miami Coconut Grove

Captain's Log:
Day before yesterday I participated in an event on the bay with about twenty other boats with one hundred and twenty Italian guests, twelve on Stray Cat III.
They were lucky in that the rain held off which was trying to ruin their day, we saw an alligator, a manatee and a pod of about 15 dolphin.
Today I'm sailing for Islamorada with a very nice couple from Tampa Bay who are enjoying there 3rd wedding anniversary aboard Stray Cat in the keys. The winds are light today butt should be favoring this afternoon.
Capt. Mark

NNNN
/EX

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A few days off

Captains Log:
After about 29 days of charter I have a few days off and Stray Cat III wants
all my attention and most of my money since I have worked her so hard.
Last week we had summer here in southeast Florida with temps in the high
eighties but than last night we had a cold front passage (cold front is a
relative term) it dropped to fifty nine last night.
Two nights ago Christopher (my son-in-law) called to start plans for him and
Susan to come sail with me for a week or two this summer, which will be a
lot of fun for me and something to look forward to as well.
After eight weeks of running from Hurricanes last season and the attention
paid to the hurricanes in the media it seemed that many people assumed
Florida and the Bahamas were not the place to go for a sailing vacation. I
have been all around the Bahamas in the past few months and saw damage but
not as bad as I had expected. The damage that has not been repaired is
underway; things look pretty good at the end of the day and had no affect on
my sailing activities.
Now I would say that running from storms of that magnitude is very dicey. My
storm tactic has always been- to not be there! Since Stray Cat is my home
and means of earning a living tying her up somewhere and hoping for the best
is just to big a leap of faith.
So run I did. I was not completely alone though since there were three
other Catamarans in the anchorage, husband and wife live aboard families who
asked if they could follow me. Two of the families Mark and Lee Wactor on
Sylvester and Wayne and Alexis on Banjo Minnow were past sailing students
of mine the other family was Richard and Peggy Sullivan on Oz who I once
towed from Great Inagua to Nassau.
The first and third storms had me sailing for key west and if need be on to
Mexico. I felt safe going no further than Key West but was filled with doubt
when the winds picked up in the night. As I remember the highest winds were
forty eight knots which was ten more than I thought we would experience.
Key West as usual had Hurricane parties and we had one of our own when we
were sure all had been done that could be done to prepare for the blow. We
had our little adventures, all of the boats broke anchor more than once in
the keys where the holding is not very good on a good day. Naturally all the
boats had one or more mechanical or electrical malfunctions just so we would
not get bored or in case we were not worried enough. We had fun and
frightening times as well; we enjoyed great sailing and more motoring than
anyone wants.
We sailed for Bimini for the second and fourth storms with every intention
of going to the Exumas if need be. I felt safe in Bimini both times.
I learned that I never want to be the most experienced sailor in a group
running from hurricanes again and I would rather not have my epitaph read "I
wish I had sailed further away".
Capt. Mark

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Ritz Carlton mangement

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Saturday, March, 26, 2005, 23:00 UTC
Little Bahama banks

03/26/05
Ritz Carlton day charter on the bay
What a PERFECTLY WONDERFUL DAY!!
Thank you.

The captain, the weather, the food
I am so grateful to have experienced the Stray Cat.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Pat

MMMMEEEEOWWW! Screamed the Stray Cat as she ventured gracefully across the pristine Atlantic. What a PPUUURRRR-fect time we had with the keeper of the litter, Captain Mark! His charming personality and kindness made the voyage adventurous and enjoyable. I will continue to suggest The Stray Cat to my family, friends and clients. Many thanks for a wonderful and memorable experience.

Don-

NNNN
/EX

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Ft.Lauderdale to the Abaco's

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Monday, March, 14, 2005, 07:29 UTC
Key Largo

March 14th
Today I will be joining Mike Jones his wife and two sons for an instructional passage aboard their Noseman forty. We will meet in Ft. Lauderdale and sail diagonally up the Gulf Stream rounding the West End of Grand Bahama Island.
Over the next five days I will teach the fine art of navigation, sail trim and so much more to help them on their way to a happy new life style, "the live aboard cruising style".
We will sail to the Abaco islands over the next five or six days where I will depart from Marsh Harbor by air to return to Stray Cat in Coconut Grove.
Capt. Mark

NNNN
/EX

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Stranded in Bimini

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Thursday, March, 10, 2005, 12:23 UTC
Bimini Bahamas

As luck would have it, inclement weather prevented us from sailing on Tuesday. Instead, we stayed at the dock in Bimini. All was not lost though. While some ventured off to the beach, Tom, Shine, Marc, Christian, and Andrew headed out in the rough waters in the dinghy. Two valuable lessons were learned: 1) Don't stick 5 college guys with no clue of how control a dinghy in the water. 2) Don't stick 5 college guys with no clue of how to control a dinghy in the water during a storm. During the first trip out, we got completely soaked and swamped by waves. We ended up bailing with a gatorade bottle. On the second attempt, Dan, Shine, and Christian got stranded and had to be rescued by a boat fortunate enough to pass by. Later on, Dan and Shine got stranded AGAIN on a sandbar, but this time it was Shine who had to jump out and personally tow the boat off of the sandbar. On top of that, Andrew and Paul took out the Kayak and passed through an oil slick, messing up the kayak. It's a wonder Capt. Mark hasn't killed us yet. Later on, Marc, Shine, Tom, Andrew, and Christian went to a shipwreck right on the rocky shore of Bimini and climbed through it. It was quite an adventure, except when Tom was crossing the bow and nearly got swept off by a giant wave that crashed over the ship. Later that evening, after Christian lost a bet playing cards, the guys made him fulfill his obligation by delivering a crowd-pleasing rendition of "I'm a Little Teapot" complete with choreography infront of complete strangers at a bar. Though it took ten minutes of whining before he did it, it took no time at all to strip down and go running into the ocean to skinny dip in front of the same strangers once he was promised a beer. Wednesday provided little relief from the bad weather. However, we did manage to sail to a shipwreck. This was particularly enjoyable since we actually got to SAIL the boat and work the sails, even though there were torrents of rain coming down. Mike, Tom, and Shine were the first to brave the wrecked ship and climb up to the top, jumping thirty feet to the blue waters below. It was a also a great place to go snorkeling. On the way back, Christian made the first catch of the week, reeling in a nice sized Spanish Mackerel for food. The victory was bittersweet though, as another lost bet resulted in him being forced to eat an eye. This was followed by projectile vomiting off of the bow. Note to self: I need to stop making these sort of bets! The rest of the evening involved card games on the boat while anchored in Bimini Harbor, as the weather was REALLY bad. Hopefully things will start to clear up soon.

-Guest Christian
NNNN
/EX

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Day 1 Bahama's

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Tuesday, March, 08, 2005, 11:06 UTC
Bimini Blue Water

Crossing the Atlantic to get to Bimini was an amazing adventure. Possibly the most magical thing of all was watching the usually murky waters off of the US coast change to a deep blue and then the crystal clear blue so typical of the Bahamas. However, the trip over didn't bless everyone. Dan came down with seasickness, but fortunately felt much better by time we arrived in Bimini. While most of us lay out on the deck or trampoline soaking up some rays, the real men (Shine and Christian) attempted to catch fish for dinner. However, only one fish took bite on Christian's pole, but broke free before he could reel it in. This may have been due to a standing bet that the first person who catches a fish must eat its eye. After arrival in Bimini, we walked around the town, sampling their local beer (Kalik) and enjoying the white sand beaches. It was burgers on the grill for dinner followed by late night card games. Currently, winds are coming from the west at around 20 knots, generating swells up to 12 feet in the ocean. The sky is mostly cloudy, but should clear as the day progresses. Air temperature is at 78 degrees.
NNNN
/EX

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Miami To Bimini

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Monday, March, 07, 2005, 11:51 UTC
Gulf stream

The eight of us arrived in Coconut grove last night to pleasantly warm air and water temperatures compared to State College, PA. It was a nice trip down, and of course, everyone is very much excited to begin our first voyage sailing in the Bahamas. After provisioning the boat with the bare necessities for eight guys (meat, more meat, and beer), we battoned down the boat and spent the night playing cards on our new home for the next week. Spring Break 2005 is now underway as we set sail for Bimini in the Bahamas Air temperature is a warm 76 degrees with water temperature at 75. The sky is one-eighth covered witth clouds. Winds are coming from the southwest at 10mph and the seas are generally calm with 2-3 foot swells.

Guest Christian Squillante, David "Sunshine" Hall, Andrew Layer, Michael Uhl, Paul Dum, Tom Gallagher, Marc Repnyek, Dan Lin
NNNN
/EX

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Ship's log

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Friday, February, 18, 2005, 09:46 UTC
Coconut Grove Fl.

Friday, 2/18 9:18am
Cool morning with light haze buring off fast. great nights sleep on brand new mattres!
Arrived last night to continuing rum drinks after long day at the Miami Boat Show, drooling over new cats I can't afford. Great experience in "feeling" sizes, configurations, and fit & finish on various manufacturers. Suz and I sailed with Mark last fall and met a kindred soul. We have enjoyed keeping in touch. Before long he will assist us in the big buy and adventures awaiting. Back to the boat show now to continue narrowing down our choices.
Adios, Ricardo
guest
NNNN
/EX

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ships log

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Thursday, February, 17, 2005, 17:07 UTC
Gulf Stream.

Feb 17,2005......return trip, Bimini to Miami....we set sail/motor (the wind was still sleeping) at approx. 8:30 Am . Captain Mark put us on course to the Maimi shores under a clear blue sky at about 6.0 knots....should arrive about 4:30....so far so good with a "gentle to the novice sailor stomach' Atlantic. The auto pilot is now renamed either Mark,Tim, Mike or Lucina! We're trying to catch a fish or two, however all fisherman Tim has done so far is seaweed ......maybe vegetarian is the way to go for the trip back. Not many ships on the horizon.....according to Captain Mark, it's Thursday and a front is coming in....... but the Stray Cat sails on. Not a cloud in the sky......just the endless sea, touching the endless sky,...all against the gentle rhythm of the Beatles and Barry
Manilow. Our approach to the shores of miami have begun....back to the real world.....I think?! It's been a grand trip...a few cloud puffs here and there, calm waters. and all smiles from everyone. If you sailors out there happen to see a rowdy little boater with our fishing line, he did a fancy two-step behind us without so much as a backward glance and almost took our reel as well......he probably also took Tim's catch of the day as well. So much for courteous boaters...maybe he was to close to Miami to know any better?! What do you think/!?! New's FLASH.........last moment excitment....we just went over a crab pot and it got tangled in the propellar fortunately that engine was not running, however Captain Mark had to "dress up" in his wet suit and cut us loose....we're free and on the move again. As earlier mentioned it's been a terrific adventure....Captain Mark is the "Cat"s Meow" of the Stray Cat!!!!!!! For anyone out there looking for a special trip that you want to enjoy again and again......Captain Mark and the Stray Cat are THE WAY TO GO!!!!!!! I'm sorry to say our trip has come to a close.....it's one of the few times that you don't want the answer to "are we almost there" to be yes!!! Till next time on the Stray Cat....Happy Trails from Captain Mark, Lucinda, Mike and Tim
NNNN
/EX

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ship's log

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Thursday, February, 17, 2005, 12:01 UTC
Coconut Grove Fl.

Feb. 16, 2005......Day two of "the Bimini trip".....just as anticipated the day broke with lazy morning clouds and the water waking to the glass-like clearness that you see in a postcard......coffee was the first order of the day....then the men began some maintiance duties, each one from Captain Mark, to Tim, and Mike disappearing into the engine room to make friends with the auto pilot that choose to take a little break for the trip to Bimini......after about 2 hours of bonding with the nuts and bolts of it, it still decided to let the crew be the pilot.....Capt. Mark will have that project to work on when we return to Miami......so Back to the lovely day ahead on the island. Tim, Mike, and I went ashore.....a laid- back culture....much of the town stores were closed for an afternoon nap. We checked out the Earnest Hemingway house and museum.....now also a tavern nlooked to be in his 40's and early 50's in most of the photos almost all of them with a Marlin fish by his side. The island itself is very narrow and we walked over the hill and are captivated by the amazing blue green waters of the Atlantic....gorgeous!!! The people all seem to be in their own world of rules and no rules.....no worries.....I wonder which shop sales that lifestyle ......the States could sure use a big dose of that potion!!!!! Back to the Stray Cat and Captain Mark, turned Captain Mechanic......Mike and I began the supper preparations....fresh dolphin from yesterday's catch....rice,more veggies and a Key lime pie finale, accompanied by excellant fellowship. We all retired about 11:30 with memories made of a delightful day in Bimini. Until tomorrow.......
NNNN
/EX

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ships log

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Thursday, February, 17, 2005, 11:15 UTC
Coconut Grove Fl.

Tuesday Feb. 15,2005 Cap. Mark put us on course to Bimini at approx. 2:30 for the 6 hour trip.....an exciting adventure to cross the "high seas"arriving our destination by the light of the stary sky. leaving miami...we had the wind on our nose at about 10 knots....we caught a dolpin about 8 mies out and it weighed about 25 lbs...at about mid gulf stream the winds grew to approx. 25 knots and the seas to "roughly!!!" SIX feet.....our sea legs begin to grow. Cap. Mark prepares a delightful meal of grilled chicken, veggies, and potatoes....However only the Captain and one guest, Tim, had the sailor stomach to enjoy the culinery skills due to the choppy waters. We put anchor in Bimini at 11:30, everyone crashed and slept great on CALM, CALM, CALM waters. YEah, head on pillow, looking forward to tomorrow and and the crystal blue waters and friendly smiles of Bimini. End of first day. Ship's guest, Lucinda Chisman
NNNN
/EX

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