Pensacola Cruise Report - 2004

The 2004 Cruise to Pensacola, FL was the cruise that almost wasn't. For a variety of reasons, 4-10 transient slips were not available in any marina around Pensacola. Consequently it was impossible to organize a large cruising party which is the NCC tradition. The Secret Rules Committee is trying to figure this one out for the future, but has not come up with a solution yet. The consensus was that it ain't an official NCC Cruise unless all participants can be in the same marina.

However that did not stop a few of the hard core members of the NCC, they were going to P'Cola no matter what. On Wednesday, June 2, three boats; Miss Tee - Bob, Beverly and Miss T Warren, Rootbeer Float - Joe Corizzo and Joe's deckhand Leo Cailleteau (isn't it amazing how he always manages to get invited on the P'Cola Cruise), and Art and Norma Roberts on Lady Norma were scheduled to depart Beau Chene Marina for Gulfport at 6 am. However, "Ole Man" weather had different plans for the little NCC fleet. A front blew through with lots of wind (50-60 knots), rain and lightning which, of course delayed departure. After much discussion, consultation and trepidation, the NCC Fleet finally shoved off around 9 am.

Left - Some of the hardy souls getting ready to leave for Gulfport, MS - Leo Cailleteau, Joe Corizzo, Miss Tee, Beverly and Bob Warren.

The trip over to Gulfport was uneventful. Lake Pontchartrain was a little bumpy at first but settled down. The was lots of VHF chatter but nothing like when the Admiral is around.. The Fleet arrived in Gulfport about 6 pm and as is the custom was warmly welcomed by the NCC's favorite Harbor Master, D.J. Ziegler.

The NCC bunch paid it's obligatory visit to the Grand Casino Buffet. No one went away malnourished; a continuing tribute to the professional eating abilities of the NotSure Cruising Club. For the record, it was not a ROOF event. A grand time was had by all. Everybody turned in early so that they could be fully rested for the 6 am departure to Pensacola.

Early the next morning the weather turned really sour. The NCC bunch woke up to lots of lightning and another front traveling from the west at 30 knots with lots of wind, rain and lightning. It seemed that no one was going anywhere. However, as luck would have it the weather forecast indicated that the front was fast moving. Consultation with the official NCC Weather Router, Pat Cailleteau, indicated that it would be out of the Gulfport area by 10 am and we could follow behind it. The Fleet prepared for departed pending Art Roberts' re-fueling operation. As is Art's custom and tradition developed to a fine art over the years, he waits until the absolute last minute to re-fuel. As anticipated, he did it again.

The Fleet departed for San Roc Cay in Orange Beach, AL around 10:30 am. At first, the Mississippi Sound was fairly bumpy and the Fleet had to tack a couple of time to find a comfortable route. Later in the morning, the wind and seas calmed down and the day turned out to be a winner except for a fairly large thunder bumper that developed over the western end of Dauphin Island around 4 pm. This provided a fresh water wash down for the boats and cooled the afternoon down as it rushed eastward. Later, the Fleet arrived at the Perdido Pass bridge a little after sunset. They successfully navigated the tricky entrance to San Roc with no problems. Capt. Bob Warren's memory proved excellent for the fourth year in a row with a little help from his trusty GPS. The Fleet was all tied up by 9 pm or so.

As is the tradition, he NCC bunch trekked over to Gracie's to celebrate arrival at San Roc Cay. A great meal was enjoyed by all. Another nice memory of nice people having fun traveling to Pensacola.

This story will continue as time passes, stay tuned. See pictures of this great adventure.