Day one @ Sarasota Yacht Club

We launched 5 boats from the Tampa Waterside Marriott Marina. With Earle the Dockmaster helping out the following departed together….

Aquasition – Teri and Nick Galambos (52 Carver)

Breakaway II – Michelle and Jeff Schrier (50 Prestige)

Rendezvous – Barbi and Tom Bruno (47 Sea Ray)

Madam – Kathy and Rick Marx (47 Sea Ray)

Lovin’ Life – Jean and Lowell Beckner (33 Sea Ray)

The first 4 boats are headed to the Bahamas together. Then the first 2 boat depart from them for the great loop. The last boat escorted us to the Skyway Bridge to take some photos and drone videos.

It was great weather and we had some dolphins swimming in our wake – almost hitting the swim platform! It was a familiar and relaxing ride. As Nick attempted to teach me about the Garmins and the Captains area I fumbled to keep in the channel. But finding and using the Auto pilot paid off for me. By the time we reached the Sunshine Skyway Bridge we realized the magnitude of our decision to make this journey. Anything we forgot would have to remain forgotten and anything new we discover becomes memories made by us. We love our decision, we love our choices, we love each other and we are ready for anything!

First stop Sarasota Yacht Club where we’ve visited dozens of times! It is a Clearwater Yacht Club reciprocity Club. They always treat us well and the cocktails are tops!

Cocktail: Tanqueray and Tonic with a lime

Boat Issue: Captains windshield wiper lost a screw

Book: The Other Side of the River             By: Alex Kotlowitz  (true story about a murder in Benton Harbor/ St Joes MI)