Stinkpotters and Ragbaggers...

What a day! A cool morning that turned into one of the famous "C of C" days. Clear blue sky, nice breeze, low humidity, temps in the 70s. The dolphins were playing on both sides of the boat while we slowly chugged down the ship channel. We were enjoying lunch and then some yahtzee at anchor, when we saw a Hobie about to launch off the nearby beach. The wind was only blowing about 12, but it was right on the shore; I said to Joan, "That's going to be a tough tack to get that thing out of this cove."

Turns out I was right. The couple on the Hobie got repeatedly caught in irons and were drifting towards the rocks. I stepped out into the cockpit... they were close enough to be in earshot without hollering... "Do you need me to pull up the anchor and tow you out to more open water?"

"Well, we just can't get turned here."

I said, "Would you like me to pull up and get out of your way so you can tack across here?" I think he was surprised that a powerboat guy knew what his situation was.

"If you don't mind, that would really help," the guy said.

I fired up the Honda, pulled up the anchor with the windlass, and did a big 360º while he tacked across where we were anchored. Truly, he had gotten himself pinned in where he was.

After a flurry of thank-yous and waves, we pulled back to that spot and dropped anchor once again. And Joan beat me that game.

It's spring break, and every excursion boat, tour boat, and bay fishing boat was loaded with kids. Many of them buy a package that includes air, a room, and some activities. All the boat operators are busy right now. The airplanes towing banners have to be careful to dodge the parasail boats. Looking to the north, the causeway (2 1/2 miles between South Padre Island and the mainland) was bumper to bumper with cars. Even with all the activity, this is a great time to be on the water instead of stuck in a car.

When we got home late this afternoon, we got back to our dock a bit before our next door neighbor. He had taken a couple friends out fishing. One of those guys said, "That has to be one of the best looking boats I've ever seen!" (referring to Wild Blue) I complimented his good taste. And then gave him a tour of our boat.

He is an avid fisherman who had never seen or heard of a C-Dory before. Happens frequently. There is certainly a lot of interest in the boat, even here in the Tropical Tip where pilothouse boats are generally 65' shrimpboats. A few days ago, I got a call on the radio... the guy was calling for "That white boat with the blue trim and the big Honda on the back that just came through the swingbridge." It turned out to be a guy in a canoe that I had just passed. He wanted to know about our boat. He's down here on vacation from the Dallas area.

People go out of their way to ask about these boats. Talking with other C-Dory owners, I know they experience the same thing. Quite the marketing opportunity, huh?