The "SPRIGHTLY LADY" And Her Hurricane

Now the "SPRIGHTLY LADY" was berthed on the outside of the dock at Bahia-Mar at Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The slips were filled with the yachts of "Snow birds". Later on in April and May with no ice in the waterways, the yachts with their crews that stayed for the winter would be leaving.

Thelma enjoyed the activities at the Olympic size pool and her swims at the beach. Also her sightseeing trips on the "JUNGLE QUEEN" up the New River to the exhibits at the Indian Village. The village appeared to be way off in the Everglades, it was a magnificent illusion. The highway was only a short distance away hidden well by the structures with a make believe Tarzan tree house and the native straw covered huts.

The New River Yacht Yard is where the "SPRIGHTLY LADY" would soon be hauled out. This was for anti-fouling paint to be put on her bottom. She had a long cruise ahead. It was only a short distance away around a bend in the river. Many of the tourists were fooled and that made the treat of going to the Indian Village that much more delightful.

The cruise up the Intracoastal Waterway from Florida in April was very pleasant and scenic. The "SPRIGHTLY LADY" had been docked for two weeks on the outside pier at Bahia-Mar in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Thelma had spent much of her time at the lovely beach. It was not as nice as she remembered it from the past. Sticky globs of crude oil that had washed up on to the beach in storms caused one to be careful when reclining on the sand. Of course this did not bother her. She always had the lie down seats. What did bother her were the globs of crude oil that were covered with sand. These got on her feet as she walking back from her swim. After being warned that this could happen, she had the steward bring her a kerosene soaked rag in a plastic bag. Her feet were always wiped clean of any mess before they went into her Top-siders (shoes) for the walk back.

She asked the Captain about the mess on the beach. He said, "Enforcing of the law, (stating that tankers could not dump sludge from their cleaning tanks which closes off the beaches) I guess the oil companies are too strong and don't worry about the laws. I remember men shoveling oil soaked slag over the side, while just off shore of the beaches. Planes were flying over close enough to get pictures. No one seemed to give a damn, sad but true". Thelma thought, "She had oil stock too."

The owner of the "SPRIGHTLY LADY" had enjoyed the winter months in Florida, the lavish parties aboard the yacht and her visits ashore to see her friends.

Threats from the cold northerly winds were over for now. She sat with her husband Dennis and two other couples at Patricia Murphy's elegant restaurant. She made the announcement, "We will be off for New York tomorrow." Dennis protested, "I have a golf date tomorrow." She said, "You have had enough golf for a while, now you can keep me company. The foliage along the banks is already changing, I am anxious to see it all."

By the next morning her guests for the cruise up the waterway were all aboard. There were three couples along for the cruise. The yacht had plenty of room aboard. She was 100 feet long with a beam of 20 feet and a draft of only 5 feet. She could get into docking facilities where the deeper keel boats could not. There were six staterooms aboard, which was plenty of room for these guests and more.

The steward was under orders from the Captain. He had received his orders to always keep the refrigerated room loaded, likewise the other food storage lockers.

There was the usual waving good bye to the well-wishers and friends as the yacht was ready to leave. The yacht was on its way for the cruise through the channel. Dennis was in the pilot house with the Captain. Thelma sat on the glass enclosed afterdeck with her friends. This would be a smooth water cruise as it was to be up the Intracoastal Waterway. There was an excellent channel to the ocean from here but, Thelma liked inside cruises. Thelma and her guests watched as the "SPRIGHTLY LADY" departed the Bahia- Mar area.

The steward had one of the young sailors for a helper, with all the guests aboard. Thelma accepted another drink from the tray that he was serving around. She saw that he was too skinny and had not enough butt to fit tightly in his bell bottom sailor pants. She drained her drink and was about to have another. She thought, "I must be drinking too much and starting too early, if I am looking over and admiring the young deck hands of my crew."

Yes, Thelma was drinking too much. Lately Dennis was leaving her alone for too long of a time. The more she was alone the more she drank and the sillier she became. Dennis may not have approved, but he said nothing. After all it was her money and her liquor.

He knew that there might be problems when he married the older woman for her money. He did not intend to work for a living. He wanted to have his fun and enjoy life. He was doing just that. At the golf clubs there was golf, but there were also rooms for him to relax and enjoy the company of young women that were attracted to him and his lavish spending. Dennis was smart enough to remember to get back aboard in time to have dinner and the evenings with his wife.

Thelma seemed and was for some time satisfied with the arrangement. After all he was young, while she was older and more settled down to sit around and read books. She was so proud to be seen dancing with her young stud husband at the receptions they attended. She was a happy woman.

Fort Lauderdale dropped astern. Every now and then she heard it referred to as Fort Liquor-Dale. She supposed it had picked up this name after so many college students came here for spring break. There were elegant homes all along the water way and on both sides of the man-made canals. The rich and famous had made their marks here.

The early departure had caused a loss or an incomplete breakfast. Bacon and egg sandwiches along with orange juice, tea and coffee were served. Thelma and her guests ate leisurely as they cruised slowly along. "NO WAKE" signs appeared very frequent along here. Boat piers and wharf 's with the larger yachts were everywhere. The prudent Captain maintained a slow speed.

Windows were opened to produce the passage of cool air across the screened afterdeck. All agreed that it was nicer than with the air conditioner. Passing Hillsboro Inlet the colder salt air was straight in from the ocean. The starboard, offshore side window was closed for just a few moments then opened again. They played cards or relaxed. It was that kind of a cruise.

It was no time at all after the late breakfast snack that the chimes announcing lunch sounded. Now was the time for the air conditioner. It produced comfort for the dining room. A great seafood casserole was the main course.

The sun was just about to drop behind the fringe of trees to the west. A dock slip at Australian Dock at Palm Beach was vacant. The "SPRIGHTLY LADY" was soon docked and secured.

They watched a beautiful sunset. Drinks were served as she and her guest waited for the chimes. The music from the stereo warmed the heart of a younger guest. She grabbed her man and got things started. Dennis was a good dancer. Thelma was up and in his arms immediately. The music now was a Polka. All were exited and ready for dinner as the chimes called.

The yacht would lie over only one night. The cruise would continue after the crew had their early breakfast. This rich yachting lady only slightly noticed that the engines started. She had laid down for a short nap.

It was after nine when she recognized Jupiter Island light off to starboard. She decided that she had enough sleep. She called the steward and had coffee brought to her room. It was time to meet with her guests for that drink before lunch.

The "NO WAKE" zones were not so plentiful and the speed had increased. She noted that the Captain slowed down when meeting or passing other boats. She always looked up to wave or just to see what was going by. At Fort Pierce the "SPRIGHTLY LADY" was berthed again.

Annapolis, Maryland

The interesting cruise up the waterway ended for her guests at the big Holiday Inn at Norfolk. Goodbyes were said as each couple went their separate ways. With her guests gone there was a very quiet spell, almost lonesome for this spoiled rich lady. She called to Dennis for company. She found him at his preferred seat on the afterdeck with the Captain.

When she approached, whatever their conservation was, it came to a stop. It seemed that she had interrupted a secret conference. The Captain went forward. For no reason that she was aware of, a shudder of fear ran down her back. Dennis greeted her with his usual kiss to her cheek. He said, "Captain says a strong wind from offshore for several days is the forecast. Instead of slipping outside as intended, we will go up the Chesapeake Bay in the smooth water." "Good" she replied, "I will see Mr. John's finance advisor in Annapolis. You can have a day or two for golf. Anyway, I want to go through Chesapeake, Delaware Bay Canal." She had an un-easy feeling as she left Dennis in his favorite seat. She noted that the Captain rejoined him. They were soon in what seemed to her to be a muted conversation. She suppressed another shudder.

Annapolis is a great and picturesque place to visit. The "SPRIGHTLY LADY" was docked at a marina just across from the Naval Academy. She saw the Midshipmen as they were drilled. There were tour boats and sail skipjack oyster dredges to watch. Many tourists were sauntering by from all directions. It was a nice day with sunshine and a light breeze.

She made several phone calls to friends. One call was to her finance advisor. She invited him to be there for lunch. There would be many papers for her to sign and letters to be typed as soon as decisions had been reached.

Mister John arrived just in time for lunch. He had Diane, a young and pretty secretary with him, to do the typing. Thelma was pleased with his choice of office girls to bring along. Diane knew her job and moved right along in her work. Whenever there was a lull or break in the work, she looked out over the water and at the boisterous tourist people. She was so enthused that it was contagious. Thelma found herself exited too.

She decided that she would have her stay aboard as her companion for a while at least. She was a little concerned about the continuing chatter, but thought it would slow down as Diane became used to being aboard. Mister John made no objections to her request. Diane was enthused. She and her suitcases were aboard when the yacht departed Annapolis.

Dennis seemed pleased that his wife had the company of the pretty secretary. Especially after she told him that she would be giving the crew a vacation when they arrived at City Island Yacht Yard. He would be away as well. Dennis knew that he would be off to Washington, D.C. for rounds of golf at several different courses.

They sat at the after deck for the cruise through the Chesapeake to Delaware Bay Canal. Diane was so excited at seeing so many new places and things. She exclaimed so, over the thousands of migratory Canadian geese that were feeding in the corn gardens planted up from the canal banks. The whole garden seemed to be moving. She was so enthused that her excitement entertained her hostess.

The yacht was slowed as it passed by a long tie up slip on the North side of the canal. Soon there was a bridge to pass under. "OH, look" said Diane, "That ship is coming right at us, how can it pass in this narrow place?" Before anyone could assure her that there was indeed room to pass, she saw for herself (green to green or red to red perfect safety go ahead). It was a narrow passage but with each ship in its right place all went well. They passed with port side to port side and all was clear.

The ebb tide swept the "SPRIGHTLY LADY" by the emerging ledges as it rushed toward Cape May and the Ocean Brandy- Wine Ledge looked dangerous as it slid past and behind the big yacht, then another and still others. The lady yachtsman was glad that her Captain knew what and where he was piloting her craft. Yes, he was proficient at his job. She only wished that she not Dennis had done the hiring. He followed Dennis's orders more closely than those from her! Yet it was her money that paid the bills.

The "SPRIGHTLY LADY" passed through the twin breakwater entrance into Cape May just as the shore lights were lighting up the homes, restaurants and streets. The dinner chimes were sounding as the yacht docked. It had been quite a long day of cruising. It was not long after the dinner that Thelma went to her bunk. She did not stay awake long enough to hear if Dennis followed her.

In the morning she heard the sound of the typewriter as soon as she opened her stateroom door. Diane was at work, she had been served her breakfast at the crew table.

Thelma rang down for toast with jelly and coffee. She had not heard the departure from Cape May, but noted that the coastline of New Jersey was slipping by.

The waves were getting higher and the winds were whipping the spindrift from their white tops. The captain, in order to make a more desirable cruise steered to enter Absecon Inlet to go to Atlantic City.

Yachts especially big ones are not commonly used for fishing. When this now rich lady was young her father (a working man) took her along when he fished the streams for trout. Fishing brought back fond memories of her dad. When she bought her first yacht, she brought aboard his old fishing poles. With a new and bigger boat she still fished once in a while. The mess made while fishing off the bow was always cleaned up quickly by her sailors. The old poles were gone now and replaced by modern rods with reels. They hung from hooks in the pilot house overhead the beams were always handy.

Cape Henlope, Delaware Bay and Cape May were passed and were far astern. A muted gong sounded, she heard the captain's voice as he said, "We are off Townsend's Inlet and there are many fishing boats. Would you like to come forward to watch?" She did not bother to answer. With Diane following she quickly made her way forward. Sitting on the cushioned settee, they waved and were waved back to by several boat parties. The young girl Diane was a joy to watch, everything was so new to her. Dennis joined the two to stand in new Top-Sider rubber sole shoes. The rest of his yachting outfit was as perfect as were his shoes. He wore white duck trousers and a white shirt with a dark blue tie to match his double breasted uniform style jacket. His head was adorned with a white cap with a black visor.

The wind was from the east the past few days and had blown Sargasso Seaweed in from the Gulf Stream. Fishermen from the local boats were having good luck. Under these patches of weeds Dolphin a colorful fish rested in its shade and fed from the insects and small fish that called the weed home. There was a flurry as sea-gulls were dipping and diving on a school of Bluefish. The sailors were quick to answer Thelma's call for the rods. There were small Clark spoons with a red bead attached to each of the spool lines. The yacht owner was the first to get her cast into the sea. The captain had slowed the big yacht and was beginning to steer in a big circle just outside of the school of fish. Dennis was being very helping as he taught Diane how to cast. He had both arms around her as he showed her how to get the line with the spoon to cast off and get close to the swirling fish. Busy as she was now fighting a big blue, Thelma noted his attention to the younger woman.

Dennis did not bother to fish he was contented to watch the two women and make use of the long handle dip net. It was just right to lift aboard his wife's big blue. She cast aft one more time. While waiting for a strike, she watched her husband as he coached Diane, now that she had her fish close to the boat Dennis was there with the dip net.

Thelma had another fish on. Then an over-anxious fishing boat ran their boat into the school of fish and they were gone. The cook carried the three fresh fish below.