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Captain Kirk, Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama, Captain Nemo, Captain John Smith, and Captain Simkins \u2013 what do all of these men have in common?\u00a0 Fictional and non-fictional, these individuals have taken it upon themselves to stand apart from the crowd.\u00a0 They are captains. I sat down with Captain Ron Simkins of Sarasota, FL, and how he became part of such an elite group of\u00a0\u00a0individuals.<\/p>\n
E: When did you first get into boating?<\/p>\n
R:\u00a0 I first got into boating as a pre-teen kid in at summer camp. \u00a0As a young adult in the early 70s, the first boat that I actually owned was a 22 foot Glasstron pleasure boat that I used on the Ohio River during summers. \u00a0The first significant boat that I owned was a 36 foot Catalina sail boat that I sailed in the mid 80’s on Lake Michigan.<\/p>\n
E: When did you become a captain and what do you have to do to maintain your license?<\/p>\n
R: I became a captain in the late 90’s when I started sailing larger motor yachts in Florida. \u00a0There are two reasons to obtain a captain’s license; one is to make a living captaining boats the other is general seamanship knowledge. \u00a0My desire was for the knowledge, knowing that I would be cruising off shore and maneuvering amongst ships of significant size in the Miami and Ft Lauderdale area. \u00a0Obtaining a license requires time on the water and demonstrating proficiency in a Coast Guard examination. Maintaining the license requires refresher courses be taken that are US Coast Guard approved.<\/p>\n
E: What are your captain \u201cquirks\u201d?<\/p>\n
R: My captain quirks are few, other than to stay out of foul weather at all costs.<\/p>\n
E: What kind of boat do you own now?<\/p>\n
R: The current is a 74 foot Hatteras Motor Yacht \u2013 called REGALIA.<\/p>\n
E: Do you have a favorite boating destination?<\/p>\n
R: Favorite destinations for REGALIA would include Key West and anywhere in the Bahamas.<\/p>\n
E: As a captain, are you allowed to marry people?\u00a0 Have you ever done so?<\/p>\n
R: Marrying people is a combination of a Florida Notary Stamp and ceremony. \u00a0What makes it legal is the Notary Stamp….what makes it fun and memorable is the ‘Captain’ aspect of the ceremony. \u00a0To date, I take credit for seven weddings….all of which are still intact.<\/p>\n
E: If you had a pirate name, what would it be?<\/p>\n
R: If I had a favorite pirate name, it would be Captain Flagg.<\/p>\n
E: What\u2019s your favorite aspect of boating?<\/p>\n
R: \u00a0My favorite aspect of boating is the social aspect.<\/p>\n
E: Do you have a favorite famous boat captain (fictional or non-fictional)?<\/p>\n
R: My favorite famous boat captain is Sir Francis Drake.<\/p>\n
![\"ron\"](\"http:\/\/nboat.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/ron.jpg\")
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