Postcards From Sea
By John Herlig
The story of Ave and me is really a story of cultures and of people. It is life from aboard an old boat.
And it simply doesn't get any better than this.
Postcards From SeaAug 02, 2019
The Very Bad Day
Season 2 Episode 2: Cold. Lots and lots of cold finds its way into our world as we make our way down the ICW and into Charleston, SC — but not without some trauma.
Rebirth
Season 2 Episode 1: I am finally done with that job nonsense and return to life aboard Ave Del Mar—in the boatyard, for now. Work commences to get her sea-worthy again and to get underway before things get too cold. Friends Benjamin and Larry drop by as they sail past to lend a hand, and my girlfriend Coby joins in the fun and learns a few things along the way. Come along with us as we set sail again for points south.
Albi the German Lad
Season 1 Episode 14: I discuss epic Jamaican jam sessions, seasickness, and how best to resolve conflicts with your shipmates with my good friend and fellow traveller Albi the German Lad. We also try to figure out at what stage it’s reasonable to start calling yourself a ‘sailor’.
Annapolis Sailboat Show
Season 1 Episode 13: I travel yet again to the Annapolis Sailboat Show, where I fall in love with the Halberg Rassy 372 and Henry the German glue guy, who fixes my flip flops with his magic glue. Annapolis means fish and chips at Pussers along with a round of painkillers (number threes). Hear me talk about how a Mantus anchor saved Ave del Mar from Hurricane Matthew and listen in as I discuss Edson pedestal parts and anchor bridles with friends Chris and Elizabeth and erstwhile crewman, Larry.
The Ditch
The Dad Episode
Season 1 Episode 11: My 88 year old father joined me via Skype back in 2017 to talk about canvas fire buckets, yellow cards, and the difference between William Robinson’s “10,000 Leagues Over The Sea” and Jules Verne’s “20,000 Leagues Under The Sea” (hint: one has a killer squid, one has South Pacific islands).
The Boat Galley's Carolyn Shearlock
Season 1 Episode 10: Carolyn Shearlock from The Boat Galley joined me in August of 2017 to talk about culture shock, food cravings, and so much more. Carolyn is the sailing answer woman — her website The Boat Galley is the go-to spot for gear, how-to's, cooking, and reviews.
Homeward Bound with Larry Webber
Season 1 Episode 9: It had been an epic trip through the Bahamas, Haiti, and Jamaica, but the lows were beginning to outweigh the highs and the bank account was on life support. I met Larry by placing an ad for crew, and together we sailed the 9 days from Jamaica to south Florida and became good friends in the process. He later joined me for a chat over Skype.
George Town Cruisers Radio Net
Season 1 Episode 8: This was one of my most-popular episodes of all time. What do you need: a veterinarian? paper charts? an outboard prop? You can find these, weather, and advice on all things boat related by listening to local cruiser's nets. In this episode, we drop by for an honest and sometimes comical listen to the net in George Town, Bahamas.
Jamaica, Mon!
Season 1 Episode 7: I sewed my own Jamaican courtesy flag, but when I arrived in Port Antonio it was just rain, rain, and more rain. This is not what the chamber of commerce shows in the tv commercials, but it's ok. After a grueling 51 hour sail from Haiti, a little rain won't bother me as I get to know the gritty, funky town that many Jamaicans call "The Last Safe City" in the country.
Thunderball Grotto and Barracudas
Season 1 Episode 6: Tiller trouble forces me to return to Nassau in search of a welder, and an oily predicament leaves me feeling rather dejected. To add insult to injury, a night of pitching and rolling tears loose a block on the bowsprit and, while retrieving the pieces I drop an important piece overboard. I am really not sure if I should dive for it and I am unsure if the barracudas bite.
Join me under the light and warmth of the oil lamp for a shot of Haitian rum, a dash of lime, and a bit of snorkeling in Thunderball Grotto and the latest from on board my 1967 Rawson cutter, Ave del Mar.
My First Crossing
Mark Firestone Gets No Money From Tires
Season 1, Episode 4: This edition comes from Lake Sylvia, Florida, where I chat with Gozzard owner Mark Firestone, who gets no royalties from tire sales but has a really beautiful sailboat.
The World's Easiest True/False Quiz
Season 1, Episode 3: Also known as "More Feta Cheese, Please." My oldest daughter, Alex, joins me to take a pop quiz and to discuss cribbage, blanket forts, feta cheese, lighting design and possible itineraries for circumnavigation.
Capricious
Season 1, Episode 2: In West Palm Beach, Florida, I came across a junky old boat that was tied off right next to Ave Del Mar on the town dock. Learning that the owner had just died, I agreed to help clean up the boat, Capricious, and to try to find her a new owner. This is an exercise in good will that could not have gone better.
The Prequel
Season 1, Episode 1: My cousin Scott and I sit down in his home in Florida to discuss sailing, life goals, and Star Wars in an idle chat by his pool in south-central Florida.