A View from the Marina: Some Thoughts on Irma

Let me begin by apologizing for the tardiness of this month’s column.  We had a visit from Hurricane Irma and that disrupted things from many of us in her path.
 
Thanks to our experiences from bygone hurricanes, proper preparation and hard work from all of us I am happy to report that Hurricane Irma was well behaved when she passed us by.  Two boats in our fleet had minor cosmetic damage, but that was the extent of damage at our Cape Coral, Florida location.
Hurricane Irma
 
Like many people in our area, Vic and I had mostly landscape damage at our home.  We are very thankful that the storm didn’t cause more problems.
 
Hurricanes are serious weather events that all of us must treat with the utmost caution, and we did. 
 
Those of you who are regular readers of this column know that I have mixed feelings about social media.  I’m disappointed to see too many young people with their heads bowed down as they interact with their peers while “vacationing” with their parents in our part of the world that has been so blessed by Mother Nature, but they miss all of that because of their constant social media antics.
social-media
 
But I found a very bright side to social media in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.  The support we received via the web from our customers, fellow boaters and industry partners was truly beyond belief.  It certainly confirms my long-standing position that boaters are one big family that cares for every one of its members and will do most anything to lend a hand.  And they care about the well-being of every member of that family.  Our Facebook friends began to check on us even while Irma was still hanging around. 
 
Once I saw the number of friends interested in how we did with Irma, I sent out an E-Newsletter letting the entire Southwest Florida Yachts “family” know that we were OK and thankful to have been spared. That brief communication generated even more very nice comments, further supporting my belief that those of us who enjoy time at sea are part of a special maritime community.

Hurricane Irma donations 

Let’s not forget those who did not fare as well and do what we can to help them recoup from Hurricane.  That’s another side of social media that’s beneficial since you can easily make a donation to help those who are suffering because of Hurricane Irma via any number of web-based aid organizations.  Thank you for your consideration.
 
As we all work together toward rebuilding the island communities that we love, we look forward to calm seas ahead.
Barb Hansen manages Southwest Florida Yachts, yacht charters and Florida Sailing & Cruising School, a liveaboard yacht school.  Contact her at info@swfyachts.com, phone: 239/257-2788
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    The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews and stories about women who are shooting, hunting, fishing and actively engaging in outdoor adventure. This publication is for women, by women.