In article ,
Larry wrote:

"Bob" wrote in news:1171228147.825891.228200
@q2g2000cwa.googlegroups.com:

My prayer for S&L and others is to take a long hard look at the
events that preceed their departure and know that more of the same
will only bring more of the same. Bob

My analysis long before the event was that they HAD to be in the
Bahamas on a certain day to meet the kids. They "HAD to get there".
I think that is patently wrong on any sailboat that has less than a
1000 HP engine.

I registered their sailing to a "date" as questionable before they left
their dock. That's a violation of the primary cruising rule.

Still, I can't say that I would have done anything different under the
conditions they found themselves at the time.

But, as objectionable as I find my next pronouncement to be, would they
have been so rushed to get out of Dodge if they hadn't just paid the
exorbitant FL taxes? Meeting the kids in Georgetown was easily within
their capabilities, and the date or place could easily have been
changed, but getting out of Florida by a date certain was their first
order of business at the time.

Sad to say, but what FL demanded of them was far less than they will
have to pay for trying to avoid FL's taxes.

Would I try the same? You Betcha! They didn't owe FL anything as they
never intended to be in FL any longer than absolutely necessary. Their
dream boat just happened to be stowed there.

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's NEW Pages: http://web.mac.com/jerelull/iWeb/Xan/
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/