I blew it a few years ago. A very wealthy guy I knew bought a surplus military boat of some sort. Something in the 175' range. He was taking it from San Diego to Florida for refitting into personal yacht.
I get a call from John one day. I had no idea he had bought this boat or was even looking. He had a 55 Carver and a an older 85' Broward at the time.
This is about how the conversation went:
Fred, ya gotta come to Panama?
Um, uh, who is this?
John xxxxx, ya gotta hi-tail it to Panama
Hi John, why?
Just get Mary and get on a plane and get down here. One way tickets.
Um, what's up?
Jeez, I'll fly you down here, Midway or Ohare?
John, slow down, tell me what the problem is.
No problem, I just bought this boat and will be heading through the Panama Canal in a day or two and you mguys can come with the rest of the way to Florida.
Anywayz, I was so swamped just then at work that I just couldn't go. Would have been fun though.