From the Chesapeake Bay

[Distant Drummer]

Hello to all...Just logged on and looking forward to meeting new cruisers. I currently live on the Bay near Norfolk. Summer time is hear and the weather is great. I will be departing for the Panama Canal at the end of August and returning around mid October. I will be in Key West on my return for a few weeks. I will be staying at the marina in Boca Chica arriving sometime around the 27th of September. Stop by for a cold one if you're in the area.

Capt. Raleigh

[Hud3]

Welcome, Capt. Raleigh.

From the Chesapeake Bay to Panama via Key West, and back in less than three months could be some sort of record, I'd bet! If you pull it off, the beer's on me!

p.s. keep your weather eye out. September 10th is the statistical peak of hurricane season in the SW Atlantic/Caribbean basin. It could be an interesting trip!

[Distant Drummer]

Hud...
Yes its going to be a quick trip. I'm only going to be on the east side of Panama (Colon) for 6 days and then headed back. The weather will be an issue, hopefully I will get a good window for jumping off Key West.
I will definitely take you up on that beer...

[Distant Drummer]

Quick question....I put a picture on my profile, but I dont see it on my mail site.
Is there a box you have to check to show it?

[captain465]

Capt Raleigh,
Seeing your post brought back many memories!!! I worked aboard "DISTANT DRUMMER" (1981 Irwin 65, hull #1) back in 1996/1997. Spent a lot of time down in Grenada, Trinidad, Bequia, and many more of the Windward Islands. Are you aware that Ted Irwin built the boat for his own use?? I would love to see a recent photograph of her!
I now have my own Irwin 38, center cockpit, "MERIDIAN".

Capt. Fred

[captain465]

By the way, welcome to this forum.........you will no doubt enjoy all of the very knowledgable folks here.........

Capt Fred

[Distant Drummer]

Capt Fred,
That would be her, I know Ted built it for his own use, but I dont know how long he owned her. I've talke to Gene Gamon (who worked for Ted) about the boat and how the pilot house was added to her and different specs. Did you work for Ted on the boat. I've owned her for a while and have updated a few things. All in all I think she still looks the same. I'll put some pics up on my profile later today and let you know. Also, how do you attach a picture to the profile that you would be responding to (like yours above that shows your boat) that people would see.

[captain465]

Go to the top of the forum page and click on "profile". Then on the left hand side scroll down to "edit avitar", at the bottom of the page there is a box to browse your computer for photos(custom avitar) and select whatever photo you would like to display as an avitar.

No, I did not work for Ted, I worked for a former owner.

Capt Fred

[Distant Drummer]

Thanks for the info.... I cant remember the name of the fellow who owned the boat prior to me, I know him and his wife owned it for a very long time, and they did some cruising on it, they got to old to handle it. I have all the paper work for it that he kept. A very organized man. It sat in Ft Walton for 4 years be for I bought it, she needed some TLC.

[speciald@ocens.]

How do youexpect to get "a weather window" between the keys and Panama. A storm forming off the African coast will be on you before you clear the Western Caribbean.

[Distant Drummer]

Well, on a hope and a prayer....If its a no go situation, then thats what it is. I realize the weather will most likely be against me. Guess I will be hanging out in Key West for a spell. Unless the weather is coming that way, then its back to the Ches bay.
Are you on the Ches bay at this time....

[Distant Drummer]

Capt Fred,
I posted some pics in the photo section, once you find one, you can view all.

Capt Raleigh

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Capt.
Welcome aboard the forum. Good to have you posting here. I look forward to reading about your adventures.
Kind regards,
JohnL