RA Charters ship's log

June 30th, 2009, Ray Roddy & Family

2009-06-30T21:50:00.002-04:00

It was threatening to be a rainy day, But Ray wanted to be on the water any way. He grew up in Miami, Now he lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The weather cooperated for their sake . we really had a great day sailing, it was partly overcast, nice wind, 10 to 18 knots,we had the main, Mizzen and Yankee up, everybody had a chance on the helm and they loved it. Here is what they wrote in the log:

"Never ever listen to the weather man !! Today could not have been better! a truly memorable experience, Thank you, Rhonda Roddy, Chattanooga, TN"

"This trip was so much fun. You made it a very enjoyable experience for us. Thanks so much! Brianne Roddy"

"This was an awesome experience for me. I love being out in the water and being in control of the wheel. One day I think it would be awesome to own my own sail boat!
Emily Roddy"

"Hard to believe its been over 30 years since I boated with my father on these waters. It was truly great to experience a wonderful sail with my wife and three children. You and Isis were warm and friendly and made our day special. Hope to see you in three years when I semi retire to be available for you as first mate. Thanks so much. Ray Roddy, Chattanooga, TN"

June 27th, 2009,Ricardo Davila & Family

2009-06-27T23:03:00.002-04:00

Ricardo and his wife Edith and Daughter Andy, 10 and son Ricardo Jr. 13 were here in Miami. Sailing was his dream, so he chartered RA for an afternoon On our Great Biscayne Bay. We had very gentle breeze. We then dropped the sails for the children to swim ,When Ricardo went in the water he saw a fin, he came right back in the boat. He did not know what that was. It turned out to be a dolphin, so they all went back in the water. What a thrill to swim with wild Dolphins. Here is what they wrote in the Log.
"I have always wanted to take boat trip in a sail boat and this far exceeded my expectations, The company was also great, Thank You captain Asaad"

"If I had to describe all of this in one word I would have to create a new one; It would be some thing between Fantastic, Amazing and wonderful Fantamazingful !
Thank you for this fantamazingful experience captain Asaad, Ricardo Davila Jr, 13 "

" This experience was one of the most relaxing and 5 star that I have ever had. I even got to swim with the dolphins and say Hi to a few fellow sailors, Thank you very much, Andy Davila 10"

June 22nd,2009, Father's day,Yvon R & Familly

2009-06-22T21:24:00.004-04:00

Yvon Ramirez wanted to celebrate Fathers day with her husband Mike and the children
Michael,Jessica,Christina and Ennovy. My daughter Isis was in town and she came aboard as a first mate. she also had so much in common with the girls. We stopped for a swim. then we motored to Stilts ville. the wind later picked up and were able to sail home. Here is what they entered in the Log
"Thank you for a magnificent day. You and your family( Isis) are so sweet, Always Ennovy"
Thank you Captain Asaad ! I had an awesome time! First time sailor and I plan on coming back for seconds!, RA rocks Jessica Hoocera"

Connie,DeAnne & Friends

2009-06-20T21:17:00.004-04:00

Connie Huergo wanted to show her guest , Martina who is here from Switzerland our great sailing waters of Biscayne Bay, De Anne Graham wanted to celebrate Father's day with her Dad, who is a seasoned Mariner and loves the sea, So I went ahead and invited Stephanie Peterson and her friend Steve of Events and Adventures, and Dmitri and Alex, from Russia, Carson the artist also decided to join us. The weather was great, we had 18-knots steady early on then the wind subsides. every body had a good time
Here is what they wrote in the log:
"As always I had a magnificent afternoon with RA and the the sea. Big Hug, De Anne"
"Thank you Asaad, This boat trip was one of the greatest things I did in Miami, Hug, Martina and Gion, from Switzerland"

Dear Mr.Masoud we would like to express our thank you for the most wonderful Saturday we spent on board of your yacht. It was a majestic day to be out in the sea with the interesting people on board that gathered around you. We sighted a group of dolphins that were following us most of the time!
Thankfully,
Alex Chursin

Dear Assad

thank you very much for this great boat trip we had on Saturday. It will be one of my greatest memories when I'm back in Switzerland. I fly tonight and already miss the sea!!! But maybe I'll be back in a few month. In shallah :-)

Take care and thank you again for this awesome experience.

Hug, Martina

June 11th 2009, Ryan Partnership

2009-06-11T23:54:00.002-04:00

They came from California and Connecticut to have their meeting in our Magic City. Jorge was born right here on Biscayne Bay at Mercy hospital, so he decided to enjoy and share a beautiful day on our Great Biscayne Bay. So he booked RA for the sunset on the bay and invited his colleagues . It was a chamber of commerce evening, Gentle Breeze and calm seas. They all had a great time. Here is what Jorge wrote in the log. " We had an amazing sail of Miami, Kicking back and unplugged for a couple of hours, Jorge Llauro."

May 29th. 2009, Andy & suzi Webb

2009-05-31T16:58:00.003-04:00

The Webbs love sailing so much, thy maintained a sail boat in Miami in spite of the fact that they live in Missouri. Well they really did not get to use the boat much, so they sold it and now they will be sailing with me. they booked this date in Februuary. The weather was threatening for activity in the afternoon, so we went sailing in the mornig. Actually we had a great sail. on the way back in the channel right after I dropped the sails we got a good squale with 35knots of wind. that was the culmination of their adventure. Here is what they wrote in the log
"Truly Awsome, worth every minute, even the squall was fun. I loved the conversation, the sailing the beauty, just everything, Suzi webb"
" A truly unorgettable unique experience, Wind and adventure. Thus has it all, Andy Webb"

May 22nd, 2009, Peter Moss & frinds

2009-05-22T22:14:00.002-04:00

Peter Moss, of the GMCVB , London was in Miami for the Pow wow, he wanted to enjoy a day sailing on our great Biscayne Bay. Well we had a good start with 15 - 20 Knots of wind for the first 2 hours, then we got some weather and needed to drop the jib, but kept the main up. In spite of the less than perfet weather conditions, the group had a good time. Here is what peter wrote on the log
"Unforgettable, a wonderful time, hope to return, Peter Moss & friends, May 2009"

Mau 13th, 2009, Isis' Belatd B. Day

2009-05-13T21:27:00.002-04:00

My daughter Isis was in town from new York. she was on a tour during her birthday, so this my chance to see her and wish her a happy birth day. she loves sailing so she invited a few friends and we spent some quality time on our great Biscayne Bay. Aramis made an entry in the ship's log:
Here is what he wrote
"Amazing time. Look forward to seeing you again soon Captain, Aramis"

May 3rgs, 2009, Martin Mitchell

2009-05-04T23:18:00.002-04:00

Martin Mitchell and wife, Thelma were here from the great Island of Jamaica to enjoy our great sailing waters of Biscayne Bay. It was very breezy, 18-20 Knots. we went on the Staysail and the Mizzen to keep the boat on an even keel
they had a good time

May 2nd. 2009, Liane Proctor

2009-05-04T23:02:00.002-04:00

Liane wanted to treat her friend Brad to a special afternoon. He came from Memphis to see her. So she arranged a sunset cruise aboard the RA.
here is what Liane wrote in the ship's log
"Liane Egan Proctor & W.B. Sitton,
Thank you for such a beautiful and special day. It seemed like a dream, to have such beautiful surroundings, wonderful, Divine Company and interesting Captain. Thank you, thank you, Thank you. I will be sure to , The best to you, Liane Egan Proctor, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Miami, FL 33123 be back

April 19th, 2009, Paul Lausell & Kelly's B. Day

2009-04-20T22:03:00.002-04:00

Paul, Who is an Avid Boater wanted to introduce his son and Grand Children to sailing. I Invited Amira and her friends to Join us.It happened to be Kelly's Birth day. The weather could not have been better. It was a truly exhilarating day. The group were all very delightful people. Here are what some of the crew entered in the Log.
' Thank you for the boat ride today. It was awesome. We had so much fun & the company wasn't too bad either, Moe & Lia"
Happy birthday to me ! Thank you for the beautiful ride today! Love the boat! Kelly Altman"
Thank you for today's ride. First time on a sail boat for Mattias ! we had a great time, Steve & Soli & Mattias"
" First sea voyage of hopefully many for the new generation of Lausell boys with their father and Grand Father. Thank you, Jean Paul Lausell"
" A wonderful day for all, Thank you, Paul Lausell"
" I could not think of a better way to spend a beautiful Sunday. Sailing with a great crew filled with great positive energy. Ginga Asakura

April 18th, 2009, Jonathan & Karen Thigpen & Amira

2009-04-20T21:48:00.002-04:00

Karen and Jonathan decided to spend a few hours on our great Miami's Biscayne bay and watch the sunset.
I convinced Amira to come help navigate the ship and learn a little about sailing.
I believe she did learn a great deal that day. It was breezy and sailing was great.
Here is what Karen entered in the Sip's log
"Thank you Captain Asaad and Amira for offering such a lovely cruise. This experience has been nothing short of delightful and has met and exceeded expaectations. We'd be quick to recommend you if opportunity arises. Sincerely Karen and Jonathan Thigpen"

April 6th, 2009, Phillipe & Sana

2009-04-06T20:16:00.002-04:00

It was a windy day, small craft Advisory, but that did not keep Phillip and Sana from sailing with me. I assured them that the bay does not build big waves and the wind will only add to the exhilaration of the sailing experience. Here is what they wrote in the log.
"We decided to end our Miami vacation with a day sailing on Biscayne Bay and we did not regret our decision. It was a wonderful day for sailing. Captain Asaad and his gorgeous boat the RA are a great combination for a great sailing experience. Captain Asaad always takes the time to explain the workings of the boat and lets us participate actively in the sailing. His sense of humour and easygoingness only adds to the great experience. Phillip Kalaf and Sana Lahoud, Montreal, Canada"

April 4th, 2009, Dee Anne Graham

2009-04-04T22:12:00.003-04:00

It was an Ideal day for the group, Variable wind at 8 -12 Knots. Dee Anne invited her father and her nephew and few friends, including our own Valerie and her son. We just went on Minimum sail , the stay sail and the mizzen , across the bay with gentle breeze. Here is what Dee Anne wrote in the ship's Log
"Once again dear Captain, you have shared with me a magnificent day on our beautiful Biscayne Bay. My family, friends an I totally enjoyed the serenity and beauty of the Bay. We look forward to many more fabulous trips. Much love, Dee Anne

April 2nd, 2009, FM Global Regatta 3

2009-04-02T21:32:00.002-04:00

It was a very windy day, 20 knots steady from the south east. We went Broad reach to marker 69 and back very close hauled. I believe RA was the only boat that could go back on one tack. All the other boats had to tack at least once. We placed 4th out of 13 vessels. not too bad thanks to my capable crew, Dave, Pete and Laurie.
Here is what laurie wrote in the log on behalf of the group.
"Today we had a fabulouse day sailing with Captain Asaad. We learned about sailing, about boats, about wild life and about each other. There is nothing better than hanging out on the water and making new friends. Thanks for a great day, your # 1 Crew Laurie."
on board were Laurie Schirripa, from Toronto, Karen Klimaszewiski, also from Canada
Simon baker, from London , England, Dave strmic , les sadifer and Michael Petrie.

March 31 st, FM Glonal, regatta 2

2009-04-01T20:17:00.003-04:00

It was a great sailing Regatta on Miami's Biscayne Bay. John and Tina were the best crew I ever had for a regatta. We gave it our all and passed a few boats. We all had a great time. Here is what Tina wrote on the Ships Log on behalf of the group.
" This was the highlight of our trip. Thanks to the best Captain on the sea. we even saw a swimming Iguana. '
John wrote" thanks for a good sail"
On board were Garey Love, Steven Dovas, John Surgenor, Tina Burke and Jeanne Lieb.
I really hope to see them all on board again. They were great fun to have aboard

March 30th, 2009, FM Global Regatta, day 1

2009-03-30T21:58:00.002-04:00

The executives of that International Insurance company came from all over the world to sail on our Miami's Biscayne Bay. It was certainly a wonderful day for the event. 11 vessels entered the race. It was great fun. Here is what they wrote in the log.
" Thank you for a great afternoon sailing. Perfect conditions". Hanz Zerno, Karen Renheimer,Peter Sepecta, Nicholas Diery and Roy Simpson

March 28th 2009, The whip

2009-03-28T22:50:00.003-04:00

Titus, Isis and the group from England called the whip, came to Miami for the music Festival. they never been on a sail boat before, so It was a treat for them to go sailing on our great Biscayne Bay. and the bay was just wonderful with wind from the East at 15 -20 Knots. we even spotted some dolphins.

March 21st, 2009, Amira's Charter

2009-03-21T20:33:00.003-04:00

Amira had that date reserved for a long time to take her friends sailing
I decided to also invite some of my friends. at the end of the day, All Amira's friends, canceled, however mine all showed up.
David Herdrich was here from Indonesia, Tod Goodman and his wife, and Bobby and Jill came. It was a great Sail out bound, however on the way back we had a little squall and we motored home. they all seemed not to mind the minor adventre. Here is what they wrote
" Thank you to our new friend Asaad and for a wonderful day sailing. Great company, fun conversations and a good time had by all. Jill & Bobby"
Great to be back on the RA with captain Asaad & friends. Beautiful day, thank you, Dave Herdrich

March 15th, Sunset, Gabriella Kushi

2009-03-16T01:06:00.003-04:00

I met Gabreilla for the first time at the Earth save North, yesterday. As I introduced myself and gave her my card, she expressed interest to go sailing.
Today was the only time she has free. So we decided to go after my charter. Kristina came along and it was a great sunset cruse. When Gabreailla said she never been sailing before, so I jokingly told her so you are virgin. after the sail she yelled," I am not a virgin any more"

March 15tth, 2009, Elaine Bachenheimer &Kristina

2009-03-16T00:38:00.005-04:00

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It was Elaine's Birthday. She has been on my boat 7 years ago. Her family were here to celebrate her birth day. She was happy she could find my card. and she decided to have a special day with her family On our great Biscayne Bay.
This was also the second time Kristina comes aboard as a first mate. Gianfranco also came aboard and he took some pictures of her for the web site. Here is what Elaine wrote in the Log
"What a great family outing Sailing with Captain Asaad. Smooth sailing great weather and a fabulous birth day celebration. For a smooth sail stay with Asaad. This is our second sail".
Aboard with Elane were, Steve,Esther, Mitch, Kenny, Rachel and Jonathan Baxter

March 13th, 2009, Dan Vines

2009-03-13T23:44:00.002-04:00

Dan and his wife were in Miami on their way back to Texas after a vacation in Costa Rica. He wanted to see how sailing on Miami's Biscayne bay is like. The weather was threatening early in the afternoon, but it later cleared and we had a great sail.
My new friend Kristina came along as a first mate.
Here is what Dan had to say:
"My first sail on a beautiful Ketch Rig. wonderful water,sites and sounds in Biscayne Bay and sailing with Captain Asaad. Quite comfortable and in good hands of an experienced sailing captain. A memorable experience with competent and capable company. I have sailed Sydney Harbor, Annapolis and the Texas Gulf , I would recommend this charter, Dan Vines, Arlington TX.

March 11th. 2009, Jeff Levy and friends

2009-03-11T23:10:00.002-04:00

Jeff Levy, a repeat customer had several friends in town for a high level meeting. He wanted to show them the best of Miami. It was indeed a beautiful day, sunny and 10-15 knots of wind from the east. Glen and Jeff took the helm . Here is what they wrote
" Wow !!! What a great day. A wonderful time with friends and we made another!. Saw a large pod of dolphins and began working on a new company! We got much done with little effort, just how it should be under sail, Glen Barnes"

My third sail with Captain Asaad, Certainly not the last ! We had a beautiful day on the bay, Great weather. I am not sure any of the world's problems were solved, but some of mine were. We may have planted the seeds of a new venture with great friends. Nothing better than the breeze in your sails"Jeff Levy.
Also on board were Kevin Donnelly and Thomas Villardo

February 23, 2009 - Jackie Gonzalez

2009-03-11T22:15:00.003-04:00

It was Scott's birth day, and Jakie came with friends who never been sailing before.
It was a new experience and one that Jackie and Scott will remember for sometime.
here is what Jackie wrote
"Wonderful,Memorable, best Birthday, Scott's 30th, B.Day Thank you so much
Sara, Jackie and Scott. P.S. Now we are not Sailing virgins any More"

February 15th, 2009, Frank & Janet Anderson

2009-02-15T23:33:00.001-05:00

They found me on the Internet. They came to Miami from Utah to enjoy the Miami International Boat Show. While they are here they decided to go sailing with me. They are good sailors and are interested to get a seagoing vessel to go cruising. So Frank was really interested in learning about my full keel ketch rig.

I really enjoyed having them on board. Here is what Janet wrote:

"We cannot ask for more good conversations, good people, beautiful sail and a sunset". Frank & Janet Anderson, Timber lakes,