I’ve chartered boats in the Virgin Islands almost every year for the past 12 years and enjoyed a variety of experiences on each trip. I’ve cruised with small groups, large groups, with kids, without kids, you name it, I’ve signed up for it.

“They’re calling for ten footers outside of Man O’War cut,” I reported back to my friend Mark Mitchell, “but we gotta get going!”

“George, are you sure?” he cautioned on the other end of the line from Ft. Lauderdale, “that’s heavy stuff.”

Day One-Ketchikan, Alaska

 I’m glad it was raining and slightly chilly when I stepped off the plane in Ketchikan, Alaska to join the fleet of Grand Banks' making their way north. For more than a month, I was anticipating this cruise and for an east coaster like me, the topography, overcast skies, and smell of wilderness and sea were different enough to stir an inner child-like excitement. Ah, we’re on an adventure I thought, while taking the ferry from the airport to the mainland.

“Hot dogs! Get your all beef dogs here!”

“Soda soda! Beer here!”

Jim Cress, president of Nordic Tugs, and his wife Stephanie announce their intentions in giant letters on the flying-bridge fascia of their Nordic Tug 52���Big Fun, the boat���s christened name. To prove that they aren���t joking, they set sail from San Diego in December 2005, bound for Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, about 5,500 miles and 39 days away. Harbor hopping along the west coast of Mexico tries the skipper���s confidence like few other passages.

With an accent born in England and bred in New Zealand, Mark Scott will never be confused with Tom Sawyer. His pals, Bob Scheurman and Dave Jahn won't be mistaken for Huck Finn.