So, I showed up for duty early on a Saturday morning greeted by Captain Bob and his First Mate, Jaz. The crew consisted of seven sailors. All had many years of sailing and racing experience but one. Yes, I was the very green sailor in the mix. I was given my first assignment of getting provisions for the crew and succeeded; thus, the crew (and I) embarked upon a well timed cruise from the dock to the regatta start line. This entailed going under the Las Olas and 17th St Causeway bridges and passing through Port Everglades.

Once at sea, the winds changed and in the nick of time, just before the 11:20 start. The seemingly calm day turned into a racer’s dream (maybe even a wet dream) with winds up to 20 knots and seas at 3-5 feet . Without a doubt, both conditions tested my sea legs with bruises, scrapes, and near falls to prove it.

Although the regatta officials marked the start of each boat with a horn and flags, Captain Bob wanted to know precisely how long until the race began to tack properly and chart the best course. My second assignment was to watch the time. Armed with my trusty iPhone, I called out each expiring minute. However, when the race began, it was all hands on deck without the ability to time a thing. I placed my prized possession in my dry sack moments after snapping the shot of the First Mate at the bow (seen above) and not to take out again until post-race in relaxation mode (pictured at end of post).

And so the 15th Hospice by the Sea Fort Lauderdale Regatta began.  It’s designed as a challenging, 12-mile, multi-leg course around marks off the coast of Fort Lauderdale Beach benefiting Hospice by the Sea. Although there were dozens upon dozens of other sailboats racing, the VIP of my virgin regatta journey needs to be showcased, Euphorie, a 42 foot Beneteau (pictured right at dock).

During the regatta course, with the strong winds and spinnaker flying, there were various casualties or better said a combination of injuries to both crew and Euphorie. All in all, the total of five were endured:

1) First Mate’s injured and torn fingernail caused by the halyard in taking the spinnaker down and hoisting the jib

2) Broken reefing sheet (worn as necklace in picture below) while trying to reef the main sail

3) Twisted spinnaker (A mess that was tested pre-race.)

4) Leaking hydraulic fluid at helm

5) Second sheet broken in approach to Port Everglades on our return….Which sheet? I don’t recall.

In spite of those five regatta hiccups, Euphorie and its crew triumphed with a sixth place finish. The boat’s name surely rang true as I felt sheer euphoria, elation, ecstasy, joy, and jubilation after my wet behind the ears regatta experience. So upon crossing the finish line, the celebrations began. It was happy hour. As my final assignment as Chief Stewardess, I emerged from the galley with celebratory wine and beer.  Now mind you, not just any cocktail server can accomplish carrying two beers in each hand while trying to avoid bumping his/her head or other body parts on the hatch, boom, or numerous other precarious items, but I did it with finesse.

Now with my premier regatta under my belt, I have a longing to learn more. I would like to climb the ranks of the crew for my segunda regatta. Maybe I can serve a dual purpose as a part-time mate and a part-time stewardess. So if, practice makes perfect, I may need to charter a beautiful boat with my sailor mates near in the future. Who’s in with me?

And so, I will conclude this good time and good story with a special thank you poem to Captain Bob, First Mate Jaz, and Euphorie’s crew.

———————-

I’ll winch your sheet,

pour your drink,

prepare to come about,

and will take a boom to the head sans pout!

————————

Here’s to more starboard & portside adventures!

I’m sure there will be good times & good stories amongst them too!

Coming to Fort Lauderdale to escape the wintry weather for Super Bowl 2010 or perhaps Spring Break 2010??

Here’s a list of my favorite spots to enjoy in FTL…

Must do:

1) The beach and boardwalk: Take in the main beach drag, A1A, that follows the blue Atlantic Ocean waters and is lined with a beautiful boardwalk for pedestrians, bikers, roller bladers, and more. You will see the Super Bowl numbers featured in the post’s picture at the A1A & Las Olas Intersection, which is my favorite section of the beach for laying out as well as in front of the Elbo Room & Spazios (both worth a visit for a beer with a view).

2) Intercoastal and Water Taxi ride: Often called the Venice of the United States, a trip to Fort Lauderdale is not complete without witnessing the architectural beauty of the houses or as I like to call them, “McMansions.” You can see some of the canals from the waterside restaurants such as Shooter’s, Taverna Opa, Pier 66, but there is something about getting the feel of the New River, Las Olas, and doing it from the water on the Water Taxi which allows for getting on and off at multiple stops all day.

3) Are you a high roller or looking for a good club scene? The Hardrock Casino is ideal for a little gaming and a night at Pangea (especially on Friday or Saturday night). The casino is located a short drive or cab ride from Fort Lauderdale in Hollywood, Florida. There you will find a Mecca of restaurants, nightclubs, shopping, and an array of concerts.

4) Interested in gator watching? Holiday park is located West of Fort Lauderdale past the suburbs of Plantation and Weston and into the Everglades.  At Holiday park, you can take an hour long airboat ride through the Everglades to see birds, alligators, and other “swamp things.” Afterwards, you can take pictures and hold alligators as well as witness an alligator expert demonstrate the strength and agility of the park’s many alligator residents.

5) If you are interested in great views of the beach (like picture below) and some of hot South Florida beauties stop by the W Hotel for its pool party called Salvation Sundays from 12:30pm to 8:00pm (21 and over).

Must eat:

1) For something with a beach view for lunch or dinner, try Casablanca – Right on A1A sits this historic home serving up seafood, American and Mediterranean fare, & nightly entertainment.

2) For something on the Intercoastal with a constant parade of the luxurious boats, experience Taverna Opa.  At this Greek eatery, let the ouzo flow freely with dancing staff, napkins flying, expert belly dancers, & sturdy tables to loose your inhibitions with your dinner companions or new friends.

3) For high end, fine dining experiences, try Johnny V’s on Las Olas, da Campo Osteria, or Steak954

4) Off the beach on Sunrise Blvd, you will find Canyon. It is a small, but very popular Southwestern restaurant with a twist.  Whatever your choice from the menu, do try their specialty drink, the Prickly Pear Margarita, which is well worth the trip.

Look forward to seeing you down here in Sunny Florida for a festive Super Bowl, Spring Break, and beyond!!

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