Sailing Adventure to the Dry Tortugas

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Published on Sunday, 19 May 2013 17:06

Several Ave Maria residents returned last week from what many considered a trip of a lifetime -- a sailing voyage to the uninhabited Dry Tortugas islands, which lie about 67 miles west of Key West, a 100-mile trip each way from Naples harbor.

The eleven sailors made the trip on the 36-foot Jubilee, owned and captained by resident and local realtor Bob Campbell. His boat is the only vessel federally registered with a home port of Ave Maria, FL.

The crew included Drew Emmans, Jim Fox, John Fox (with 2 college friends Steve & Mark), Darryl Klein, Robb Klucik, John-Paul Klucik, Tim Moore, and Sam Moore.

Robb Klucik writes:

"Often times the best experiences in life are those that unfold without too much planning. That was true of the recent voyage to the remote tropical island cluster known as the Dry Tortugas. It seems the mere mention of a sailing voyage to these islands by two avid boaters in the Ave Maria community, Bob Campbell and Jim Fox, brought out the inner-sailor in their friends. Suddenly eleven people were at a meeting planning this sailing adventure – the cruise of a lifetime for many – the only time on a sailboat for most."

"None of the crew will forget the trio of dolphins who tirelessly and joyfully swam steadily in formation at the bow of the boat for half an hour, almost as guardian angels," Mr. Klucik wrote.

The journey took about 17 hours outbound, but almost twice as long returning because of some mechanical difficulties and rougher seas.

Highlights of the trip, Mr. Klucik said, included  snorkeling, fishing, touring the Fort Jefferson (right) -- a 150-year-old structure that takes up almost all the land -- and enjoying some lazy hours with friends taking in the sunrises and sunsets, the stars, the marine life, and enjoying good food and drink. Some of the crew also went scuba diving.

For more by Robb Klucik and additional pictures of the trip, click here.