|
|
|
| Bid Adieu and an Auspicious Welcome |
| October 7, 2004 -- Elishea Strickland |
The ancient Chinese YIN-YANG scholars believed that there are
two natural, complementary and contradictory forces in our
Universe. YIN and YANG are continually in the state of flux
and always looking for the BALANCE point. One moves, the
other responds. In our little part of the Mel Fisher
Universe, we have come to a time of flux and balance. In our
flux, we sadly find ourselves bidding adieu to our friend,
protector and symbol of good fortune, The Dauntless. And to
create the positive balance our Universe requires, we are
giving an auspicious welcome to our Yang, new comrade and
research vessel, The R/V Dare. The Yin-Yang philosophy
brings us extreme confidence that she will keep us safe
while providing us good fortune and opulence.
|
During her cruise from Ft. Pierce to her new home in Key
West, R/V Dare fearlessly traveled between the skirt tales
of two of the four hurricanes that hit Florida. Kim Fisher,
President, and Gary Randolph, Director of Operations, went
to purchase the R/V Dare. While transporting her through
lake Okeechobee, hurricane Ivan darted our way and caused
them to re-evaluate their navigational strategy. Taking
their wisdom seriously, Kim & Gary pulled her out at Ft.
Myers to be worked on while the second hurricane, Frances,
passed the Treasure Coast. In the true nature of balance the
safe and successful trip offset the harsh weather.
|
 Dare's
arrival was met with many cheers and as you can see from the
photos, she has been taken out of the water for repairs and
upgrades. With the winds upwards toward 20, the crew has
taken advantage of their shore time to renovate Dare. They
are working diligently to get her back on the water as soon
as possible for her maiden Atocha voyage.
Here’s a little interesting tidbit about the Dare. Her prior
owner, Captain Art Hartman, worked with Mel in many recovery
efforts. Some time ago, he cruised the R/V Dare down to the
Dominican Republic to research their waters. Due to the
threat of obnoxious, dread pirates, Captain Art came up with
a somewhat dishonest but downright ingenious idea - painted
the U.S. Coast Guard flag on her hull to deter any threat to
cargo and human life. Fortunately, his troubles ended up
being nil.
|
The Dare comes with many practical and lavish amenities
among which include five large staterooms with central air and heat for
dignitaries and VIPs. While on the water, nothing is more desirable than a fresh
water shower and ice for your drinks - Dare brings a 700-gallon per day water
maker and icemaker. Shešs also dressed with freezers, refrigerators, a
one-ton ice compartment, large galley and lounge area.
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|