On our frequent day trips to Destin I would wistfully watch as the tall
sailing ships loaded with waving tourists glided into the harbor.
I have been promising myself for years that one day I would take a sail
on one of those ships. 

Sometimes when you look forward to something and have high expectations, the actual experience can be a letdown. This one wasn't.

One of three tall sailing ships that offer dolphin, shelling and sunset
cruises in Destin, the Nathaniel Bowditch could be the most unusual of
the trio. This past weekend I finally had a chance to sail on a morning
cruise and once onboard, I did what I do naturally - ask questions.

My first question was about who the lucky person was to charter his boat
during the annual Billy Bowlegs pirate festival. The Australian captain in a nice, but definite way said he allows no pirate paraphernalia onboard his ship as they were the scourge of the seas years ago and still continued in some parts of the world today and "should not be romanticized".  He also said he avoided the festival because it had gotten too rowdy and he didn't want his ship destroyed. It was an educational morning.

Captain Rex Walley bought his ship in 1997 and renamed the vessel originally one of two "Blackbeard" pirate ships in Destin, the Nathaniel Bowditch. The brilliant mathematician is recognized as the father of modern marine navigation even though he died in early 19th century. Walley is well-schooled in Bowditch's amazing life and is happy to offer detailed background information on him. No rogue pirates for him!

The 54-foot traditionally rigged steel schooner is recognizable by the royal blue streamer hoisted on the tallest mast and the complement American and Australian flags. Once onboard guests are invited to help hoist the sails and even steer the ship. Participation is encouraged but not mandated. Some of our passengers chose to try it all while others just laid back and enjoyed the sail. From time to time Walley hosts area school children aboard and depending on their ages they are given instruction in all aspects of sailing the big ship and navigational rules. 

On this morning we sailed out of the harbor into Destin's unbelievably
green waters in search of dolphins. The usually friendly creatures wanted no part of us this day. But it didn't matter. We enjoyed the warm breeze and the quiet glide of the ship. We enjoyed the journey. Sighting dolphins would have been a bonus. 

In between answering questions and steering the ship, the captain spent
half his time giving the usual spiel on what seemed almost out of place onboard - a cell phone. No, he would say politely. "We don't have any room for tonight. You should try and reserve space early in the week as we do fill quite quickly." Although the ship could carry up to 40 passengers, Walley limits his guest list to 22 each trip to ensure a quality experience. 

During peak season the ship makes twice daily runs including a dolphin,
shelling and swimming sail in the morning and sunset sail in the evenings. He also offers starlight cruises and special charters for weddings, reunions, corporate outings and even funerals.

The price is $25 adults, $23 for seniors over $60  and $15 for children.
To spend time with his family, Rex does not sail on Sundays. He also
offers a scaled back winter schedule. The Nathaniel Bowditch is docked at the Harborwalk complex behind the Lucky Snapper restaurant. Reservations especially for the sunset cruises are strongly recommended.

Details: 850-650-8787 or www.BowditchSailing.com.