What a great weekend! As Captain Jim mentioned, we spent Friday May 14 wrapping up minor repairs, painting, and cleaning the Mutiny for the 2010 season. Thanks to Jim and wife Sandy (dive wench extraordinaire) for dedicating an extra day of hard work…hard work…to ensure that our hit list was completed on time. I would also like to thank my daughter Claire for giving up two coveted weekends of her summer break to lend hand; her efforts were tireless and complaint-free as well.
The forcasted weather system off the coast slowed long enough for the crew to head south to practice established routine and emergency procedures, and train new dive master SCOTT ECKES. Scott comes to us by way of Chesapeake Bay Diving (my home dive club), and I’m thrilled to say that he has already proven himself very capable. Many of you will meet Scott over the course of the season, and I’m sure you will agree that he is a savvy addition to the crew.
The weekend was a grand success. The seas had enough spirit to challenge us, we had a wee bit of current at depth, and our execution of procedures (both routine and emergency) went flawlessly. The Gulf Stream continues to plod north, and I don’t mind encouraging it to pick up the pace a bit. Surface temperatures hover around 70 degrees, and my computers agreed that the bottom temps were 64 degrees across the board. Doesn’t bother me saying I found conditions a nod frosty even with a 5mm suit, a dive skin, and a 5mm cheater.
The Mutiny performed very well indeed, and our Coast Guard inspection on May 16 was quite painless due largely to the efforts and expertise of Captain Al. What a guy, that guy. We are now ready to receive a ginormous number of divers. I know you want to do your part. Let’s have at it.
Thanks again to everyone who gave their time and efforts to our cause. Nothin’ but love for ya.
