08/31/2009 A name for our Ships log readers

Well we now know what to call all y’all. I got a lot of great ideas from all you guys, thanks to everyone who sent in submissions. We decided to use Jim Hamilton’s idea. So thanks to Jim I’ll refer to all those of you who are reading our ships log ‘cause you can’t go with us, this time, to “The Somedayers”.

And remember “Somedayers”, we still have one berth open for anyone who can’t stand the thought of watching this trip from the website. You know you want to go!!!

Till next time, keep smiling.

Hi everyone, First Mate Jim here again with our latest updates. Well, the shopping is just about done; the only things left to get are the perishables. Thank goodness that is over.  Perry has been doing a great job getting the galley ready for the voyage, good job Perry.

Capt. Greg and I want to take a minute here to remind all of you folks who have been following us on you ships log, that there’s still time to join us. That’s right boys and girls, we have one birth still open for anyone who wants to go with us, and we’d love to have you. As all of you know, we’re leaving on Sep. 10^th, and we’ll be arriving in southern Florida on or about Nov. 1^st, you can join us for the whole trip for $1500.00. We will be in Annapolis Maryland around the first of Oct. and we’ll be leaving after the boat show around the 12^th. So, if you don’t want to, or if you can’t join us for the whole trip just do the first or second half, to or from Annapolis, for $750.00. The bottom line is, you know you don’t want to be left behind, forced to read this log and miss out on all the fun, so give Capt. Greg or me a call (Capt. Greg (419) 466-3699; F/M Jim (937) 572-8473) if you want to join us, we really do want you to.

One more thing everyone, I need to know what to call you folks. Jimmy Buffet has “Parrot Heads”, we need a name for all of our friends and fans that are following and supporting us by reading our Ships Log and I don’t know what to call you guys. So, if anyone has an idea send me an Email at jim@bananawinds.com , and if I use your idea I’ll give you credit for it.

Until next time, we bid you fair winds and calm seas

Jim Southward

First Mate

Banana Winds Sailing Charters

Well we hauled out today with the hope of solving an ongoing problem we’ve been having with a dripping stern tube. And our good friend “Murphy” (as in Murphy’s Law) showed up to give us a hand. As we were backing into the lift dock, Capt. Greg lost our reverse gear in the transmision. So what we were hoping to take a few hours will now be a few days repair. Isn’t that just always how it goes with boats? So we got everything taken apart and we should be able to get it back together in a day or so. I included some photos of Banana Winds Hanging in  the sling, A pic of Perry stuffed down in the engine compartment, and of Capt. Greg coaching Perry from the pilot house companion way.

Hi Everyone,

The first mate Jim here again. Well we went shopping, HOLY CRAP DID WE GO SHOPPING!!!

And, we ain’t done yet!!! That’s right folks we are stocking up the boat for the voyage… and trying to find places for it all. This was the first of four planned shopping trips that we’re planning to do before the ninth of September. And the scariest thing is that all this shopping will only get us to Annapolis where we’ll do it again for the second half of the trip.

I included a photo of the galley with today’s shopping spree spread out on the galley floor, and the Galley Chief Perry Martin trying to make sense of it all. Good luck Perry, you’re gonna need it!!!

Hi there everyone!

This is Jim, the First Mate on The Banana Winds. I just wanted to let everyone know what we’re up to on the boat this week. Captain Greg, Perry Martin (Galley Chief/Engineer) and I are working everyday to get ready for our trip south. We’re making great progress and every job we finish gets us that much closer to being on our way, and that makes us excited!

Today, we plan to change all the fresh drinking water filters (there are two), and get our new stereo and movie surround sound system set up so when we have movie night we can feel  just like we’re at the movies. Then later we may even go for a sail, if the weather holds out.

Well, that’s what we’re up to today; stay tuned for more updates as we get closer and closer. By the way, when we get underway, I will be giving you updates every single day. This blog will act as our ship’s log and I will be adding photos along the way as well.

Till later, we bid you fair winds and calm seas,

Jim Southward

First Mate Banana Winds

Everybody is getting very excited about our departure date of Sept. 10th. We are planning  a small party the afternoon of Sept. 9th. 3:pm – 10:pm. Everyone is invited, but please bring a dish to pass and we will furnish all the Hamburgers and Hotdogs. You will be able to meet the people who are going on the trip and eat your heart out  for not going with us.  You will meet the First Mate Jim Southward, Galley Chief, Perry Martin,  and the rest of the crew, Jim Bryant and Tony Lacko. Stevie Shymitz will join us in Buffalo, N.Y. sorry about the spelling Stevie. We will also be making daily entries on the site after Sept. 10th.  So stay close and keep your eye on us, I’m sure it will be great fun for all.