This column is going to invite a lot of “must be nice” comments—and I deserve all of them. But damn, the logistics of a boating writer’s life on the road can be tricky.
Even in boat built to handle offshore water, respect for the conditions is essential.
Case in point? I was supposed to be driving across the Sunshine State tomorrow afternoon to stay the night in Fort Lauderdale ahead of Thursday morning’s planned departure for the 35th annual Florida Powerboat Club Bahamas Poker Run presented by Deep Impact Custom Boats.
Problem is, Thursday’s weather forecast is looking miserable for the crossing from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini.
That’s thing about weather. It has a way of changing boating plans. And even on presumably good days, the Atlantic Ocean between Fort Lauderdale and Bimini can get mean in a hurry.
And so I will rise early tomorrow to drive to the event’s Pier 66 departure point to meet Mark and Eileen Fischer of Deep Impact, my hosts for the week, on a Deep Impact 499 center console. I’ve experienced the ride of that beast-of-an-offshore-boat in bad water several times.
So I expect to catch up on lost sleep during the crossing.
Still, even if your ride happens to be a Deep Impact 499, respect for weather and water conditions is a must. Because nature wins. Always.
Once we get back to South Florida, the Fischers and I will have a day to turn around and head for Baltimore for the Rockin’ The Harbor Poker Run. The Baltimore event will be a “first” for me, and despite what I am certain will be some serious culture shock—the Bahamas and Baltimore being a tad different—I am looking forward to it.
Bring on the “must be nice” comments. I welcome them. They are well-deserved. And I earn every one of them.