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CRUISERS NET
Cruisers Helping Cruisers
Comprehensive cruising resource for the Intracoastal Waterways
from Norfolk to the Northern Gulf and Bahamas.
from Norfolk to the Northern Gulf and Bahamas.
FREE to use due to the generosity of our sponsors - please patronize them
BOARDING SOLO – Janice Anne Wheeler
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SPARRING WITH MOTHER NATURE brings you aboard as we joust our way back onto the water. We’ve come a long way with a ways to go… Your support is essential. Thank you. J
If you’ve just joined our engaging little community, please read SPARS & SPARRING, my introductory piece.…. ~J
Please find this interconnectedness story a pleasant diversion from boatwork. For all of us.
I recounted this story at a friend’s dinner party and we could not stop raising our eyebrows. I’m not a big believer in coincidence; there are higher powers at work. This tale is not fiction. Let’s consider it the power of the universe, if you believe in such things. Or even if you don’t.
A handful of years ago, I booked a window ticket on one of those bulky, world-covering Boeings from Washington, DC southeast across a large portion of the planet; a trip through both time and space to Johannesburg, South Africa. My receipt indicated no stops, seventeen hours in the air. I settled in, gazing out and about. I can never stop myself from wondering how so many people can be going to the same place from the same place at the very same time as I am.
The passenger assigned next to me arrived as late as possible with an eclectic assortment of carry-ons. She settled in as well, clearly a seasoned traveler in colorful garb that emphasized her shiny, exotic, elephant-wrinkled ebony skin and regal air. A brilliantly aged African character in a tall head wrap straight out of National Geographic Magazine was sitting in 29B.
I was awed, and, for once, quietly considered protocol. She leaned her cane between us, greeting me politely but not openly, socks pulled high. The standard take-off rigamarole ensued with the pilot announcing that our arrival in Ghana was estimated to be slightly ahead of schedule. Ghana? Seriously? I scanned the cabin. “You are leaving me there,” she told me in a stunning mix of accents, and then, a completely different topic, “Where’s your husband?” she asked gently while somehow also eyeing me suspiciously. I explained my rendezvous plan to no avail or approval and we settled in, she watching a movie and me reading, dozing, gazing. With barely a glance in my direction, as sunrise arrived with croissants and tea, she began to speak, the same low, lyrical tone and clear command of English I had been treated to the evening prior.
Borrowed from SAA, couldn’t locate mine… “In my country you pick your husband by his foofoo soup,” was her opening line. I raised my eyebrows, universal for that was unexpected….among other things…she continued, unphased. “Now, you remember dis,” it was a softly commanded request that I pay attention to her story, and her culture, and the importance of both.” In order to be a good husband you have to make foofoo soup. And just right. If he can’t make foofoo soup, he’s no good.” She nodded her elegant, wisened visage seriously, “I taught my son, and he married happy. I just saw him, two months, with a grandbebe.,” She went through the recipe and that, I admittedly, have lost to time, but I recall Cassava, which even as a Caterer I didn’t utilize on my traditional American menu.
As she spoke the animation grew; she told of a boy who failed the test and was heartbroken, and one who excelled and was chosen, assumably to live happily ever after. I was enthralled far more by the telling, even, than by the tale.
As the day brightened we landed on the beach-outlined coastline of Ghana, West Africa, a place I had never expected to be. I stood and she solemnly shook my hand upon departure; ensuring with a single finger in front of my nose that I would always remember what she had shared. Her straight, retreating back is the last thing I recall of her, shrugging off all offers of assistance.
I settled back into 29A and allowed my phone to find a cell tower, regardless of the fees. Those of us continuing on were not allowed to touch the ground here, and we had a tropical two-hour wait. I went through my peeps, especially those I had lost track of and sent them a text that simply said, “The only text message you will ever receive from Ghana.” Those random messages, my favorite kind, elicited interesting responses, amusing me for days. One was something about being shanghaied on a pirate ship; and now I wonder, how’s that for foreshadowing?
Upon my return to DC two weeks later I requested a long UBER ride and found myself behind the driver of a spotlessly clean older model Mercedes, remarkably reminiscent of Thailand and the gentleman I had hired there for pennies on the dollar. He peered at me in his rear-view mirror with a beautiful smile that split his strong coffee-colored face, and was careful to annunciate his words as he read the address of our destination. “Yes, thank you,” I told him, as he focused on his (I assume) lonely customer service job, the one where people aren’t interested, don’t inquire, don’t converse, preferring the comfort zone of their phone. My eyes were tired, my phone tucked away.
I let him navigate Dulles International Airport traffic and hesitated for a moment or two, wondering selfishly if a conversation would be complicated as he was clearly from far elsewhere, and a bit uncomfortable, perhaps, trying to make a living in a foreign land. I had a feeling, call it intuition, six sense, whatever, that I should delve in. “Where are you from?” I inquired, an ordinary go-to, given the circumstances. “Ah. West Africa, Miss. I am from Ghana,” he glanced again in the small rear-view, to gauge my reaction, my knowledge of geography, my inclusion, my acceptance.
“Ah,” I said in return. “You make good fufu soup?” The dark eyes widened. “You know fufu soup?” he was comically incredulous and expressive to hear of something from his homeland, I’m sure of it. I’m no hero, and not trying to be, but let me tell you that the connection I made with that man in that car will never be forgotten. I told him that I had just been there, and it was beautiful, and about the seemingly powerful, impressive woman on the plane. “When did you fly?” he asked, and I considered, finally producing the date. “That is my mother,” he told me, his voice mimicking hers now, “I miss her very much.”
I have never forgotten. ~J
Tell the world about your otherworldly connection, please.
I took this and 700 others in Kruger National Park, SA. GO. It’s brilliant. 
This tremendous Bull desperately wanted to SPAR with our car. Tad blurry due to windscreen., apologies….oh, and my hands were shaking, too…. 
A place like no other. See you next week back aboard STEADFAST. Elizabeth Beggins aren’t you pleased I talked to all those strangers?!
I so appreciate your support of my work. Have a wonderful week!
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© 2025 Janice Anne Wheeler
Living aboard Sailing Yacht STEADFAST again soon!
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What’s Happening in Your Parks – Charleston County Parks
What’s Happening In Your Parks Aug/Sept – Charleston County Parks
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Fishermen’s Village September 2025 Calendars, Punta Gorda, FL
There is always plenty to do around Charlotte Harbor. While berthed at Fishermen’s Village Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, you are certain to enjoy visiting Western Florida’s beautiful Charlotte Harbor/Peace River.
Fishermen’s Village September Calendars of Entertainment/Events
September 2025 Sunset Beach Club Calendar
Special Events & Community Relations941.639.8721
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For Fishermen’s Village
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Fishermen’s Village
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Elizabeth City: Your Autumn Escape Awaits
Elizabeth City sits at the southern terminus of the Dismal Swamp Canal and has the well-earned reputation of being a transient friendly town with free dockage for 72 hours.
DOWNTOWN FEATURED EVENTS PLACES TO STAY Autumn unwinds in Elizabeth City and you should too!
Our new self-service kayak kiosk at College Park (600 Southern Avenue) allows users to quickly grab a kayak by downloading the Rent.Fun app and scanning the QR code on the kiosk. The launch brings a splash of adventure right to our community’s doorstep! Read more here.
On Friday September 4 at 4 pm, Elizabeth City Downtown Inc. is hosting the First Friday ArtWalk where downtown art studios and businesses host guest artists and musicians.
Tuesday’s in September through September 23rd enjoy free live music at Music on the Green, held at Mariners’ Wharf on our beautiful downtown waterfront at 6 pm. This event is hosted by Elizabeth City Downtown Inc. and free to attend.
On Thursday September 11th at 8 pm, ECSU Community Connections presents, Step Afrika! which blends stepping, live drumming and storytelling into an electrifying performance. This event is free to attend but registration is required.
September 13th at 7 pm, College of the Albemarle Performing arts center presents, The “Original” Moonlighters- One of the country’s premier Motown and variety cover bands. Tickets can be purchased here.
September 29th through October 3rd 9 am – 4 pm, Arts of the Albemarle presents, SPLASH Week, a week long artist retreat for artists of all levels and disciplines to create in a communal studio.
Looking for a perfect place to stay? Explore our lodging accommodations and while you’re in town, discover our local shops and restaurants waiting to welcome you!
Copyright (C) 2025, Visit Elizabeth City. All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Visit Elizabeth City
400 South Water Street Suite 100
Elizabeth City, NC 27909This email was sent to senioreditor@cruisersnet.net
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Sunday Funday in Edenton [Albemarle Sound, NC]
A longtime CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, historic Edenton always has an exciting calendar of events and places to visit! Edenton is at the mouth of the Chowan River on the northwest shore of Albemarle Sound.
Hello! “What should I do when I visit Edenton?”
This is a question we get all the time. The answer to that question is a little different for everyone. Are you obsessed with history? We’ve got you covered. Want to spend time out on the water? Sure! Looking to experience art and music? We know when you should plan your trip. In fact, we have a bunch of guides designed specifically to help you answer this question!
But, what about Sundays in Edenton?
Friday nights and Saturdays are busy and full of people, events, and things to do. From a night out on the town, eating at a nice restaurant, or taking in a movie at the locally owned Taylor Theatre, to a day exploring one-of-a-kind historical treasures, there’s a lot to do.
So, what should you do on Sunday? Maybe your feet are tired from walking on Saturday. Or, maybe you want a lazy Sunday brunch.
Here’s a guide to show you what you can do in Edenton on Sundays.
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Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Edenton Harbor City Docks
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Cruisers’ Net Weekly Newsletter – August 22, 2025
Cruisers’ Net Newsletter for this week has just been emailed via Constant Contact.
If you want to view the newsletter but are not signed up to receive them automatically, you can view it at https://conta.cc/3UIoeAO or see it below.
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Jetski/Pontoon Maker Appears To Have Settled in Virginia Death – Loose Cannon
Cruisers Net publishes Loose Cannon articles with Captain Swanson’s permission in hopes that mariners with salt water in their veins will subscribe. $7 a month or $56 for the year, and you may cancel at any time.
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When all else fails, try journalism.
Jetski/Pontoon Maker Appears To Have Settled in Virginia Death
Florida Case Continues, as Facebook Scrubbed of Other Sea-Doo Stories
POLICE REPORT: The victim’s father, who was operating the vessel, proved his sobriety with a breath test at the scene. The redaction of this report was atrocious, accidentally leaving the name of the witness, Shwarting, for all to see, as well as that of another passenger and the father himself. Neeya Hussain, 9, died in the accident. Her family posted that photo of Neeya on Facebook just after her death. At one point, the death of Neeya Hussain was going to become a nationwide “class-action lawsuit,” according to the family’s lawyer, Emily Mapp Brannon. That was in October 2024, a few months after the nine-year-old was killed when the Hussain’s Sea-Doo Switch flipped over on a Virginia Lake on the Fourth of July.
Now, Brannon isn’t talking, except to say: “You are not permitted to call my client. We are also not permitted to discuss this matter. There is no comment.” Client Nadim Hussain, who is 40, did not respond to a text.
“This is confidential information and we are not commenting on such topics publicly,” said Emilie Proulx, spokesperson for BRP, the Canadian manufacturer of the Switch, the hybrid jetski-pontoon boat in question.
Sounds like things people say when they’ve reached an out-of-court cash settlement, no?
When Loose Cannon first published stories about Neeya’s death on Lake Anna and a similar accident that has incapacitated a Florida toddler for life, Switch owners on Facebook reacted by sharing their stories of having flipped or almost flipping when they too had suddently decelerated.
Those Facebook threads are gone, having apparently been scrubbed.
(Pro tip: Don’t assume “saving” a Facebook post is permanent. For a permanent record, take screenshots of the commentary or convert it to PDF format instead. Ask me how I know. Those “saved threads” have all been replaced by markers labeled “content not available.”)
Luigi Bazzani is an investigator working for the Miami law firm Goldberg and Rosen, which represents the family of 28-month-old Vianca Grullon in a $30 million lawsuit against BRP. She nearly died when her family’s Switch flipped over forward on the St. Johns River in Florida over Labor Day Weekend a year ago.
Bazzani is trying to find owners such as those who told their (now disappeared) Switch stories on Facebook or anyone else who recalls flipping or almost flipping the same model of jet-powered Sea-Doo watercraft. (Bazzani can be reached at 305-219-8840. His email is bazzani@me.com)
SOME EARLIER STORIES
Flipping a Switch: A ‘Quirky’ Boat and the Accident That Nearly Killed a Little Girl
·September 22, 2024Read full story 
Child Dies After Sea-Doo Switch Flips in Virginia
October 26, 2024Read full story 
Safety Recall for Sea-Doo Switch Cites Handling Issues
·Feb 27Read full story 
The 13-foot Seadoo Switch, the smallest model and the one involved in both accidents. LOOSE CANNON covers hard news, technical issues and nautical history. Subscribe for free to support the work. If you’ve been reading for a while—and you like it—consider upgrading to paid.
You’re currently a free subscriber to LOOSE CANNON. For the full experience, upgrade your subscription.
© 2025
411 Walnut St. No. 1944, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
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LAST CHANCE: Marina Jacks BOGO August Special, Sarasota, FL, GICW Statute Mile 73
Marina Jacks and Sarasota are a favorite stop of ours when cruising Florida’s Gulf Coast. It has top notch facilities and staff along with a great town to visit. We particarily enjoy the Sarasota Farmers Market which is hosted every Saturday from 7 am – 1pm.
Take advantage of their special August BOGO offer if you’re in the area.
BOOK YOUR SLIP HERE! * BOGO nights must be used consecutively; the free night will always be the second recurring night. Cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. Offer is valid 8/1/2025 and expires on 8/26/25. Offer only applies to new August bookings. Due to hurricane reconstruction, amenities in selected slips including in-slip water and in-slip pump-out are not available. Marina Jack 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, FL 34236
941-955-9488 ext. 1 | marinajacks.com
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Marina Operations/Marina Jacks
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American Powerboat Association World Championship, Englewood Beach, FL, Oct 10 – 12
There is always plenty to do around Punta Gorda, Englewood Beach, and Charlotte Harbor, any time of the year. Whether you are moored in Punta Gorda’s mooring field or berthed at Fishermen’s Village Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, you will enjoy your visit to the beautiful area and activities, especially the Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach’s Waterfest.
Englewood Beach Waterfest Chosen as APBA World Championship Finale
PUNTA GORDA/ENGLEWOOD BEACH, Fla. – (August 19, 2025) The highly anticipated American Powerboat Association (APBA) World Championship will be the thrilling finale at Englewood Beach Waterfest October 10th through the 12th. This fall will mark the 11th year of speedboat racing on Englewood Beach. Waterfest draws people far and wide, averaging an impressive 32,000 guests throughout the weekend. Englewood Beach Waterfest, Inc. is a non-profit, 100% volunteer-run organization that highlights speedboat racing and water activities to promote and support conservation and recreation. The APBA Championship is a three-race event with Waterfest holding the final race, bringing both national and international recognition to the area.
Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach’s Waterfest was selected as one of the Top 20 Festivals by the Southeast Tourism Society in 2023, marking its third time being recognized with this award. It is made possible by a dedicated team of volunteers, eager to help from start to finish, producing a spectacular event.
The hidden gem Florida destination, Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, makes for an incredible race setting due to its unique day-to-day water conditions, from calm waters to larger waves. In addition, the community support in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach is unwavering with extraordinary safety measures, from helicopters overhead to protect race drivers and marine life, to the local fire department’s rescue boat on standby, to ensure safety for all participants.
“Englewood Beach Waterfest is excited and honored to be hosting the final race of the season where the APBA World Champions will be crowned,” says Englewood Beach Waterfest President, Jay Henderson. “The Englewood community loves offshore racing and enjoys showcasing our beautiful area. The 450 Volunteers that make Englewood Beach Waterfest possible welcome and assist our Guests and Racers to make sure all have a safe and enjoyable weekend.”
The teams for Waterfest will be arriving Thursday and Friday where they will start safety inspections, a driver’s meeting and a race position qualifier. On Friday October 10th, excitement will spark in the community with the Annual Block Party on historic Dearborn Street. Racing kicks off at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 11 and continues through Sunday, October 12. The top three winners will be celebrated at the awards ceremony.
Englewood Beach Waterfest Details:
- Dates: October 10 – 12, 2025
- Location: 2100 N Beach Road Englewood, FL 34224
- Price: General Admission Two-Day Tickets = $35.00 (children under 12 FREE) and VIP One-Day Tickets = $150.00, VIP Two-Day Tickets = $250.00
For more information, tickets, or volunteer inquiries, please visit: https://
englewoodbeachwaterfest.com/. ABOUT PUNTA GORDA/ ENGLEWOOD BEACH
The charming Punta Gorda/ Englewood Beach is found on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The region is known for its long, pristine beaches and the lush environment, with over 70 parks and preserves. Located just south of Sarasota, the coastal town offers activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, biking, shelling, and even hunting for fossilized shark teeth along the serene shore. There is something for everyone in Punta Gorda/ Englewood Beach, whether it is relaxing at the beach or going on a thrilling adventure through mangrove tunnels, it will prove to be an amazing experience.To learn more about Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, visit PureFlorida.com, call (941)743-1900 or on Instagram, X and Facebook @RealPureFlorida.
Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach VCB Media Contacts:
Lois Croft, Public Relations Director
Punta Gorda/ Englewood Beach Visitors & Conventions Bureau
Mady Dudley, Public Relations Director
Aqua Marketing & Communications
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Punta Gorda Waterfront
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