Rescuing the RA!

This is a story of life, love, and legacy. A story about my dad, his love for letting the wind guide his life in new directions, and his passion for sharing the best thing about Miami with people who otherwise wouldn’t have access to it: Biscayne Bay. He’d always say “These are some of the best sailing waters in the world” and have a compelling story of it’s history to follow. From the legendary Stiltsville and No Name Harbor to Nixon’s Key Biscayne residence, and getting struck by lightning (twice), He always had a tale to tell. At the end of the day, that’s all any of us have. The stories we tell ourselves and the artifacts we’ve left behind in the creating of those stories. What does it take to keep a story alive? Is it the artifacts themselves? How can someone’s story and legacy continue to impact our current lives? I’m on a journey to find out.

My dad had a Charter business out of Dinner Key Marina and was well known for being the boat with the longest residency - 35 years. A mainstay amongst a transient population, he created community around his business and was a bright light for those in his orbit. The Sailing Vessel Ra, like the Egyptian Sun God, was a “life giver” and that mythology could always be felt in a day on the water with my dad. The RA was a hostess for milestones in peoples lives— engagements, weddings, birthdays, musings, and contemplations — A place for deep reflection and connection to each other and nature. She was the vessel for celebrations and successful business meetings. My dad even found a dentist and an orthodontist who loved sailing and bartered for braces and dental care for myself and my 3 sisters. I have the RA to thank for my smile among other things.

As a first generation immigrant, a scientist known for starting the first federal marijuana farm in the U.S. in 1969, and a free thinker, my dad was never a snug fit anywhere. Once he recognized that as a gift, he was embraced everywhere. His calendar was stacked with engagements at every club in Miami: The Sierra Club, the Coconut Grove Sailing Club, The Rotary Club, The Chamber of Commerce, The Concierge Association, and yes, he was even a member of the Coconut Grove Women’s Club —And proud to be the only man with an invitation! He honored everyone and had a deep curiosity for people. As much as he loved telling his own stories he was eager to hear the trials and triumphs of others — And the best place to share those moments was always within the comforting embrace of the waves.

Whether people could afford his charter prices or not, he would take them sailing. He knew that boating in Miami was a luxury not everyone had access to, and he always made an effort to share what he had. He would often say, “I feel lucky to have something to give”. Sailing was his gift to give — The joy he received from giving people a memorable day on the water was a gift others could give back. When pulling into the slip after a day on the bay, he’d always tell his guests “Thank you for taking me sailing”

My Dad was actively sailing and running his charter business until 2019 (at the age of 80!) In 2020, when the world was going through a period of survival and letting go, he was slowing down. I was fighting my own health battle, while caring for my dad in his final chapter, and raising a toddler. With heavy hearts we sold The RA in the comfort of knowing she’d have a good life with a new captain. The new owners dedicated a few years of their lives to her while living aboard in Biscayne Bay. Unfortunately, The RA was recently caught in a series of terrible storms and the new owners had to return to the midwest for personal reasons. She turned up on the shore and someone who recognized the boat from his time as a kid in Coconut Grove reached out with a desire to bring her back to her previous glory. We’ve since had interest from others who knew my dad with the same sentiment and are following our hearts to see where this journey will take us.

Will you help us bring the Sailing Vessel RA back to the community that loved her and set sail with us again? You can participate by donating and sharing this campaign. If you feel compelled to help in other ways or have access to affordable dockage in Miami we’re open to ideas. We’re also actively collecting photos, videos and stories from the time you may have spent on The RA and moments shared with my dad. We’re searching for a news article about when The RA was struck by lightning twice(!) that we haven’t been able to locate in the Miami Herald Archives. We’re looking for a drone pilot and cinematographer willing to capture the epic moment she’s lifted off the sand and floating again. Our intention is to bring this project to the community and invite you to be part of the story. We’d love to keep the legend of The RA alive, create more stories with you, and share those stories in video updates along the way.

Initial Cost Breakdown of Rescuing the RA

$19,000 - Barge & Crane to lift her off the sand

$6000 - Tow her to the Marina + 2 months of dockage

$5000 - Initial repairs

Our first offering is a short film we made about the History of the Sailing Vessel RA and our passion to keep her alive. Special Thanks to Arin Crumley for bringing his heart to this project and collaborating with me on this video.