Complete Freedom II
During Covid, in August of 2020, I assisted my Uncle in the refitting and delivery of a 40' trawler from Charleston, SC to Vero Beach, FL. The boat is named Complete Freedom II and she was berthed in Vero a month later, where my Uncle lived aboard her for the proceeding 5 years.
SPOILIFE
The month of September, 2020, spent living on one of the Indian River's Spoil Islands.
Building a Houseboat: A Riverside Education
After living on a Spoil Island and getting a taste of life on the water, I endeavored to build a self-designed houseboat. I did this work at DIY boatyard in Fort Pierce called Riverside Marina.
Restoring a Legend: LAHOMA
During my time at Riverside Marina, I had a chance encounter with two master boatbuilders: Reuel Parker and Bill Smith. This lead to the apprenticeship, restoration and stewardship of my sailboat, LAHOMA.
One Man's Trash, Another Man's Project: Rebuilding/ Recycling Derelict Inflatables (RIB's)
Time spent on one of the Indian River's Lost Tree Islands, rebuilding thrown out inflatable dinghies.
Shining Up the MacWilliams Boat Ramps & Park
At the start of 2024, I took it upon myself to do what I saw as some necessary tidying up of the MacWilliam Boat Ramp & Park in Vero Beach. This turned out to be a very educational undertaking and played an integral role in introducing me to the problems afflicting the Lagoon, and evoked much inspiration/ideas on how one might go about fixing them.
Cleaning up the Vero Beach Marina Dinghy Dock
After having rescued a dock user who had fallen overboard and taken injury at the Vero Beach Dinghy Dock, I took it upon myself to do what I saw as some necessary safety-focused cleanup.
Small Projects Around Town
While I find the most purpose in working on projects bigger than myself, I've come to know that the smaller ones need attention as well--and they can be just as fulfilling and easier to complete.