A Day and a half with Capt. Chris Caldwell …March 20 and April 10th

Without a doubt one my best days on the water was hiring Capt. Chris Caldwell for trawler training.

Shear terror became an optimistic challenge. I can’t say enough about how Chris helped us.  In the first hour Ruth said “Worth every penny.” Chris looked over SomeRlovin’s   engine room, electrical panel, water system and safety equipment.  His wife Capt. Elyse worked as a nurse and so he understood my need for a fully equipped first aid kit including an AED which we have on our boat.  (Charlie thinks we should fly a white cross flag to alert other boaters of our medical capability.)

Maneuvering in and out of Loggerhead slips multiple times for practice helped us become more confident. Dan spent time using only the engine and no side thrusters. It can be quite difficult on a single engine boat especially in wind or current and in tight situations.  Depending on thrusters can be saved for me!

I practiced using the VHF radio and we went to the Vero Beach Municipal marina to practice picking up a mooring ball.  Chris was with us from 9am till 6pm and taught the entire time including during lunch.  On a different night, Elyse gave a free lecture at the power squadron for First Mates and the combination of these two dynamite instructors right here in Vero Beach was a Godsend and substantially improved our preparation for our journey north.