In 2006 Capt. Rex went looking for an additional boat for visitors to enjoy while vacationing in Destin, he didn’t want another schooner, he didn’t want a power boat, it had to be another sailing vessel, but offering a different kind of sailing experience for his guests. The idea to carry groups on a large sailing catamaran became the focus, still sailing, but faster, flatter on the water, and a boat that would make in-water activities easy for passengers and crew. Of course it also had to be Coast Guard certified to carry fare paying passengers.

He finally found the boat, a 46 foot catamaran, designed by Kurt Hughes, certified for 46 passengers, an ideal companion for the schooner Nathaniel Bowditch. BUT, it was in New York City!! Way too big to put on a truck (28.5ft. wide). It had to be sailed from NYC to Destin!

The deal was completed in January 2007, so Rex and first mate Matt loaded a rental van with tools, hardware, sleeping bags, cooking gear, generator, etc. and headed for the Big Apple, but, it was February, day time temperatures in NYC were maxing out at about 25 degrees. Now, you must consider that the Emerald Dancer is an open day sailing boat, it does not have a wheelhouse, cabins, bunks etc. To overcome this lack, a temporary wheelhouse was built from four sheets of plywood, and with the aid of a small heater and a generator running on deck they could keep the little enclosure at a snug 40 degrees. It was six days into the voyage before they finally saw the last of the ice and snow melt off the boat. The total voyage took 32 days, and covered 1800 miles.

Since arriving in Destin and starting charter operations the boat has been a great success, the spacious deck (over 900 sq. ft.), fast smooth sailing, and easy access into the water, have all contributed to making the Dancer a favorite among Destin visitors.