Navigation

When I purchased Miss Marisol last month, I decided that keeping a slip in Port Charlotte, FL was not practical. The trip from Orlando by car should take around 3 hours in theory. That theory has yet to be confirmed as accidents on I-4 and brush fires near I-75 have caused hours of delays during commutes to the new boat.

I work in sales and spend a considerable amount of time driving the roads of Florida. Over the years, I've joked with my wife about my driving and compared it to knowing the tides and navigating a tall ship. When I turn north from Miami, I calculate rush hour in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Melbourne, and Orlando before deciding on the best route.

I'm now an actual Captain. Well, I'm at least a skipper. I'm planning a 160 nautical mile trip from Port Charlotte to Islamorada. Although I've spent a considerable amount of time aboard boats, this is my first voyage as Captain.

Although this trip is intimidating, I feel like I've been preparing for it for a very long time. I've challenged myself this year to step up and make my sailing daydreams a reality. I went to ASA sailing school. I bought the boat. I've spent hours studying. And I downloaded too many navigation apps.

Next Friday, my brother and I will pull away from the dock and begin a 3-4 day journey. This is happening. Finally.