Support Michael's Sailboat Recovery Effort

My name is Michael, my family and I recently bought our dream sailboat and were en-route bringing her home to Texas. While crossing the gulf from Florida we were hit by a series of powerful squalls and unforcast storms. We were up against 20'+ seas and sustained 50+kts of wind on and off for three days, if you have never been in a situation like this, let me tell you, it is absolutely terrifying. We lost the autopilot the first day forcing us to hand steering for the next two days. We then lost our headsail from a wild wind shift followed shortly by the engine. This effectively left us with zero control of the vessel, for fear of broaching, absolutely defeated, feeling like I had literally been smacked by the hand of God, and nearing hypothermia and fearful for our lives we radioed the Coast guard.

They were so fast to respond, Rescued by the USCG in the most incredible fashion 200 miles offshore in these conditions. We were dropped in Panama City FL and wished good luck. I cannot thank the next people we encountered enough. After the craziest series of events I’ve ever experienced, I was blessed with the kindness of strangers many of whom I’ll never see again to be able to thank. . I had to borrow a pair of shoes to get through TSA to fly home. the Hilton Garden Inn Panama City FL, they were extrogenerous and kind in feeding us and offering us a room to shower and get a few hours of sleep in. Eternally grateful.

Upon returning home we received coordinates from the coast guard, and mounted a charge to go find her. A Fuel shortage on one attempt, and tropical storm Alberto stopping us the second. She's now washed up on shore in Pensacola Beach and we need help salvaging her.

Removal will be a massive undertaking and so will repairs. We put our last into this, left our home and bet the farm. It's now washed up on shore and I don't know what else to do.. $10 multiplied goes a long way everyone keeps saying. I'm not too proud to ask for help. A lot of people have messaged me privately asking how they can donate, a few have suggested a go fund me. So here it is. If you can we appreciate every dollar. If you cannot we appreciate every prayer and all the good vibes. We cannot thank everyone enough, our hearts are overfull with appreciation from all the comments, messages and phone calls.

Thank you,

Michael Barlow

S/V Azure (formerly Lady Catherine III)