Off-season

I've wondered how much work there would be for me at Sailing Florida through the off-season.  So far, the answer is - plenty.  Since the 4th of July weekend the level of chartering activity has dropped off considerably, as expected.  But the demand for sailing schools continues.  Here are just a couple of photos from recent classes I've taught.

And when I'm not out teaching there are a long list of mechanical chores, like catching up with service routines on the diesel engines and generators: oil, filters, fuel filters, water pump impellors, belts, hoses, clamps, and so on. 

This is the Yanmar on our Beneteau 37 - one of several I've recently had my hands on.  Clearly this sort of work is more like work, and very different from a day spent with students out on the water.  Nonetheless I do get satisfaction from performing these service routines.  It's good for me to know these engines, and when I step back, start them up and hear them running again, I am pleased.

Yesterday, on the way home from work at the marina, I stopped, got off my bike and took this photo.  I think it says quite a lot.

"Sailing for dollars"

That was Captain Z's response to me.  "Sailing for dollars." 

I was teaching on our Beneteau 32 last weekend.  We were doing docking exercises over at the Harborage Marina when I saw Mike Zornes on a Flagship Sailing Catalina 25 with several students.  He was doing docking exercises too.  He waved at me. 

I hadn't seen Capt Z in a while.  I've been busy doing my thing with Sailing Florida out of the Vinoy Marina.  I'm sure he's been busy too, with his gig around the Harborage.  I went to the bow of the boat and spoke to him across the water. 

"How you been?", I asked.

"Sailing for dollars."