This afternoon, my wife and I had the distinct pleasure of spending the day aboard the Sea Dragon, as guests of Aquarian Quest founder, Joe Jacobson. Joe is also our friend and YTB Travel Network business associate.
We arrived at the dock in Nokomis, Florida after a short drive south from Sarasota. Coming aboard the Sea Dragon, we were greeted by our Captain and AQ Executive Director, Jan Kirchner. He, Rich, AnnMarie, and Helen were quick to help us to feel welcome. When all of the crew and guests were assembled, 22 in all, we made a smooth passage on the ICW (Intracoastal Waterway) to motor out the Venice Inlet to the Gulf of Mexico.
We were saluted by a pod of 4 dolphins as we headed out to raise main and jib for a fine beam reach on the afternoon sea breeze. Our silent passage along the white ribbon of sand of Casey Key lulled us all into a peaceful state of ease and tranquility (yours truly did take a nap). After an excellent Sunday afternoon of sailing, quiet conversation, and site-seeing, we reluctantly returned to land under the skillful attentions of the crew. Even though our afternoon’s cruise was primarily for pleasure, I would like to encourage all to visit the AQ website. I have included brief excerpts from their website (see below) to amplify their important and excellent mission. We hope you will contribute to, and participate in, the Aquarian Quest organization.
Aquarian Quest was founded in 2000 by long-time sailors and boat builders Robert Killian, Joe Jacobson and Peter Seyffert. Their vision was to provide a unique form of educating young people and adults about the importance of protecting Florida’s amazing marine environment. Aquarian Quest Core Values: Sustainability of the environment; Environmental education; Character development; Promoting environmental stewardship; Wholesome, healthy adventure. Our mission is to provide innovative educational programs for Gulfcoast youth through schoolship sailing adventures. Our hands-on programs teach teamwork, ecology, marine safety, maritime history, self discovery and empowerment on board historic sailing vessels. To date over 10,000 students and 3,500 adults have sailed aboard AQ’s floating classroom. Our tall ship, Galatea, is the Official Education Tall Ship of Sarasota County. The Aquarian Quest education program is in alignment with Sunshine State Standards for Science.
Gary Mousseau lives in Sarasota, Florida with his wife of 38 years, Jean. Gary recently left his 26-year career as a Registered Nurse to pursue his passion as a Home-Based Internet Entrepreneur in the Travel Business. For further information, please visit: YTB Travel Network Phone: 941-957-0008 E-mail: MousseauTravel@aol.com
2 responses so far ↓
1 YTB Director Joe // Jun 1, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Hi Gary,
That was a fun sail today, and thanks for writing an excellent recap. And now I know why you and Jean get along so well after all those years together!
See you
2 Jan Kirchner, Executive Director // Jun 2, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Gary,
Gary - Thank you for the fine article in your engaging writing style. It was indeed a perfect day with a wonderful group of people. Having one of our founders and first president, Joe Jacobson, aboard was great! We would welcome “kids of any age” to come and sail with AQ and learn a bit about the wondrous Gulf, bays and estuaries that make this area a gift for us all. Smooth Sailing!
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