We’ve been struggling to find a way to utilize Mariola, the PyratSail 1980 Morgan 321. Our weekends are three day at best, limiting our cruising area to about a day sail from Boca Ciega Bay. So far these new modifications have increased our range and overall boating pleasure. Sailing Tampa Bay is finally enjoyable and efficient. For a larger picture of the mods please click here.

This one is posted everywhere, but I couldn’t resist.

A few youngsters have been setting sailing records lately. First Zac Sunderland - one of  “less than a handful of people” to solo circumnavigate the globe. How many people fit in a handful? Whatever it is, add another. Mike Perham just completed his world voyage – now the official youngest. Currently there’s more toddlers gearing up to outdo him, but PyratSail is one-upping them all. Major sponsorship has been secured to support the official PyratSail bid to make our own Rumhead the youngest 41 year old to circumnavigate Boca Ciega Bay alone. 

Mariola flaunts her sponsorship graphics on a photo op.

Tampa bay sailing can be challenging, but RumHead is pushing the limits of his endurance, even risking his life,  by taking on the most hostile body of water in the area. Dangers include sharks, pirates and a yacht club with full liquor bar middlemost of the bay.  “I was unsure at first, but how can you say no to a lifetime supply of anti-diarrheal?” said RumHead when asked why he wanted to go. “Circumnavigating Boca Ciega Bay is a lucrative achievement that has tons of P.R. potential. More people have ventured into Pasco County, than sailed Boca Ciega alone.”

Follow  RumHead as his 41st birthday approaches this April. At 4:34 p.m., the exact time of his birth, his epic voyage will begin, etching his name in the record books and Boca Ciega history, forever. In RumHead’s own words, “I just hope I get back before my wife gets home from work, or I’m in deep shit.”

The menu says it's Fish Friday.

This has to be one of the luckiest/strangest catches in Boca Ciega Bay – or maybe it’s common here and I need to fish it more often. This last Friday the 24th I had Mariola out in Boca Ciega Bay for a easy day sail with family visiting from North Carolina. We noticed some bait jumping around the boat and I drug out our only fishing pole that is eternally rigged with a small silver wire leadered mackerel plug. It was deployed, stuck in the pole holder and forgotten.

The excitement of the jumping bait had faded as we sailed around the school with no results. Back to the rum punch and chin-waggin’. About an hour later my noon sandwich making was interrupted by a familiar noise I couldn’t quite identify. Finally I figured it out, drag flying out of a reel - fish on? As I began to reel, it was evident whatever was pulling back was big, I thought it HAD to be a big catfish or maybe a redfish. I’m still dumbfounded that the above fish would hit a mackerel plug drug behind a sailboat in the middle of the summer, in 9 feet of water at the East end of Boca Ciega Bay. The goofy fish measured well over legal – 26 inches. With no gaff or net, I had to drop the ladder and gently grab it by the mouth – a little tricky after 4 or 5 rum drinks. The capture and subsequent digestion of this suicidal grouper was a heroic team effort. It’s amazing how Mother Ocean always has a new surprise waiting out there for you – even minutes from your home port.

RumHead, unamed grouper and Cuzin Dave

RumHead, “Delicious” and Cuzin Bubby.

Extravagance: Immoderate expense or display.
When our International Trailer Sailor Ross emailed me a link with the subject  “my other boat”, I thought “probably gonna be a funny, effed up boat-contraption pic.” One mouse click and seconds later – FOR THE LOVE OF GOD.  289 feet of splendor - immoderate?

Jim Clark, the founder two small companies, Silicon Graphics and Netscape, likes making big, monstrous, sailboats. His bank statements must be printed on special wide paper to fit all the numbers, because this boat, Athena, is the second one he has built. All that can be said is that it’s unbelievable. It’s amazing. How could somebody possibly afford to build, let alone maintain such a massive vessel? Even though Athena exudes wealth, it does it in style – Mr. Clark did a great job of capturing the essence of olde-time sailing ships. Again, amazing. She’s a beaut Clark!

Link to the full write-up with tons of pics on Yachtforums.com

This 4th weekend was spent on the boat in Boca Ciega Bay drinking firewater and watching fireworks. It was a perfect night for it. Instead of boring you with a smeared picture of an exploding aerial mortar, here’s something hotter. Oh yea, that’s haught.

*Hic* Nice shot – I love ya man.

Jeese, this is all boaters need – another reason to drink. The shots shown in the picture look a little girly, where’s the amber colored rum? Regardless, whoever created this, I like the cut of their jib.

For all you wetties that can’t master the art of the towel – now there’s an alternative! You can finally go outside and get the paper. “Totally amazing!”

Soak up liquid, make friends – these things are awesome!