April 1-12, 2022 (Click thru the "Newer Posts" at Bottom)
April 1-3, 2022
Steve's plan was to go sailing, but as he hadn't done any sailing since college, he called CaptMurph. After several conversations Steve achieved the rank of Admiral Wakefield and decided to charter Oasis, an FP Lucia 40 catamaran out of St. Petersburg, FL. With plenty of room aboard this large sailing catamaran, the Admiral invited 3 Delt fraternity brothers and a sailing friend of Murph.
The crew of six included:
-Admiral Steve Wakefield
-Hungarian Sailor Brad Ballentine
-Missile Security Randy Allen
-Scuba Instructor Rob Matthews
-Sailing Instructor Keith Otto
-Helmsman/Captain Murph Murphy
April 1, 2022
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| The Admiral and his Security Officer test the accommodations. |
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The ancillary gear was checked out by Rob.
The crew provisioned for the ten days we'd be aboard. Our
first night was spent aboard so we'd be able to get a
fresh start in the morning. |
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| And the Delt flag was hoisted! |
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| April 2 was a great day to be heading out of the marina. |
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| The Admiral approved of our motoring progress. |
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There was some ugly weather
headed our way, so
we steered for Bradenton and
a marina where we could sit
comfortably through the weather. |
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Although it was nice on the water, the threatening clouds
were coming towards us. That catamaran is a sister vessel,
looking much like us. |
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Most of the navigation aids were mounted on
pilings as much of these waters are very shallow. |
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| The Admiral and Sailing Instructor man the helm. |
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| Our Hungarian Sailor was enjoying the ride. |
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| Keith, Murph, Rob & Steve enjoying the cruise. |
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| While we enjoyed the sunshine, the clouds were still chasing us. |
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| Rob is happy with his role. |
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Approaching the Sunshine Skyway Bridge
at the mouth of Tampa Bay. |
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| Looks like we've got company! |
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We're hundreds of yards away. For a better perspective,
check out the small powerboat in the red circle. |
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| Oasis crosses below the massive bridge. |
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| Randy contemplating his first day at sea. |
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We beat the weather for a safe
arrival at the Twin Dolphins Marina,
Bradenton, FL. |
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| St. Pete to Bradenton |
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Apr 3 we headed to the mouth of the
Manatee River for a few hours day sailing. |
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Keith, the only non-Delt, captured the Wabash
Delts with their banner flying above them.
Rob, Murph, Randy, Brad, Steve. |
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The entire crew, Keith, Steve,
Randy, Brad, Rob & Murph. |
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A bit overcast, but still fine sailing, including
relaxing on the trampoline forward. Those are Brad's feet. |
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| The Sunshine Skyway Bridge was easily visible to the northeast. |
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| Oasis returned to the Twin Dolphins for the night. |
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Our track returning to Bradenton. CaptMurph forgot to
get the track of our sail, but it was around the area in
light blue and white, labelled "Tampa Bay." |
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A favorite Bradenton haunt, McCabe's Irish Pub,
downtown Bradenton. |
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| Marina sunset |
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Randy collects growlers, so Keith & I
joined him for an evening walk
to add to his collection. |
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