Anchors Aweigh

In this episode with have a few issues before getting off the dock, but are able to make our way to Shroud Cay with a stop along the way to visit some iguanas. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message

In this episode I recount our travel day and the beginning of our most recent charter in the Exumas, Bahamas in 2021. Watch our highlight video from this charter - https://youtu.be/Kqix3SL7sDc --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message

In this episode we head out early and make our way back to the Dream Yacht Charter base at Compass Point Marina on St. Thomas. Video Highlights from this Charter - https://bit.ly/usvi21 __________________________________________ Connect with me on all the things: Instagram: @tmiddlebrooks Twitter: @mdlbrks Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/toddmiddlebrooks Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/@mdlbrks Gear I use: https://kit.co/toddmiddlebrooks --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message

In this episode, our luck finally changes and we finally get to fill our sails with wind! Video Highlights from this Charter - https://bit.ly/usvi21 "Sailing" by Christopher Cross (on Spotify) __________________________________________ Connect with me on all the things: Instagram: @tmiddlebrooks Twitter: @mdlbrks Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/toddmiddlebrooks Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/@mdlbrks Gear I use: https://kit.co/toddmiddlebrooks --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message

In this episode, we sit on a mooring ball, waiting on a tech boat and to find out what the rest of our charter would look like. We also have a great meal ashore at Lovango Cay, learn Tripp's foolproof way to eat a great meal and run into "Captain Crack Sparrow!" __________________________________________ Connect with me on all the things: Instagram: @tmiddlebrooks Twitter: @mdlbrks Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/toddmiddlebrooks Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/@mdlbrks Gear I use: https://kit.co/toddmiddlebrooks --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message

In this logbook episode, we were hoping our luck would turn around, after discovering diesel in the bilge. Unfortunately, we were about to discover what real trouble looks like. Video highlights from this trip: https://bit.ly/usvi21 __________________________________________ Connect with me on all the things: Instagram: @tmiddlebrooks Twitter: @mdlbrks Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/toddmiddlebrooks Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/@mdlbrks Gear I use: https://kit.co/toddmiddlebrooks --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message

In this episode we continue our adventures in the U.S. Virgin Islands, discover a cool sailboat with a storied history, drop Karen off to head to the airport and snag the last mooring ball at our anchorage. Show Notes: Silver Cloud History AYH Red Hook Marina Salt Pond Bay, St. John Beach Guide Apps: Anchor.fm __________________________________________ Connect with me on all the things: Instagram: @tmiddlebrooks Twitter: @mdlbrks Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/toddmiddlebrooks Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/@mdlbrks Gear I use: https://kit.co/toddmiddlebrooks --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message

In this episode the plumbing issue is cleared up, we start making water, we do some snorkeling and once again enjoy some of the best tacos anywhere from Lime Out, a floating taco bar!Links from this episodeLime OutSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Anchorsaweigh) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message

"The Seas Were Angry That Day"This episode details the second sailing day of our May 2021 USVI sailing trip. We start the day in rough seas, enjoy lunch at Pizza Pi and end up in Cruz Bay for dinner. Oh yeah, and our head got clogged!Mentioned in this episode:Pizza Pi - Christmas Cove, St. ThomasZozo's - Caneel Bay, St. JohnBeach Bar - Cruz Bay, St. JohnSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Anchorsaweigh) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message

After an extended break, Anchors Aweigh is back for season two! We kick off this season with logbook entries from a USVI sailing charter in May of 2021 - and this one was quite the adventure!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Anchorsaweigh) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message

In this episode I discuss planning a sailing charter in the U.S. Virgin Islands on short notice. We are setting sail in May on a 42ft catamaran and it's time to start planning!Show Notes:Dream Yacht CharterSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Anchorsaweigh) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message

In this episode, I discuss the tools and workflow that I use to capture the details of our sailing trips. It took three charter trips to find the best solution for me, so I thought I would share it here.Apps:Day One App - https://dayoneapp.com/Leuchtturm 1917 Dotted Journal at AmazonLogbook App - https://logbook-app.com/Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Anchorsaweigh) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message

In this final logbook episode from our St Petersburg sailing charter, we cover the short 9.5 nautical miles from Antigua Cove back to the Vinoy Marina and wrap up our trip with a visit to the St Pete Pier.Show Notes:Renaissance Vinoy MarinaSt Pete PierTeak St PeteSailing FloridaSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Anchorsaweigh) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message

This is the third logbook episode from our first family sailing charter in St Petersburg, Florida. This entry covers the 24.7 nautical miles from the Twin Dolphin Marina to Antigua Cove at Little Harbor.Show Notes:Litte Harbor MarinaSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Anchorsaweigh) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message

This is the second logbook episode from our first family sailing charter in St Petersburg, Florida. This entry covers the 15.9 nautical miles from Desoto Point to the Twin Dolphin Marina with an attempted stop at Egmont Key.St Petersburg Sailing VideoShow Notes:Twin Dolphin MarinaOak & StoneSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Anchorsaweigh) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message

This episode is day one of the logbook from our very first charter as a family in St Petersburg, Florida.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Anchorsaweigh) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message

In this episode I discuss my preparation for our upcoming charter, including crew briefings and some of the documents I've prepared to hopefully make our trip smoother.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Anchorsaweigh) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message

In this episode, I discuss my initial sailing gear purchases as I prepare to head on my very first charter as skipper.Show Notes:Standard Horizon HX890 VHFGarmin InReach MIniACR ResQlink 400RescueMe MOB1Helly Hansen Hydro Power PantsSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Anchorsaweigh) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message

In this episode I discuss the planning of my very first charter, which is just two weeks away.Show Notes / Apps Mentioned:Navionics - https://www.navionics.com/usa/C-Map - https://www.c-map.com/Aqua Map - http://www.globalaquamaps.com/Savvy Navvy - https://www.savvy-navvy.com/Predict Wind - https://www.predictwind.com/Windy - https://www.windy.com/Dockwa - https://dockwa.com/Anchor Pro - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/anchor-pro/id1445476850Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Anchorsaweigh) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message

In this episode, I recap the ASA 104/114 combo course that I recently took with Capt Jim and Sailing Florida, in St. Petersburg. A short highlight video of our course can be found here:https://youtu.be/GEpKrYl47a4Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Anchorsaweigh) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message

In this episode I talk about my upcoming ASA 104/114 combo course with Sailing Florida. I also provide initial details on my very first sailing charter as a captain!Show Notes:Sailing FloridaBoldly Go - Helia 44 Charter CatamaranASA Courses at Sailing FloridaSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Anchorsaweigh) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message

hat I used to track our trip, and our plans for what's next with sailing, including booking an ASA 104/114 combo course.Show Notes:Ship's Logbook for CaptainsDream Yacht CharterSailing Florida ASA CoursesSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Anchorsaweigh) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message

I hope I'm sailing on a 50ft catamaran somewhere in the USVI's right now - but that's not keeping me from bringing you today's episode. In honor of the BVI's recently opening back up, In this episode I'm bringing you the final logbook entries from the 2019 British Virgin Islands.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Anchorsaweigh) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message

Welcome back from the Thanksgiving holiday in the U.S. and from Covid quarantine in our household. In this episode, we talk about finalizing our plans for our USVI sailing charter next week and I begin the ASA 119 Marine Weather endorsement.Show Notes:ASA 119 Endorsement - https://asa.com/certifications/asa-119-weather-endorsement/Starpath Marine Weather Course - https://www.starpath.com/catalog/courses/1804bc.htmUSVI Travel Portal - https://usvitravelportal.com/Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Anchorsaweigh) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message

In this logbook episode we sail from Diamond Cay to Great Harbour, via White Bay with a stop at the infamous Soggy Dollar Bar!Show Links:Soggy Dollar BarPainkiller RecipeFoxy's Bar BVISupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Anchorsaweigh) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message

In this episode, I discuss the trials of attempting to book a sailing charter during the Covid-19 pandemic. It hasn't been easy, but we have a trip booked....for now.Show Links:CYOA Yacht Charters (USVI)BVI Covid-19 UpdatesUSVI Travel ProtocolsSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Anchorsaweigh) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message

In this episode I discuss the ASA 105 Coastal Navigation certification I earned from Starpath School of Navigation in more detail.Show Links:Starpath School of NavigationWeems & Plath Marine Navigation DividersWeems & Plath Navigation ProtractorWestcott Folding Parallel RulerNote: Links above may be affiliate links.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Anchorsaweigh) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message

My sailing education continues! This episode recounts the ASA 103 certification course I took at the Charleston Sailing School, immediately following the 101 course.Show Links:Charleston Sailing SchoolASA 103 Basic Coastal CruisingSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Anchorsaweigh) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message

I'm now an ASA certified sailor! In this episode I recount the two day ASA 101 Basic Keelboat certification at Charleston Sailing School.Show Links:Charleston Sailing SchoolASA 101 - Basic KeelboatSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Anchorsaweigh) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message

In this episode I express my excitement (and relief) to finally have booked a sailing school! And courses begin in just 5 days! Where I'm planning to learn and how it all went down is all in this episode.Charleston Sailing School - http://www.charlestonsailingschool.com/Starpath Online - Coastal Navigation (ASA 105) CourseSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Anchorsaweigh) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message

In this logbook episode, we recount day 5 of our 2019 BVI sailing trip (the one that got this whole party started) - from Anegada to Diamond Cay, with a few awesome stops in between.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Anchorsaweigh) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message

My Favorite Sailing Youtube ChannelsSailing La VagabondeSailing DoodlesSailing SundayGone with the WynnsSailing Project AtticusSailing SV Happy TogetherSailing SoulianisSpotify - Sailing PlaylistSoggy Dollar RadioPainkiller RecipeSailing the BVI 2019 - full length movie (with chapter markers)Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Anchorsaweigh) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message

In this logbook episode, we open the journal back up from our British Virgin Islands sailing trip in the summer of 2019. This entry covers our sail from Scrub Island to Anegada, our longest sail yet!Video version >> https://youtu.be/I7REkcfB51USupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Anchorsaweigh) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message

In this episode, I discuss the challenges of scheduling sailing school (yes, again)! I also provide an update on the ASA 105 online course that I've been working through - hint, I'm almost done!Video version >> https://youtu.be/I7REkcfB51UShow Notes:Sailing Florida - https://sailingflorida.com/Myrtle Beach Sailing School - https://sailingmyrtlebeach.com/Charleston Sailing School - http://www.charlestonsailingschool.com/Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Anchorsaweigh) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message

In this episode, we head back into the journal for another logbook episode. We pick up on sailing day 3 of our British Virgin Islands trip from the summer of 2019, where we sail from Virgin Gorda to Scrub Island.Sailing Term(s) for this Episode: Lines: On board a boat, this is what you say instead of “ropes.”Fenders: Used for protected the boat from the dock - often called “bumpers”Show Notes:Utter Nonsense (“the game of phrases”)  - https://amzn.to/3lg0FMHSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Anchorsaweigh) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message

In this we have some more sailing news, the potential US Virgin Islands trip has been cancelled, the ASA 105 certification course continues and I'm ready to book our sailing school, pending the impact of not one but two hurricanes.Sailing Term(s) for this Episode: Windward: The side of the boat closest to the wind. When heeling over, this will always be the high side.Leeward: The side of the boat furthest from the wind. When heeling over, this will always be the low side.Sailing News:Three sailing gear companies have designed and are now selling protective face coverings to help prevent the spread of Covid-19:https://www.sailingworld.com/story/gear/facemasks-by-sailors-for-sailorsAnnapolis Fall Boat Show Cancelledhttps://www.tradeonlytoday.com/boat-shows/annapolis-fall-boat-shows-canceledThe U.S. Powerboat Show was scheduled for Oct. 1-4, and the U.S. Sailboat Show was slated for Oct. 8-12.Accuweather Hurricane Updates - https://www.accuweather.com/en/hurricaneShow Notes:ASA Certifications - https://asa.com/certifications/Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Anchorsaweigh) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message

In this episode I discuss a potential USVI sailing trip, a possible pivot in selecting a sailing school and getting started with ASA 105 certification.Sailing Term(s):Tack: This term has two distinct meanings, both of them very important. As a verb, to tack is to change direction by turning the bow of the boat through the wind. As a noun, your tack is the course you are on relative to the wind. For example, if the wind is blowing over the port side, you are on a port tack. If it's blowing over the starboard side, you're on a…you guessed it…starboard tack.Jibe: A jibe is another way of changing direction, in which you bring the stern of the boat through the wind. Whether you choose to tack or jibe entirely depends on the situation–what's around you, and the direction of the wind.Uncut video version of this episode - https://youtu.be/38SiM6thXtMEmerald Coast Sailing - https://www.ecsailing.com/Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Anchorsaweigh) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message

In this second logbook episode, I read from the journal of Day 2 of our BVI Sailing Trip in July of 2019. It was my intent to space these logbook episodes out a little more. However, this past week I finished editing the full length movie of our trip last year and it got me excited to share another small piece of that adventure on the podcast sooner than later.Sailing Term(s) for this Episode: Helm: Where you steer the boat. Usually this is a big wheel, but on smaller boats it can be a tiller, which is basically a long wooden stick. Either of these can be used to control the boat's rudder.American Sailing Association Membership - https://asa.com/membership/Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Anchorsaweigh) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message

In this logbook episode, I recount the travel and first sailing day of our July 2019 sailing trip in the BVI. Raising the sails on that first day is one of the things that hooked me and I can't wait to get underway again soon.Sailing Term(s) for this Episode: Today we have two sailing terms that go hand in hand and confuse a lot of new sailors and non-boaters. I'll admit, it took me a little while to remember them at first but there's are trick. The terms are Port and Starboard.Port: Facing forward, this is anything to the left of the boat. When you're onboard, you can use this term pretty much any time you would normally say “left.”Starboard: Facing forward, this is anything to the right of the boat. Same deal as “port”–only the opposite.The easiest trick I've heard is that Port has four letters and Left has four letters. This is a great little hack to remember which is which, until it becomes second nature.Resources:ASA Free Online Sailing Content - https://asa.com/news/2020/04/09/free-online-sailing-content/Sailing Terms Everyone Should Know - https://asa.com/news/2012/11/27/sailing-terms-you-can-use/Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Anchorsaweigh) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message

In this episode, we launch a news segment and discuss where I'm at in my decision making process regarding sailing courses, schools and certification.News:Moorings opens charter location in St. Petersburg, FLMoorings Announced the 4500L CatamaranResources Mentioned in this Episode:Blue Water Sailing School - www.bwss.comASA Online Courses (105/119) - https://asa.com/starpath/How to Learn to Sail (ASA website): https://asa.com/news/2020/06/29/how-to-learn-to-sail/Behind the Scenes Video Podcast Version - https://youtu.be/CcfI9T2qlcoSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Anchorsaweigh) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message

In this episode, we launch a segment where we learn a little sailing terminology and then discuss certifications and sailing schools and my considerations in choosing each.Sailing Certifications / Organizations:American Sailing Association - www.asa.comUS Sailing - https://www.ussailing.org/Sailing Schools:Offshore Sailing School - https://www.offshoresailing.com/Nautilus Sailing - https://www.nautilussailing.com/Sailing Virgins - https://sailingvirgins.com/Blue Water Sailing School - https://www.bwss.com/Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Anchorsaweigh) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message

This episode touches on a brief history of my desire to start sailing and what ultimately led me to get started on the journey.Below are resources mentioned in this episode:Sailing Fundamentals Book on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3h8298FSailing for Dummies on Amazon - https://amzn.to/2OxeSp8Note: The links above are affiliate links. It won't cost you any extra if you decide to buy, but it will help support the podcast. Thanks!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Anchorsaweigh) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message

Welcome to Anchors Aweigh, the podcast that chronicles a landlocked, future sailor's journey to finding freedom and adventure at sea.I'm your host Todd Middlebrooks and I welcome you along on my journey.It has been a dream of mine for years to learn to sail. Through this podcast I will document my journey as I research sailing schools, learn to sail, plan adventures and make this dream a reality.If this adventure interests you, I invite you to subscribe and have future episodes automatically docked in your favorite podcast player. So welcome aboard, it's time to set sail.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Anchorsaweigh) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/middlebrooks/message