Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale — a tale of a fateful trip. It's a tale that started from JaxPort aboard a tiny ship, or at least a ship small enough to pass under the Dames Point Bridge.
The first mate, The Jacksonville Bar Association President-elect Braxton Gillam, was a mighty sailing man.
The skipper, The JBA President Ray Driver, was brave and sure — however this was likely due to the partaking of the ship's adult beverages.
Five passengers — actually, we are currently at 21 sailors — set sail that day for a 6.0-hour CLE and 2.0-hour ethics tour.
To tell the truth, I was really torn on how to stage this column.
I really wanted to the theme to be "The Love Boat" but was forced to retreat to "Gilligan's Island" because of the fond memories from my tender years and the fear of being politically incorrect.
Unlike "Gilligan's Island," this sea adventure sets sail Feb. 16 aboard the Carnival Fascination.
I don't want to take anything away from the S.S. Minnow. She did take to safety the "Gilligan's Island" crew, including Mary Ann and Ginger, who I had a crush on for most of my adolescent life.
But the Fascination is an amazing vessel that is not likely to leave you stranded on an uncharted desert isle.
Rooms aboard the Fascination start as low as $399 per person. Though this price may land you a room located next to one of the ship engines or boilers, it puts you in the game. More luxurious rooms are available for a slightly higher fee.
Contact Driver to find out rates for the presidential suite.
This trip "sets ground" initially at Key West on Feb. 18 before heading out to open sea. It arrives at its destination in Nassau, Bahamas, on Feb. 19.
The tour returns home to port in Jacksonville on Feb. 21.
This trip boasts six hours of CLE credit, including the two hours of ethics credit, for a mere cost of $150, payable to your very own The Jacksonville Bar Association.
Topics to be covered during the CLE include family law, class action lawsuits, tax law, commercial litigation, immigration law — this could come in handy if you lose your ID — and ethics.
For more information on the CLE presentation, contact Susannah Collins at [email protected].
During this second voyage, the first mate and the skipper, too, will do their very best to make every The JBA traveler comfortable in our The JBA Fascination Island Nest.
Last year was a great inaugural event attended by 23 The JBA members and guests.
Though Driver was disappointed the captain would not let him fly fish from the back deck on the maiden voyage, he said the trip was a great way to bond with fellow The JBA members.
Similarly, Gillam said the trip was a great way to sharpen his trap and skeet shooting skills while earning CLE credit and much needed R&R.
This trip is not limited to The JBA members. Be sure to bring your wives, husbands, children — take mine if you don't have any — and significant others for a wonderful time.
Don't miss the boat! To sign up for your cabin, contact Jennifer Souders at Avenue Travel Group at (856) 428-8300 or by email at [email protected].
You also will need to sign up for the CLE coordinated through The JBA by contacting Kendra Rhodin at (904) 399-4486 or [email protected].
A $200 deposit is all that is needed to reserve a spot today.
The deadline for full payment for this CLE at Sea adventure is Dec. 18. The deposit also is refundable through Dec. 18. Rooms may be booked after then depending on availability.
Bench and Bar reminder
Don't forget the annual Bench and Bar Party on Thursday. The party will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the lobby of the Aetna Building. This event is open to The JBA members and spouses or significant others and is free to judges, sustaining members and social members.
A $10 contribution at the door to benefit Jacksonville Area Legal Aid is suggested for all other The JBA members.
Spouses and significant others may attend for a $15 fee.