At the junction where SR 528 ceases to be and becomes A1A I could see the smoldering remains of two of the innocent victims of Sunday’s event. Two sailboats sitting side by side all by themselves, set apart from the other boats and yachts in the service yard. Both boats were up on screw jacks with blue tarps stretched beneath them.

   I made my way into the service yard at Cape Marine, parked my truck and walked over to where the two boats had been staged. Black water was still dripping from what was left of the hull and deck of the smaller of the two boats. Small tufts of firefighting foam blew across the ground like lonely tumbleweeds. Looking at these two boats was bad enough but when I asked where the other boat was, the one that had been the cause, unintentionally, of the fire I was directed to a chain linked barb-wired enclosure. Despite flashing my World Of Boating press credential, a twenty dollar bill, I was not able to gain access to the secured area. 

   I spied a ladder laying on the ground and while the fire investigators were busy with the two sailboats I placed the ladder against the fence and climbed up in order to get a look at what had once been a beautiful 35′(?) sportfish boat. It was hard to judge the size because once the boat had caught on fire and burned through its moooring lines, which then put it in contact with the two sailboats, it was towed out to a shallow area behind the cruise ship terminal and left to burn. Burn to the waterline. And so it did.

   Nothing burns like fiberglass and resin and nothing smells like burnt fiberglass and resin.  The deck, what was left of it, had collapsed into the cockpit and cabin. I could see the bow rail but there wasn’t much else left that could define the deck. It was really nothing more than a melted mass of fiberglass surrounded by yellow tape.

   The cause of the fire is still yet to undetermined, although I think we will find that it was electrical in nature. What we do know is this. The sportfish caught fire while in its slip at the Port Canaveral Yacht Club. It burned through its mooring lines and drifted into the sailboats which then caught fire. The sportfish was towed out to a shallow area, which was boomed off, and left to burn. Thankfully there was no loss of life or injuries although one woman, for some crazy reason decided to jump off her boat which was docked at Cape Marina and started to swim towards the boats on fire. She was making some kind of heroic attempt to save lives(?) and almost lost hers in the process due to the fact that the boats moored nearby were pulling out of their slips in order to get as far away from the fire as possible. Imagine a mall parking lot emptying on Christmas Eve after every customer has been held inside until 11:59PM. You get the idea.

   Nothing will but fear into a boat owner like hearing  that there’s a fire at the place where you keep your boat moored, stored, or docked. We had one at the marina to the right of the yacht club and two in the marina to the left. That is what prompted my unscheduled trip to the port and fortunately our yachts were safe and undamaged.

   As more information is released I will pass it along as this will be something that all boaters will be able to learn from.

   Capt. Patrick

Hidden in Plain Sight? Not really but here ya go anyway.

 Link to the video footage of the burned boats along with an original backing track by the supergroup,  Uba Dio.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aimD9g2oais

We all heard the phrase, ” When the money gets funny so does the honey.” Well the money in the market became funny with a negative open.

Fortunately, our honey didn’t. I’m not talking about our significant others.  I’m talking about Honeywell International. Our should I say, ” a well of honey ” in this economic downturn.

I bought a thousand shares of Honeywell (HON) @ $42.60 around 9:33am and sold @$ 43.20 around 10:01 a.m. I locked in $600.oo for Greg’s paper portfolio to purchase a Regal 52.

By the way, I am still holding  the two thousand shares of CLF purchased @$46 per share on July 6, 2010.

Stay tuned…

Thank You.

President McKinley Williams, II

   I found myself fascinated with reading about the exploits of the gunmen and criminals from the Old West and the Depression Era, everyone from the James boys and the Younger brothers to Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson, and Bonnie and Clyde.

   To a young boy there seemed to be something heroic or mythological about these people, who they were and how they got to a point in their lives where they became these notorious, larger than life characters that filled movie screens and book pages. It seemed dangerous and exciting, this world they lived in. Robbing from the rich, sometimes giving to the poor, six shooters and machine guns, saloons and saloon girls, escaping from jails, train robberies, etc.

   When I started acquiring things with my own money I started to see these characters for the flawed and faulted human beings they really were. They weren’t heroes, despite any noble intentions they might have had about putting right perceived wrongs they felt had been done to them or their loved ones. They were robbers, thieves and in some cases, killers. They hurt people by stealing their possessions, money, or taking their lives or the lives of loved ones.

   This brings me to the story of the Barefoot Bandit. If I was a pre-teen or teenager I would probably think the things this young man did were pretty cool and I would more than likely find myself daydreaming about what it would be like to steal a plane and fly it to a Caribbean island, crash land it and walk away and then steal a powerboat and get chased and shot at by the police. And then of course you get caught and now the real circus starts. You get a cute nickname, people are talking about you, writing and singing songs (Jimmy Buffett?) about you, putting your name and image on everything from t-shirts to coffee mugs, paparazzi fighting to take your picture, people across the globe have heard about you. At this point you would probably have an agent, a book deal, a reality TV show and or movie deal in the works. Exciting, huh?

   It would be if I was eight years old again but reality is I’m not and this kid isn’t a hero and shouldn’t be given any more press than a common criminal that has been apprehended. I would bet that the people he stole from have an unromantic view of him and his crimes. Not only did he steal from them, in some cases he destroyed the things he stole. The things that these people worked very hard to pay for or may still be paying for.

   We have come to embrace the folk hero, the anti-hero if you will, whether a real person like D.B. Cooper, or fictional like Walter White from Breaking Bad, because let’s face it, its fun to fantasize about doing the things they have done, things that we would never do in a million years unless maybe we knew we could get away with it. He probably thought he would get away with doing these things forever but when you’re an adult forever may turn out to be as soon as tomorrow and in his case it was.

   Capt. Patrick

Time to lighten the mood with a “Hidden In Plain Sight” bonus feature.

Click the link below to watch and listen as Greg, Bill and I discuss “Whale Poo”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRFvr4kxFks

Click this link to hear “Pretty Story” ——> Pretty story

You’ll love it or my name isn’t Mermaid Toni!

We are still holding our 2 thousand shared of Cliffs Natural Resources (CLF) we bought @46 dollars per share on Tuesday July 6, 2010. We are up ten grand. I hope Greg doesn’t get too excited because we have not sold yet. Investment losses make friendships become strained relationships.

I’ll push my luck, because I’m not selling yet.

Hold your breath!

Financially,

President McKinley Williams, II

   OK, class today’s multiple choice pop quiz question is this: What is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, and can kill you?

A. World Of Boating

B. Scuba Radio

C. Greg the First Mate

D. Ignorance

   Trick question!

   The correct answer of course isn’t listed but in effect it is “D” 

   Allow me to explain for those of you uninformed about the dangers of “ignorance.”

   Ignorance as defined by M-WOD: : the state or fact of being ignorant: lack of knowledge, education, or awareness.

   In short, ignorance kills and it may have played a part in the deaths of two boaters this past weekend in Volusia County, Fl. I have it on fairly good authority that the cause of death for the two people in question will be CO ( Carbon Monoxide ) poisoning. Reports are that their vessel was equipped with an onboard generator but whether this or the vessel’s engines were the so-called culprits of the CO remains to be seen. There is also the possibility that the CO was emitted by a nearby boat and made its way into the stricken vessel. At this point this is all speculation but what is fact is that if the deaths were caused by CO a very simple device could have prevented this tragedy from occurring.

   Dear readers may I present to you the CO Detector.

                Cost: $116.94

   I can’t tell you how many times I have boarded a customers vessel and noticed that the CO detectors were unplugged, had the fuses removed, or had the circuit breakers disabled and when I would ask why they had done so the response I would usually get is that they were constantly going off and making a horrible screeching noise. So they chose to fix the problem not by investigating why the device is going off  but by disconnecting it? If that indeed is your course of action just make sure you do one thing. Let your remaining family members know if you prefer an open or closed casket.

   If you have spent any amount of time out on the water you may have also seen a proliferation of boats with portable generators strapped down on the swim platforms. Bad, bad, bad, and very dangerous. I give these boats a very wide berth and avoid rafting up anywhere near where they are. Chances are these vessels have not even been equipped with CO detectors and they are drawing fuel from either a portable gas tank or have plumbed a T-fitting into the existing gas feed line.

   Let’s take a few minutes and go over some facts about CO.

   Carbon monoxide or CO, not to be confused with CO2, which is carbon dioxide, is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that weighs just about the same as ordinary air, so it often becomes evenly distributed within the living space of a vessel.

    CO is highly poisonous due to its ability to prevent red blood cells from transporting oxygen to the body’s tissues. It cannot be readily sensed but it can show itself in the form of headaches and flu-like symptoms which can easily be misdiagnosed or ignored, to convulsions and unconsciousness, which if it has progressed to this point it’s often too late to take action.

   Several hundred people die per year as a result of CO poisoning in the United States alone, some of which are nearly always aboard recreational or commercial vessels. Because of the airtight nature of boats and the near universal presence of CO producing devices,i.e, stoves, heaters, engines and generators, the occupants of these vessels are at an increased risk for CO poisoning.

   CO is a product of  incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels. Gasoline engines produce CO. The less efficiently they are operating, the more CO they produce. Engines in poor tune or those that are inefficiently loaded produce more CO. Annual maintenance anyone?

   Diesel engines produce CO although in far less quantities than gasoline engines. The rate of CO poisoning from diesel engines may be low but they still should be considered sources of lethal amounts of CO. Regardless of CO content, inhalation of diesel fumes in sufficient quantity can be harmful and even lethal. Diesel exhaust contains about 0.5% CO, compared with a non-catalyst equipped gasoline engine’s 7-11% CO. 

   If you suspect you, a passenger, or someone you encounter is suffering from CO poisoning, the treatment is moving immediately to fresh air and then administration of 100% oxygen. The best solution to CO poisoning, however, is prevention, don’t let it happen to you or your passengers.  CO detectors are readily available and should be installed aboard every boat, in every accommodation space especially the sleeping quarters. 

    CO detectors do need to be replaced somewhere between 3 and 5 years after their initial installation. Some can be returned to the manufacturer to be “refurbed” while others will need to be replaced. If you don’t know how old the one in your boat is replace it, they are fairly inexpensive especially when compared to the cost of a funeral.

   Opt for the CO detector that is wired into the vessels 12v system. The ones that rely on you to install the batteries may be cheaper and easier to install but ask yourself this: When was the last time or how often do you check/change out the batteries in the smoke detector(s) in your house?

   Have a qualified service center install the CO detectors but keep in mind that it is your responsibility to check, maintain, and monitor the detection system.

   For those of you that like to run your boat with all the canvas up ,especially the aft curtain, be aware that boats are subject to the “station wagon effect”……..just Google it, OK?

   Did you know that CO can enter your boat through your sink thru-hull drains? Your drain hoses for your sinks should have a droop or trap in them so that  the “trapped”drain water is acting as a barrier.

    Greg and Bill always end the show with, “Whether sail or motor, life is better as a boater.”  True but it’s even better when you are knowledgeable, informed, and are able to return to your homeport safe and dry.

   Capt. Patrick

If you’ve stumbled this far you are neck deep in another one of Capt. Patrick’s “Hidden In Plain Sight” bonus features. I’m feeling a two-fer since it’s Tuesday so how about an audio clip and an in-studio video?

  Listen in as Bill, Swabby Bob and I interview Capt Keith and the “Barfball” ——>  Barfball

 Watch as ”Greg and Bill Go Fishing For Marlin”——>  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQ-g_m-rzgY

The House and the Senate have reached an agreement on financial regulation Friday which is the ultimate precursor to the definition of an “oxymoron. ”

The agreement will permit some banks to participate in hedge funds , but prohibit them from making risky bets with their own money. Go figure.

Were are  Senator Glass and Congressman Steagall when we need them?

Thank You.

Financially,

President McKinley Williams, II

I took  last week to  research a few ideas to assist Greg  in his quest to purchase  a Regal 52.

With today’s  market pullback; we took a round turn with Teva Pharmaceutical Industries to avoid a collision with a trade loss.

Today we purchased one thousand shares of Teva Pharmaceutical  (TEVA) @$51.63 around 9:55a.m. and sold my position@ $ 52.12 around 2:49p.m. We locked in a profit of $ 890.00.

We currently have a cash position of $ 174,210.00 .

Stay tuned for tomorrows update…

Thank You,

Financially,

President McKinley Williams, II

June 10th Governor Crist and the Florida Wildlife Commission issued an order that will expand the recreational scallop season along the Gulf Coast. The Bay Scallop season will now start on Saturday (July 19th) instead of July 1st and last either until oil closes the beds or September 10th, whichever comes first.

The season is open early from the Pasco-Hernando County line to Mexico Beach Canal in Bay county. That means that Gulf, Franklin, Wakulla, Jefferson, Taylor, Dixie, Levy, Citrus and Hernando counties (the real “armpit” area of FLA) will have two extra weeks at the start of the season.

Scallop “fishing” is unique. Commercial scallopmen use dredges. Sifting through tons of sand to get the scallops. Most of that action happens off the coast of China. Over 80% of the world’s scallops come from China.

In Florida Scallop fishing is VERY different. You take a boat out to the scallop beds (not very far— only about a 15 minute boat trip), you snorkel in about 5 feet of water and conduct what Greg the First Mate calls “an underwater Easter egg hunt, catching them with your hands. When you get them back to the dock, the bivalve shells get cracked open, the big adductor muscle gets cut off one shell and then they use a shopvac to suck the scallop and any dirt or grit off leaving just the muscle and the shell. Then a quick flip and the muscle is cut off of the shell.

So to recap. The “scallop” which is the only shellfish my wife enjoys … is ONLY a muscle. NO guts or brains or anything else.

You will need a Florida Saltwater Fishing license. The limit is two gallons of whole scallops or a pint of meat.

Most sources claim that Scallop comes from the Old French “escalope” for shell. But just as a concept … is it possible that the “shells” the French described were scallop shells. The very distinctive shape of the scallop shell has been a part of decorations for millennia.

Scallops are active swimmers and are the only migratory bivalve that moves under its own locomotion. They exist in all of the world’s oceans.

They are also the only bivalves with eyes. They have both a lens and retina but are still rudimentary… being able to detect light and motion but not shapes.

Scallops have diverse sexuality. Many species are standard heterosexual pairs… several are true hermaphrodites creating both eggs and sperm and a few exhibit protoandrous hermaphrodition. They are males as young and become females later in their life cycle. Some species can live to be 20 years old.

Reproduction is disgusting. Ova and Sperm are released into the water at the same time eventually some eggs are fertilized, fall to the bottom attach to sea grasses and the sandy bottom. The larvae hatch and the float up and attach themselves to plankton.

Now check this… scallops are filter feeders who each plankton by siphoning food onto cilia within the shell that moves the food to its mouth. Food that often includes … scallop larvae.

Good Eats episode Shell Game IV gives two great and easy scallop recipes. Seared Scallops for 11/2 minutes each side in a skillet on high. Baked scallops on the half shell with a breading in a 450 degree oven for 8 -10 minutes.

Scallop production in the US is down. Two major factors are considered the likely culprit. A reduction in seagrass from dredging operations and coastal runoff from construction. Also the overfishing and killing of sharks. The sharks keep the ray populations in check. Without the sharks… the rays can eat to their hearts content.

12:00pm EDT June 21, 2010

Mentira, CA.

UPA Syndicate

   In light of the recent attempts by children and teenagers trying to become the youngest to sail solo around the world comes word out of California that Joseph and Melinda Vanerazzo will have their unborn child take up the challenge. A press conference was held with their attorney, agent, and media consultant all in attendance.

   Reading from a prepared statement Joseph Vanerazzo said the following; “We are very excited to announce that our fertilized embryo that we have named Magellan will become the youngest life form to ever attempt to sail solo around the world. We really believe that our embryo has the skills necessary to make the journey unassisted. We will be tracking Magellan’s progress from our home computer and iPhones on a daily basis and with luck the voyage should be completed in time for Magellan’s insertion into Melinda’s womb.”

   The vessel in which Magellan will be making this attempt resembles a plastic soda bottle with a small set of fixed Viva sails on top and a French designed high tech Le’ Popsicle rudder to provide steering.

   The bottle will be filled with liquid nitrogen so Magellan can be kept at the required 31 degrees below zero Fahrenheit while the voyage is attempted.

   When asked how their embryo acquired the sailing skills needed in order to make such an attempt Mr. Vanerazzo answered that he has been watching the DVD compilation of the America’s Cup races and Baywatch. When pressed by reporters to explain how that would enable his embryo to make the solo attempt he answered, “Yes”

   Magellan is scheduled to depart from the Las Numas Marina tomorrow morning at 11:00am EDT.

                                                  Solo Sailing Attempt Ends In Tragedy And A Book Deal

Updated: 11:05am EDT June 22, 2010

Mentira, CA.

UPA Syndicate

   Family, friends, and well-wishers watched in horror as tragedy struck early this morning as Magellan Vanerazzo’s attempt to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world ended almost before it began.

   With much fanfare little Magellan’s sailing vessel departed on time but it was then almost immediately capsized by the wake of a passing duck. As the vessel struggled against all odds to right itself just inches from the shore, the main mast snapped in two. The upper part of the mast then came crashing down and pierced the stern of the plastic shell which allowed the liquid nitrogen to escape. As soon as the liquid nitrogen started to vent, the sailing vessel began to accelerate and was soon heading out to sea at a high rate of speed. A rescue attempt was launched by the Coast Guard but was quickly abandoned when they were informed that the vessel they were desperately trying to locate was a  plastic soda bottle.

   Several attempts were made to track the vessel but they proved to be unsuccessful. It has since come to light that the vessel was not equipped with a GPS system or an EPIRB and when asked why that had not been done Mr. Vanerazzo answered that they could not afford to outfit the vessel with such devices as all the available monetary funds had been spent on Baywatch DVD’s and two iPhones.

   Their attorney announced that a book deal with a major publisher has been signed and an unnamed movie studio has already bought the rights to the book for 3.2 million dollars.

  Hey, hey, hey, if you survived that nonsense perhaps you’d like to take in some audio and visual stimuli with another one of Capt. Patrick’s “Hidden In Plain Sight” bonus features.

 Click the link below and bear witness as Bill and Greg Jump the Shark:

         http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1c39Zf062So