work in progress…..

Students from the Miami Learning Experience returned for another Fun Day Sailing today. it was a small group with big hearts, four students and two teachers. It was windy with chilly temperatures. we stayed close to shore. For the most part, it was a harbor cruise. I could not have had better volunteers to command the two Sonar sailboats. Randy and Kenny grew up in Miami, and I have known them since 1980.….

The forecast for today was for NW winds, 10-15 knots, gusting to 20 knots. Our float plan was easy, given the weather forecast and the high tide. Make a left from the SeaPlane Channel, stay close to shore, and sail to the Viscaya museum and around their little island, which is like a driveway for boats. Our chairman of the Board, Moises Alfonso, and I launched the coach boat and followed along, taking pictures and cheering on. We navigated back the same route we came out. The wind was gusty and too strong…

It was another windy day on the bay. Ten students and two teachers from the Miami Learning Experience came sailing with us. The previous week was canceled due to the chill and strong wind. They returned back to port earlier than expected. One of the students complained about motion sickness, so the coach in charge made the right decision and turned around….

Today, we had our second visit with students from the Divine Academy. Another cold front had arrived with chilly temperatures and windy conditions. We sailed close to shore to avoid splashing waives that would make everyone wet. The excursion turned into a harbor cruise. We started out sailing through the Sea Plane Channel but eventually turned around. Our journey continued past City Hall, through Dinner Key Marina, towards Regatta Park, the Seminole boat ramp, and the Coconut Grove Sailing Club’s mooring field. Yours truly was taking pictures from our coach boat. I had a “can’t miss” meeting and had to return to base sooner than usual. Ed Marreo replaced me at the dock to welcome the sailors back.

It was a perfect day for what we always do: have fun and teach sailing while keeping everything safe. It was a breeze day blowing from N-N-W. We stayed close to the shore and sailed to the Vizcaya Museum. Then, we circumnavigated the "Stone-ship" island multiple times while visitors took our picture, probably wishing they were aboard with us.

Our route back to port took us through the Deering channel into the Bay. The breeze was a lot fresher, and the sail home was breathtaking. One of the students (with zero prior experience) tried his hand at the tiller. We have reason to believe that a new sailor was born….

Today, we had a low turnout for our Fun Day Sailing event from the Miami Learning Experience. Only five students and two teachers joined us, even though we had room for twice as many. It's possible that some parents are hesitant to let their kids try sailing and be on the water because it's a new experience for them. However, I want to reassure everyone that our activity is completely safe. In fact, the real danger might be coming to the venue itself. To address parents' concerns, we should consider inviting them to sail with us on a separate day so they can experience it for themselves and see how safe and enjoyable it is. Call it “Fun Day for Parents”.

It was time for another episode of “Fun Day Sailing”. Team Paradise welcomed eleven new students and two counselors from the amazing school, the Miami Learning Experience. Some were familiar faces who had sailed with us a few years ago. We sailed across the Bay towards Key Biscayne, then turned around and headed for the Viscaya Musem. All along, we had Brickell and downtown Miami as the backdrop. It was scenic, for sure! We continued through the Deering Channel and made it around the Viscay waterfront driveway. Our journey continued along the Mercy Hospital waterfront, and we exited close to Grove Isle….

Team Paradise welcomed seven students and three counselors from the Miami Learning Experience for a “Fun Day Sailing” on Biscayne Bay. The weather was perfect, with moderate winds and a light chop. This was the school's first visit, and several more are planned. Episode 2 takes place next week. Let the pictures and videos tell the story…….