2009 VOYAGES UPDATES

UPDATE#13 03/10 thru 03/15

Howdy Everybody,

The adventures of 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009 through 03/09/09 have been published on the website. We continue with the latest edition.

UPDATE 2009 #13 03/10/09 thru 03/15/09

At last update, we were aboard AMARSE in Boat Harbour Marina at Marsh Harbour, Abacos, Bahamas.

03/10/09 TUESDAY BOAT HARBOUR

With eager anticipation, the members of the Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club have been awaiting the evening for the huge “Pirate’s Party”. Each month in the winter, the RMHYC hosts a very special “shindig”. Many members have been preparing vigorously and making pirate outfits that would make even “Jack Sparrow”, or the infamous, “Blackbeard” Edward Teach, totally envious.

With blond locks in braided strands, Judy puts some final touches into Joan’s (CHRISTINE) coiffeur.

When the crew disembarked from the notorious pirate ship, “AMARSE”, the swashbuckler Captain, Fred Reed, and the “Queen of the Bounding Main”, Judy Law, were looking strikingly dashing and debonair.

Over the centuries, the Bahamas has known many a scoundrel, many a pirate rascal, and many a seafaring wench in their day. None of them has ever compared to those gathering here in the Abacos tonight. Perhaps we should be scared, but I think we’ll just have a lot of fun instead.

From the pirate ship, M/V TALLY HO, Captain Ed and Shirley Zellers…

The heroic master of the high seas, Captain Fred Reed and his lovely Queen, Judy Law…

I wonder if it was that same parrot that “poked out” the patched eye of Captain Bob Wieczorek (pirate ship MAGNUM OPUS). Did you happen to notice the pirate tattoo on Roberta (IDEMNITY)? Pirate gal, Rita Reis Wieczorek (MAGNUM OPUS), was dressed to the nines…

The most notorious of all pirates in the area, Captain Jim Fenn (FENNDERS)...

And then there were these fair maidens of the realm, Bette (TAR HEEL), Audrey (JAFTICA), Susan (SUSAN’S COVE), and Judy (AMARSE)…

Walking straight off the plank from the pirate ship, LO KEE, Milt and Kathy Sales…

Here in the Bahamas, the pirate culture is instilled at a very young age. Grandma Diane Brenneman (LADY DI) wasted no time in “bringing up the pirate child in the way he should go”…

When your son-in-law is a patch-eyed pirate, even John Thomassen (OUR TIME) has a right to be darn proud…

Gail Thomassen (OUR TIME) used her “pirate power” to extract the admission tariff from all “who dared to enter”.

You’ve heard about the “Pirates of the Caribbean”, well this mother and daughter duo are from the well known, “Pirates of Canada”. Gail and Lisa (OUR TIME)…

In command of the sleek pirate ship CHABLIS, Dave and Barb Bluto really knew how to play the role.

The likes of this dastardly fellow makes me wonder if I’ll ever dare the courage to head to sea again, or not…

Our own “Rear Commodore of Socials”, Sue Graham (ODYSSEY), cavorts with two “Past Commodores”, Robert Wilson (SEA ISLAND GIRL) and John Mitchell (FANNY BAY).

It is so wonderful that this lovely maiden, “Queen Judy”, has chosen to go to sea with me aboard the pirate ship AMARSE.

I’ll drink to that…

From the pirate ship, RAGGEDY ANN, came daughter Michelle, mom ANN, and the bearded Captain Dick Cunneen…

Ed and Shirley Zellers (M/V TALLY HO) are a couple of real pirate treasures…

In Canada, the “pirate’s life” begins at an early age. The mom, Lisa (OUR TIME), instructs her two pirate youngsters, and another young lass from DIVA, in the fine art of “Scurvy Prevention”.

That wicked Captain Wink, of the Ghost Ship JOHN HENRY, takes shocking advantage of the fair maiden, Wilma, by grabbing a “hook” full of flesh…

With super good-looking gals like these around, it is definitely, “a pirate’s life for me”.

Cheers… Fred and Judy (AMARSE) and Karen O’Brien (CHRISTMAS)…

Kathy Fenn (center)(FENNDERS), and Charlie and Rose (WILD ROSE)…

Our club “pirate poet” Carolyn Wilson (SEA ISLAND GIRL)…

Judy Howenstine from the pirate ship, SILVER FOXES, checked in the motley pirate bunches and filled the coffers with doubloons.

If you ever hear, “Yo-Ho-Ho and a bottle of rum”, you can bet it won’t be from Captain Mike (LIBATIONS IV). From him, it would have to be, at least, “Yo-Ho-Ho and two bottles of Rum”. His wife, Pat Beneville, always makes sure that his dues are fully paid up for the “International Brotherhood of Pillaging and Plundering Pirates” union.

Is there some kind of hidden message here?

Bette and David Bauereis (TAR HEEL) are pirates extraordinaire.

One thing for sure, the RMHYC gang of pirates knows how to have a fun time…

Initially, I had a tough time imagining a gang of famished pirates arriving back from months of plundering and pillaging, then sauntering into an island pub to order the “roasted Cornish hen and fettuccini alfredo” combo. I must say that, after just a few bites, I was firmly convinced that it was exactly the right choice for this distinguished and discriminating group of pirates.

The socials director assigned Judy to monitor the tray of Cornish hens. It was her job to make sure that no one “grabbed” too many breast pieces…

Everyone raved and congratulated the resort chef for the fine dinner feast…

Pirate Captain Ray Vallerie (LAST DANCE) …

The lovely Karen O’Brien and, Ahrrggg, Captain Steve of the pirate ship (CHRISTMAS)…

The most famous of the women pirates was the infamous, Mary Read… History states that, after capture, she was spared being hung because she was pregnant. I don’t know if it was a coincidence or not, but we never saw “Mary Read” and Vanessa Benjamin (S/V TALLY HO) in the same place together. It was this one that gave the many announcements warning of this party’s date and time happenings at our morning radio meetings. She was great…

Representing the North Carolina contingent of pirates, Bette Bauereis (TAR HEEL)…

It is readily apparent that the famous pirate, Jack Sparrow, of “Pirates of the Caribbean” fame, must have learned all he knew from the Master of TAR HEEL, David Bauereis…

From the pirate vessel, JOHN HENRY, Captain Wink told us all, “Sure, it’s all fun and games until someone loses an eye”…

Commodore Jim Fenn extended our thanks and appreciation for coordinating such a wonderful event. In recognition to the co-chairs, Mike and Pat Beneville (LIBATIONS IV) and Joan and Jim Elliott (CHRISTINE), what else could have been more appropriate than a “bottle of Nassau Royale, Bahamian rum”?

The Commodore summoned “Mary Read” to the mast. Surprisingly, four lovely maiden wenches answered the call.

With the wisdom of a dedicated leader, Jim was able to quickly dismiss the imposters and recognize the “real” Mary Read… (Vanessa Benjamin, S/V TALLY HO)…

To the amazement of all, pirate "swabbies", David Crone and Andrew Benjamin, had discovered this stowaway lad hidden in the bilges. They had “thrown him in chains” and dragged him forth to the Pirate Commodore…

Admonishing his un-seaman-like behavior, the Supreme Commodore Pirate sang, “Boy For Sale”… What a hoot!

The Thomassen’s (OUR TIME) cute granddaughter offered bits of lime to everyone to help ward off the disastrous effects of “scurvy”…

Ben (DIVA) and Margaret Bechard’s granddaughter shared the lifesaving limes and she was happy to report that there were no new cases of scurvy plaguing the pirate group.

The residents of Dock 4 sang their ditty to the group. I was singing so there was no picture taken.

In this picture, the motley rascals from Dock 7 harmonized their special musical tribute.

While David strummed the tune, Bette Bauereis (TAR HEEL) astounded us with her magnificent performance of a selection from “Three Penny Opera”. They were wonderful.

Carolyn and Robert Wilson amused us with a special song that she wrote that included references to lots and lots of club members. We all listened intently to the clever lyrics.

…and just what is that lecherous parrot staring at? You can bet he isn’t just saying “Polly wanna cracker”…

Skate dancing to Jimmy Buffett’s “Three-legged Pirate”, Wilma Thornton (JOHN HENRY) might just be the only “roller-wheeled” pirate gal on the high seas…

The infamous swashbuckler, Pirate Captain Fred of the Pirate Ship AMARSE… Beware, beware, all ye who take to the sea!!!!!

Talk about finding a treasure chest…

In her finest pirate attire, Kathy Sales (LO KEE)…

Sharing a life at sea, Pirate couple Kathy and Milt Sales (LO KEE) …

Canadian pirates, Henry and Lilly Jamrozinski (OH HENRY)… Rumor has it that he had his bad eye carved out like he was a potato spud…

Pirates Peter and Sally Sweeting (ABR)… "Avast ye, me good mates, and have ye a good time…"

The pirate ship, JAFTICA, manned by David and Audrey Crone, dare ye to board her on Dock 5…

Eat, Drink, and be Merry… for tomorrow, we set sail aboard the S/V TALLY HO, so sayeth Captain Andrew.

SALTY DAWG pirates, Pat and Pat Dwyer…

Dining, Dancing, and Drinking; that’s how the RMHYC does it in 3-D mode…

Yield, ye swabbies; there’s no escape from the pirate ship, REAL ESCAPE, and her crew, Tim and Patty…

When it’s your 65^th birthday, I guess you are allowed certain liberties by Leslie. Happy Birthday, Pirate Captain Wayne (EASY DUET)...

The Pirate Commodore, Jim Fenn (FENNDERS), dons the dred-locks and grabs up a salty wench and a drink to quench both his thirsts…

Adorned with skull necklaces, Judy (AMARSE) and Sue (ODYSSEY) are a duo of pirate’s dreams…

Some pirate guys “have all the luck”…

After being captured as a stowaway, Ray Vallerie was chained to the “juke box” and destined to fulfill the musical desires of the entire pirate gathering. I’ve got to tell you, “Nobody, but nobody, anywhere or anytime, could ever put together a more enjoyable collection of “our kind of tunes”. Thanks, Ray !!!!!!

Pirates Bill and Mary Russell are just back in from a plundering escapade aboard HARBOUR REACH.

Susan and Ray (LAST DANCE)… Waltzing with waves…

These Canadian Pirates, John and Gail Thomassen (OUR TIME) may look ferocious but they are really smooth dancing partners.

Mary and Frank (SEA SMOKE)… He goes by the pirate name, “Phrank”…

Brenda and Ted Baker on the Pirate Vessel, BRENDA J. Just ask yourself this question, “Is it wise to select a pirate as your club treasurer?”

“Time Flies When You’re Having Rum”… Generously doling out the rations of rum and grog at the open-bar, Dave (TERALEE) and Steve (INDEMNITY) made sure everyone had “lots of fun”.

Sing it David (JAFTICA), well, “That’s one for my baby, and one more for the road…”

Pirate gals, Gayle (CASTLE) and Susan…

KINJA KAT pirates, Gretchen and Kent have all the right moves…

A “Pair of posing Pat Pirates”… (SALTY DAWG)

It’s possible that these two “savage sailors” have been out at sea just a little too long…

“Yo-Ho, Yo-Ho, It’s a Parrot’s Life for Me?”

When the dance is over and the moon is full, it’s a perfect time to “howl” on the beach.

It was a beautiful, warm night. Pat (LIBATIONS IV) and Ray (LAST DANCE) waded out into the tranquil, salty water.

Mike (LIBATIONS IV) was stripped and on the run to join them. Life is all about having fun with your friends… Here at the RMHYC, we live life to the fullest.

Pirate gal turned Beach babe under the light of the full moon…

Emerging from the deep brine, the intrepid ones return from the sea…

Pat and Mike (LIBATIONS IV), Ray (LAST DANCE), and Joan (CHRISTINE) may be a little bit soggy but just look at all those smiles…

Mary and Frank (SEA SMOKE) splash playfully under the full moon…

It was a terrific evening and night. If you are not yet a member of this RMHYC group, I sure hope you find a way to join up soon. I cannot even imagine a place where you could have more wonderful friends to enjoy all these fantastic events and fun times.

03/11/09 WEDNESDAY BOAT HARBOUR MARINA

In the morning hours, I continued work on a DVD presentation of the Junkanoo festival. With lots of hours of input using the Roxio Creator 10 software, the production is shaping up nicely.

Several of the group loaded up their dinghy inflatables for an afternoon of shelling at low tide.

Judy picked up this live “bell conch”. Note the rugged, tough foot that the sea creature uses to maneuver though the sands and shallow waters. Of course, she immediately returned it to the sandy, grass bed.

Shirley (M/V TALLY HO) was locating her trove of sea treasures.

Ed and Shirley Zellers (M/V TALLY HO) joined us for dinner aboard AMARSE. Everyone enjoyed the Chicken and mushroom dish that Judy prepared. We accompanied it with a freshly cooked medley of carrots, celery, and onions. Judy’s special cheesy scalloped potatoes, made with “laughing cow” cheese wedges, were delicious.

The evening “Farkle” game was lots of fun and we had the opportunity to teach them the game, “Ship, Captain, Crew”. After our guests had departed for the night, I stayed up until 3:15am working on the Junkanoo presentation DVD.

03/12/09 THURSDAY BOAT HARBOUR MARINA

Ben and Margaret Bechard (DIVA) have had family visiting from Ontario this month. A beautiful, waterfront house was rented for their comfortable stay. The kids and grandkids will be departing soon and so they hosted a wonderful, farewell party at the sea-house. They put out a scrumptious buffet loaded with snacking treats.

The rented sea-house is also for sale. Listed at only $1,499,000.00 and it could be yours “if the price is right”. I wonder if Frank and Mary (SEA SMOKE) would be interested in putting on a small down payment to clinch the deal. Like everyone else, it will probably remain, “just a dream”.

03/13/09 FRIDAY BOAT HARBOUR MARINA

Again today, the all time consuming project of creating a Junkanoo DVD presentation robbed the valuable hours. Lots of friends have been asking for copies of pictures from the Pirates’ Party too. I finally got around to emailing a bunch of those out.

Tonight at 6pm, we were invited to our dear friends and dock neighbors boat for dinner. Bill and Mary Russell (HARBOUR REACH) served some fabulous skewers of grilled shrimp. Accompaniments included a wild rice mixture and stir-fry veggies. Her delectable dessert was fresh strawberry slices, topped with a homemade chocolate sauce and mounds of whipped cream. Without a doubt, everything was superb.

After dinner, the dice came out for some six-dice Farkle games. It was our first experience using the extra die. We enjoyed the variation that plays to 30,000 points. With a lot of luck, I won with just a little squeaker’s difference. In turn, we taught them to play “Ship, Captain, Crew”.

03/14/09 SATURDAY BOAT HARBOUR MARINA

You guessed it; it was another day of production on the Junkanoo DVD. By late afternoon, I had completed a successful DVD program depicting the events of both the 2008 and 2009 parade festivals held in Marsh Harbour. I’ve got to say that it is really good and the authentic Junkanoo music tracks give it additional realism.

At 6pm, the Annual Pathfinders’ Auction got underway in the big tent at the Abaco Beach Resort. This is our third year to attend the event that raises money for scholarships given to qualifying Bahamian students from the Abacos. It is a big money event every year, however, this years participation was down and items seemed to be going for a bit less than in previous years. Perhaps, this is another indication of the struggling economies both here and on the continent.

The Silent Auction program precedes the Live Auction portion. Unfortunately for us, we were outbid on all the items that we bid on. For the prospective recipients, higher bids are a good thing. Our RMHYC group was well represented and contributed in a goodly amount of the rigorous bidding.

03/15/09 SUNDAY BOAT HARBOUR MARINA

We made numerous calls using the Skype connections. Quite a bit of time was spent planning the bottom job maintenance for AMARSE and for our timely return to the US coast. AMARSE received the last bottom job in Florida back in April of 2007. We used the best quality of paint available in the US under the label of Pettit Trinidad SR. We had certainly expected better performance and longevity with that application. Brunswick, Georgia is infamous for severe fouling and underwater growth. Clearly, a healthy estuary is a great asset for the environment but very harsh to the hulls of boats. We will continue to examine alternatives to the fouling problem.

Judy packed up her collection of sea biscuits, variety of shells, and colorful sea-glass for safe passage.

Wilma brought her examples of an interesting jewelry form. The pieces were made from old watch parts and faces adorned with trinket items.

At 5pm, Judy and I boarded OUR TIME for cocktails and dinner. As guests of John and Gail Thomassen, the aft sundeck was delightfully sunny and warm for our drink choices. Gail served a fantastic Chicken Stir Fry, tomato and cucumber salad with Feta, and a tossed salad choice. The evening entertainment included the DVD movie, “Pirates of the Caribbean – Dead Man’s Chest”. Having been in the pirate spirit and mode, we enjoyed the film. Thanks, John and Gail…

CONTINUING UPDATES ARE IN PROGRESS…

WATCH FOR THEM, COMING SOON…

POST SCRIPT:

We sincerely hope that you will review the previous years of compilations to give context to the current editions. Please let us know if you have any special suggestions and thoughts.

REMEMBER: The website is now fully active and you can visit it at any time. You can review any of the 2006, 2007, or 2008 logs and learn more about the crew and our plans. Enjoy.

ATTENTION: SPECIAL NOTE:

You may contact us via email anytime.

Thanks for allowing us to share our life and adventures with you.

Lotsa Luv,

Fred Reed and Judy Law

AMARSE

MT40

"AMARSE" is pronounced "AM-ARE-SAY".

Our website is: www.amarse.net .