Check lists are a good thing until they bog you down and keep you from your dreams. Check equipment, and don't forget to check your mental health. I learned to let go obsessing after lists when I went sailing on a dhow in the Indian Ocean.

I have found over fifty years of sailing around the world that fugitives of all sorts gravitate to boats as a way of hiding from authorities. I would know. I was a fugitive from myself yet not wanted by the law but so emotionally disconnected, my head put out a warrant for my heart.

Tinker Toys were used as a visual reference to show how weather works. Scott answers a question from a listener about traveling in the Caribbean during hurricane season. He offers advice on sailing through weather events and hunkering down in a hurricane hole.

Friends in an anchorage can make for some interesting times. The personal dynamics of a writer and a sailor are complicated. Combined you have a tragic end to an innocent woman.

This week I share the story of my time as a repo man. If you are around long enough in the marine industry you will get some pretty crazy jobs. Repossessing a yacht in Columbia from a cartel member was both crazy and dangerous.

My First Crossing. At seventeen and with some experience I convince a beautiful model and her father that she should cross Lake Erie with me on my sailboat Steppenwolf. Advice on "Knowing Thyself" helped me win the girl and provided a valuable life lesson during an especially turbulent time.

An essay on the uniqueness of traveling as a sailor.

An influential moment lost in time when sailors, hippies, drug smugglers, visionaries, and pioneers of the human spirit settled to build a beautiful life of love, peace and sailing on Coral Bay USVI.

I discuss the best and worst charters. Stories about circumstances out of my control, people out of control, and adaptability required to create a successful charter experience. Success is measured differently based on the needs of the guests.

After listening to the last podcast where I attempted to dissuade you from becoming a charter boat captain you have come back for more. Surely a glutton for punishment. I will outline a couple of ways to get into the business and with a lot of luck become successful.

All charter boats are not equal.