Rankin Tippins, or shall we call him Captain Rankin, started sailing more than 25 years ago. His first sailing vessel was a 23 foot MacGregor which he used to sail around the Fort Walton Beach area with friends and family many years ago. [...] Since then he has been the proud owner of two power boats, a 25 foot Carver and a 37 foot Sea Ray, before he finally returned to his passion of sailing. In 2002, he purchased a 45 foot monohull named Heart of Texas which he recently sold to buy a 47 foot catamaran. Besides our adventures, Rankin was also a crew member on a 72 foot Morgan for three months which took him from Panama to Tahiti. The "sailing bug" bit him many years ago and though he loved working as a corporate attorney and just hated to give it up .... he has managed the adjustment to being his own boss and all the freedom, independence and responsibility associated with the cruising lifestyle. I have been sailing since 2002, however, in the beginning it took a little persuading by a kind, gentle sailor/rugby player. He made promises of magnificent sunsets, beautiful beaches, wonderful tropical cocktails served to me by young, handsome cabana boys and last but not least, no more stress headaches .... how could I resist. So, though I had very, very little sailing experience (in the beginning), I decided to give up my career as a systems engineer and the stress headaches that went along with it and followed the kind sailor. Since our sailing adventures began (February, 2002), I have experienced at least four gale storms (lost count), walls of waves I never dreamed existed except in my nightmares, and I have yet to see a young, handsome cabana boy. However, I have been fortunate to experience unbelievable sunsets, gorgeous beaches, peaceful starry nights on the ocean which words, at least not mine, could do justice, and fantastic tropical cocktails ... all of these moments I have been able to share with the kind, gentle sailor/rugby player. Who could ask for anything more!!!