Cruising Pine Island Sound with author Macomber
A rare opportunity is now available to cruise the waters of Pine Island Sound with award-winning author Robert Macomber aboard the sailing yacht Alondra.
“This is the first time these cruises have been opened to the general public,” Macomber said. “I’ve had these cruises for the last four years for my readers only. This is the first time they are available to the general public and we only have six cruises planned.”
Macomber is a lifetime Floridian and author of the “Honor Series” of naval fiction. The series follows the life and career of Peter Wake in the U.S. Navy from 1863 – 1901. “At the Edge of Honor” is the first in the series and winner of the Patrick D. Smith Literary Award as Best Historical Novel of Florida. The upcoming novel, “The Assassin’s Honor,” is the 12th in the “Honor Series” and will be ready for release to the public in the fall of 2015.
The Alondra is a 47-foot classic wooden sailing yacht with USCG Capt. Chuck Koucky at the helm. Each cruise will take guests among the islands of Mondongo, Patricio, Useppa and Punta Gorda. The theme of the cruise will be “The Language of the Sea,” highlighting strange words and phrases sailors have used for centuries, many of which have come ashore into your own conversations, but you might not have realized it! Guests will also learn British and Confederate naval toasts, and how to sound a conch shell; “unique life skills which will stand you in good stead in any bar, tavern, pub or bar in the world.”
For the last four years, Reader Sailing Cruises have proven to be extremely popular, and the public keeps asking for more. The dates ready for booking in November 2014 are: Monday, Nov. 3; Tuesday, Nov. 4; Sunday, Nov. 16; Saturday, Nov. 22; Sunday, Nov. 23; and Monday, Nov. 24.
Macomber will also answer questions about how he conceives, plans and completes a book project, as well as share what’s ahead for Peter Wake as the 19th century comes to a tumultuous conclusion.
Alondra gets underway from the main dock at Tarpon Lodge, an Old Florida fishing lodge in Pineland. Each sailing cruise is four hours long, from 1-5 p.m. There’s a maximum of six passengers (minimum 4) and the cost is $99 per person.
Hors d’oeuvres and bottled water will be served aboard. Guests can also bring something extra along to drink and/or eat.
To reserve a spot, call Nancy Koucky at 239-233-3003 or email her at info@PineIslandSailing.com. Alondra’s website is www.PineIslandSailing.com.