Crew Wanted: Florida Keys Sailing

[CaptainDerwood]

Hi All,

I am new to the forum as a member but have enjoyed reading various threads from time to time. I arrive here now in a bit of conundrum, I have booked a bare boat charter leaving out of Ft. Lauderdale on April 26th, Returning to Ft. Lauderdale on May 3rd. I had 3 folks lined up to go on the trip, and one by one, they have all had to back out for various calamities. The charter is already paid for and while I could single hand it all week, it would be more interesting and fun to have some company. I am putting this out as an open invitation for crew to join me for part or all of the trip.

The Boat

S/V Tropical Depression
93 Hunter 30T
Well decked out for cruising

The Charter Company
Marty and Mari Minari are good friends of mine. I have known Mari since high school. They started B&G Sailing Adventures last year and live aboard their 40' Lagoon "Mulligan". They are wonderful people and I am actually their first "bare boat" charter customer aboard Tropical Depression.

Me
I started Sailing in Boy scouts, raced 16 footers. Moved on to Hobie cats, mostly all inland sailing. A friend dragged me to the BVI for a 10 day charter, and I have been hooked on Big Water sailing ever since. ASA 104 certified. Have sailed big cats and monohulls, prefer cruising now to racing (must come with age). Getting very near to the place where I can buy a boat and move onto it, somewhere on the Atlantic. I work in IT by day and am a professional musician by night. I do a solo acoustic show, mostly classic rock, some country, all Fun. I will be bringing my guitar. I am a pretty good cook and I am an avid reader. As a skipper, Safety is my first concern, and keeping a safe and happy crew is part of the fun for me.

You
In need of a relaxing vacation. Interested in Sailing or learning to sail. I would like it if you have SOME boat experience, either motor or sail, but it's not a hard and fast requirement. Have a good attitude willing to pitch in where needed. Be able to get on the boat in Fort Lauderdale on April 26th. Be willing to cover your own expenses to and from the boat, and pitch in for groceries for the week.

Itinerary
The plan is to depart Ft. Lauderdale on Saturday, Spend the week bouncing down the keys to Marathon and back. Some possible stops include Marina Del Mar, Holiday Isle Marina, Marathon Marina, Craysfort Reef, Elbow Reef, Sombrero Reef. This will be a pretty laid back trip.

I know what you are thinking, "who is this land lubber skipper jumping on to this forum and asking ppl to put their life in his hands?" (whistling the Gilligan's Island theme) Valid concern of course. So before you start Flaming me, ask yourself what you would do in my situation. Boat and plane tickets are paid for, facing the prospect of a week alone for your yearly sailing vacation ...You would probably post here for crew as well.

PM or email Dwcaster AT gmail dot com. if you are interested. I have room for 3 people.

Thanks,
Darren (CaptainDerwood)

[Troylance]

Well I might be interested. I sail with my 15 yr old son. I started sailing 32 years ago at Annapolis, and just returned to it about 12 months ago. I would only be interested if my 15 yr old goes to. Message me and I will send my cell ph #

[windycityxx]

I sent you a PM - sounds like a fun trip!

[CaptainDerwood]

The response has been great, thanks everyone on this forum! My faith in humanity is restored . The trip is now full. Special thanks to Troylance and Windycityxx. We will be sure to post a good trip story afterwards!

Darren
CaptianDerwood

[windycityxx]

We just got back today from our trip and just wanted to say a BIG THANKS to Captain Derwood, had a fantastic time!

And the rest of the crew was amazing as well, had such a great time!

Talk to you all soon!

[bobby whitley]

Captain Derwood,
Thanks for the invitation to join you and the crew. You really helped me grow in my sailing experience. Showing me everything from how to fix a bagel to preparing a nice Italian meal in a small galley. Staying off grid on a small Florida Key to staying out of trouble in downtown Miami. And the most fun. Sending me out to catch a mooring buoy in five foot seas in a thirty foot boat. (first try)
And to the rest of the crew. Thanks for supporting and always being there for each other. You made the trip so easy.
My best to everyone,
Bobby

[ElGatoGordo]

So glad to hear it went well!! Post up some pics and stories. Those of us still dreaming are waiting!

Actually we'll be there in the fall...so details people! DETAILS!!!!!

[CaptainDerwood]

Thanks Bobby and windycity! It was a pleasure to have you both aboard! It was a great week all things considered. Hopefully everyone learned a bit about sailing, snorkeling and eating well! (you can forget the lesson on how to run aground) So much for trusting old chart data instead of the depth finder! I think the best thing was being overdressed when we had to wear shoes and not keeping a strict itinerary. Set some guidelines and be prepared to change plans to suit the situation. Hopefully there will be more trips to post as I am looking into what it would take to buy TD. She is a good boat!

Fair winds and kindly seas to all.
Captain Derwood