February is getting busy here at Anchors Aweigh Charters. The first week of February bought us Mike & Marc, two long time
fishing buddies. They gave us permission to put Marc's letters to us on this blog. I'll let Marc do the talking:
Marc's application letter-
To The good folks at Anchor's Aweigh:
I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you on behalf of the disabled people that still enjoy
fishing, but have too many obstacles to pursue this activity. Back in 2004, my friends and I met in
Miami for a fishing trip. As fate would have it, the following February I had an exacerbation of Multiple Sclerosis which has left me pretty much immobile. I was forced to retire prematurely and basically have had to make changes in my recreation life as well. My dear friend Michael promised me we would get out again on the
water. He was searching the
internet and came upon your site. He sent it to me and I was overwhelmed. Michael is flying down to Atlanta (my home) from
New York (his home) to drive me in my handicap vehicle to
Florida to
fish, once again. Between his efforts and your offering I can realize my passion. I can not thank you all enough for returning a smile to my face.
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Marc & Mike joined us on Sunday, Feb. 8, and
Florida treated them to some of our best warm February
weather. The
water was like silk as we headed out to sea, approximately 20 miles off shore. Being the mate, I estimated that between the two of them, they pulled in close to 100
fish.
Marc wasn't too happy to find out that the fish on the left had to go right back to where it came from, as it was caught in International waters and the rules required it's release. I'm sure that the fish was happy to hear that however.
After an exciting trip, we received the following
email from Marc's buddy Mike. Mike sent this
email to all of his friends and family-
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Dear Friends who know me and maybe my buddy Marc,
As many of you know I took a road trip this past week with my buddy Marc down to Florida to venture into fishing, (once again). Somehow while searching the
Internet under 'disabled fishing', I found an unbelievable married couple who make the dream of fishing for adults and
children with disabilities a reality. I cannot express to you all what a wonderful time me and Marc experienced thanks to Capt Steve Hair and his first mate Joe. The
captain modified a beautiful 36 foot fishing vessel with an door that opens from the side allowing a person in a wheelchair or scooter access to the beautiful bays and ocean off of Amelia Island Florida. He has adapted fishing polls over these past 10 years to accommodate people with missing limbs. He takes out veterans who have become disabled defending our great country. He takes out
children who under normal circumstances would never have this kind of opportunity out on the water, because of their disability. Believe it or not, they do this for FREE. But like any charity they need constant donations to keep it going.
My friends all know about Marc. He played guard in High
School way back when. We all felt safe running around with him in his prime as he was not a guy you would want to mess with. Diagnosed in his late 20's with a disease such as MS has humbled Marc now in what should be his midlife. He doesn't look for sympathy or pity. He is one of the strongest persons of character I know, and thank God he met a wonderful woman in Marsha to be at his side. All this being said, the people involved with Anchors Aweigh brought a smile back to his face, and a day I know that I will never forget.
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Ahoy y'all! I'm a volunteer 'mate' on the good ship 'Ye Ole Pirate', Anchors Aweigh Charters on Amelia Island, Florida is non-profit and provides fishing charters FREE of charge to those with physical disabilities, in a
wheel chair, the BLIND, the DEAF, the BLIND & DEAF and people who have developmental disabilities. Guide/Service
dogs are welcome aboard. No requirement to be a Florida resident.
I have no financial ties to
Anchor Aweigh Charters. I volunteer as a mate when I can. I sign American Sign Language (ASL). My ASL Name is Sailor.
"Boogity! Boogity!
Let's go fishing boys and girls!" DreamsFloat Joe - Mate
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A Tale of Two Buddies ...
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