Island Packet

Robin and I spent the past week visiting Mom and Doug in the Sunshine state. The weather was a perfect respite as the 'gales of November came early" to Northwest Arkansas.

Flying is always such a drag. But we managed to make to Florida without a hitch. Had a great visit with Mom and Doug. I'm certain that Mom enjoyed the visit as the weather was perfect for a short stroll in Tarpon Springs. We enjoyed a meal and some coffee surrounded by all things Greek.

Robin and I took a walk down the pier to the municipal docks. We met a cruising couple aboard a Pearson 355. They had crossed the Gulf from Apalachicola. The intercoastal waterway provides a navigable ditch on the Eastern Seaboard from the Masaquan River in New Jersey around the Florida peninsula and ending in Brownsville Texas. Unfortunately there are a few places where the ICW doesn't exist. The cruisers had spent about 40 hours traveling in the rough waters of the Gulf and were tired. It was nice to meet people who share a similar dream.

Robin and I also managed to spend some time looking at boats. Ostensibly an Island Packet sailboat. . IP's are serious crusing boats for serious sailors. We mangaged to look at few boats berthed in Sarasota and Palmetto.

Of course, these are some of the more expensive boats available. But they have many safety features many have sailed around the world. They are very durable with a full keel and skeg hung rudder. For a point of reference most lake and inland boats like our beloved Bella Luna have a small keel. This is adventageous for sailing on lakes and fair weather cruising. Finding ourselves in some big ocean seas, the full keel on an IP would dampen the motion and keep us more comfortable and safe. Furthermore, the rudder is protected, should the boat make an inadvertant landfall.

More importantly, IP's are cutter rigged boats. Unlike Bella Luna, which is a sloop. A sloop has a main'sl and a genoa. A cutter rig has a main'sl and two sails forward. A jib and a staysail. This sail plan allows for more adjustment to maximize safety and speed.

IP's are beautifuly appointed below. The joinery is exceptional and they are comforable and roomy inside.

Here is photo of the galley of one of the boats we look at. Corian countertops and loads of features. This boat had a separte freezer and all the amenities that we have become acustomed to at home.