So what did you do on your Coronavirus isolation vacation? Cindy and I took Austintatious out on a three week extreme social distance cruise to Galveston and Offatts Bayou. Even after five years of ownership, we learned so much more about how our boat operates and how the two of us operate together “on the hook”. From battery management to food planning, boat maintenance, pet control and, what became most critical, anchor management, we learned a lot.

After spending a night at Redfish Island, we took a short trip to the Bayshore side of the bay and anchored just off of Bayshore Park. I think we found a new cruise destination. They have a nice dock with easy dinghy access into the park. We then spent the bulk of our time in Offats Bayou ping-ponging anchorages between Moody Gardens and Pelican Rest as each weather system came through. One such weather system demonstrated our anchor was a little undersized as we swung around and quickly drug into the Moody Gardens marina before we could react. We are now the proud owners of a new Mantus anchor.

I continue to encourage our Club members to get out on the water. Either plan some local cruises to anchor out or head down the coast; just check the status of the local marinas to see if they are receiving boats.

I will be working with our Club leadership to determine how best to re-engage the members and when and how to pick back up with our Monthly Meetings and Dock Parties. June seems like the new target to get things cranked up again... Stay tuned.

Stay Safe & See You on the Water

Bryan Austin
TMCA Commodore, 2020