As some of you know we moved the boat south from Long Island to Longboat Key Fla a few weeks ago. Although I had traveled with Larry (CSR) from Nj to Morehead I was then on my own for 9 more days this was a trip I had never done before and by far the longest run I had ever done. I did have the luxury of a few members here that reached out and offered to keep an eye on us as we transited the coast which in fact made me feel good it was reassuring to know someone was tracking us and waited for us to check in at the end of the day.
One guy who was working at FLIBS when I hit the south was Capt Rusty now I had asked him a few questions prior to my departure which he answered but I didn’t expect him to check in on me every A.M. and call every night knowing where I was and where I was heading the next day
This was like setting the autopilot on “Rusty” mode and just watching the gauges all day. His nightly briefing consisted of what I was to expect the following day as far as weather,route, obstacles, bridges and Locks.
He even had instructions for what my wife where to do when we arrived at each lock where to hang fenders high,low, what side wear a life jacket you name it he nailed it perfectly I’m sure he’s been through them more than once in his career. Rusty even asked me if I thought I could make it further he would call ahead to a marina to get me in and where to get fuel. I did chart out my stops along the way but if we where making good time my plan changed daily and he knew exactly where I’d land
Its no secret that Rusty is working for himself now so making money should be a priority to him but a friend is a friend he stepped aside daily to make sure we where ok and that meant the world to me I just hope that If I or anyone here ever needs to hire a Capt his name would come up on the top of the list .
FYI: He’s been known to operate other brands so talk him up on the docks
thanks buddy for looking out for Martha and I. We truly did appreciate it
One guy who was working at FLIBS when I hit the south was Capt Rusty now I had asked him a few questions prior to my departure which he answered but I didn’t expect him to check in on me every A.M. and call every night knowing where I was and where I was heading the next day
This was like setting the autopilot on “Rusty” mode and just watching the gauges all day. His nightly briefing consisted of what I was to expect the following day as far as weather,route, obstacles, bridges and Locks.
He even had instructions for what my wife where to do when we arrived at each lock where to hang fenders high,low, what side wear a life jacket you name it he nailed it perfectly I’m sure he’s been through them more than once in his career. Rusty even asked me if I thought I could make it further he would call ahead to a marina to get me in and where to get fuel. I did chart out my stops along the way but if we where making good time my plan changed daily and he knew exactly where I’d land
Its no secret that Rusty is working for himself now so making money should be a priority to him but a friend is a friend he stepped aside daily to make sure we where ok and that meant the world to me I just hope that If I or anyone here ever needs to hire a Capt his name would come up on the top of the list .
FYI: He’s been known to operate other brands so talk him up on the docks
thanks buddy for looking out for Martha and I. We truly did appreciate it