Atop an Anchors Aweigh charter flies a pair of pirate flags and an American flag which flutter freely in the ocean breeze. It is perhaps this kind of freedom that the ship's captain, Steven Hair offers to those who charter with him and his wife, Wanda. Their 36' modified boat, 'Ye Ole Pirate' is equipped with a wheelchair ramp, numerous handholds and other devices to assist those physically challenged anglers who board the chartered craft for a day of fishing fun.
She sails from Fernandina Harbor Marina on Amelia Island taking clients on inshore and offshore angling adventures and nature cruises. 'Ye Ole Pirate' can accommodate up to six people at a time or two wheelchairs per charter.
Assisted, fishing cruises are available by the hour. Reasonably priced charters can be scheduled within miles of the island shoreline or even beyond the jeddies for a bit more cost. For those without the resources to afford this kind of fishing excursion, Anchors Aweigh Charters Inc., now a non-profit organization, is able to bring this service to those in need by the generosity of corporations and individuals who make it possible for the physically challenged to charter with Steve and Wanda Hair through a tax deductible donation.
"The reason for putting the non-profit organization together," says Captain Steve, "was that lots of times the people that could benefit most from a day on the water cannot afford to go. Unfortunately I cannot afford to take but so many myself. Therefore, we need funding to expand the service."
Wanda and Captain Steve know that those who are most likely to enjoy this kind of charter are not only hindered by cost but by physical limitations as well. For this reason, Anchors Aweigh Charters Inc., was founded to cater to all persons young and old with physical disabilities who are also unable to pay for the enriching and educational experiences on 'Ye Ole Pirate' that brings them the adventure they desire in their lives. A quote from Wanda Hair, "I hope we never have to refuse another child or person who wants to go fishing," really puts the need for this service and the necessity to make it available to all physically challenged individuals into perspective.
Steve has experience caring for the needs and angling with those who are physically challenged. He brings this knowledge of helping those with special needs to Anchors Aweigh Charters Inc., and with their enjoyment in mind he pursues an expansion of this North East Florida charter. Captain Steve says, "I have been fishing all my life and started my charter business as a result of that in 1995. My dream is to have this service in all coastal cities."
Those who are unable to fish of their own accord are given the opportunity to angle in the open ocean with the aid of Steve and Wanda who provide assistance and share the use of specialized angling aids and mechanical tools made by those who know the needs of physical challenges that can be different for each person. Steve shared that, "Some of the ships' equipment used to assist special needs was found on the Internet. Some of these devises were designed by people that needed them, and some were designed by myself as I saw a need for them." One of Captain Steve's inventions is a wheelchair stand that keeps anglers stable in their wheel chairs while on board 'Ye Ole Pirate.'
First Mates Kids Fishin' Adventure is a wonderful accommodation the Captain offers as a half day of fun-filled adventures on a voyage geared for the kids where they learn about the sea and the thrill of catching their very own fish. Take a look on the Anchors Away website on the tours and rates page, then click 'contact us anyway' to book an incredible adventure for a child to discover the treasures of the deep.
When I asked Steve to share something that he has learned from those who come share his boat in a charter tour he offered the
following comments: "All charters are not the same, not all anglers have the same problem. I have learned something new from everyone I have taken out. Over the years I have been privileged to fish with several individuals that were challenged in some way that really touched me and I could help them do things they had not been able to do since their accident or illness. "
"Last spring," Steve says, "I took my brother-in-law out. He was electrocuted years ago and lost his left arm. With his prosthesis and my equipment he was able to catch a 36-pound cobia! These are the things that make all the hard work worthwhile."
"I had another special customer that fished with me several times." This special friend Steve speaks of was a cancer patient by the name Vic Mariani. Steve says, "Vic was an avid fisherman before his illness and had not been out in 12 years. His son visited me at the docks one day and said his Dad had asked him to thank me for the wonderful times he had while fishing with me." When I told him to tell Vic that I would love to take him out again sometime, his son said "No, you don't understand
. Dad is no longer with us." Steve said,"I told him I was sorry to hear that." He said "Dad called us all in the night before he passed away and said, "Tell Captain Steve, thank you." He made a casting motion with a smile on his face and passed away. It hurts to know that I'll lose some of them, but it feels good to know that I made a difference in someone's life."
More information can be found at www.anchorsaweighcharters.com . A complete list of charter rates and specific comforts and conveniences that are offered on the 'Ye Ole Pirate' are listed in detail on the website. A photo page of bragging rights is displayed on the Anchors Aweigh website where anglers fishing successes can be available for all to view. In addition to booking a charter with these fine shipmates, Steve and Wanda bring one-of-a-kind adventures to all their clients by adapting to specific needs. All clients are encouraged to ask for assistance with and state specific individual needs they might have when booking with Anchors Aweigh Charter Inc.
With the philosophy that the objective of fishing is not always to catch fish but that being on the water is therapy for the soul the Hairs continue to invite those who would like to enjoy an assisted fishing charter to join them. You can contact Steve and Wanda Hair today at aaacharter@aol.com for more information. To join their efforts by giving a donation toward a boating adventure like this to bring physically or otherwise disadvantaged persons onboard with Anchors Aweigh Charters Inc., see the Donation Commitment form.
