new orleans, LA USA

ATTENTION!!!! This Tuesday evening, June 7th 2005, at exactly 6:45 PM the New Orleans based topsail schooner Jolly II Rover engaged the world renowned 129' Schooner America in a gun battle in the harbor of Key West Florida.
         
       The Jolly II Rover laid in wait behind Sunset Island until the America departed from its berth at Schooner Wharf. As the America, under full sail, came into view heading east out of Key West Harbor the Jolly II Rover, with the setting sun to its stern, slowly approached the fastest schooner in the world! Like Jean LaFitte and his pirates - with the element of surprise in our favor the plan was to attack and retreat behind Sunset Island before the crew of the massive schooner could respond. (I knew the Americas' deep water draft would not allow it to pursue the Jolly II Rover into the shallow waters behind Sunset Island.)
         
       I was at the helm and Captain Joey was in the crows nest reporting strategical manuevers. In true Pirate traditiion we raised the Jolly Roger flag to announce our intentions and to frighten the crew of the oncoming schooner. Suddenly the America changed course and was heading directly at our stern!!! They had spotted our cannon set up on our aft port quarter and were attempting to postion themselves so that I could not fire on them directly. I knew that their artillery was set up on their aft port quarter also. If they were on our starboard side we would be defenseless!

    My original plan was to fire on them as they passed on our port side and quickly move out of position so that if they did get off a shot it would fall in the water as we moved out and away from them toward the cover of the Island. However, The America was now preparing to pass on our starboard side which would leave us vulnerable to their cannon fire as the much faster ship would move on past the now defenseless Jolly II Rover!!

        I immediately tacked to port to place our cannon in position for a broadside attack on the Americas port side as it passed our stern - knowing all along that because we had lost the element of surprise we were now going to be directly in the line of site of the worlds fastest schooners  cannon! What the crew of the America did not know was that the schooner Jolly II Rover is equipped with the same size cannon and a New Orleans based cannon crew that know how to handle their powder in a skirmish.
   
      The America got off the first shot but had fired much to early and missed widely. While the America cannon crew was busy reloading and the rest of their crew was busy handling their 60 plus frightened guests the Jolly II Rover landed a cannon blast directly midship on the America! Now we were totally vulnerable to the aft quarter cannon of the massive America as it passed by our stern. I shouted out to reload and fire at will before the America could get off another shot as she passed by our stern. I positioned the Jolly II Rover stern toward the Americas port side so we would not sustain a broadside cannon blast. The America fired and got us square in the aft cabin causing our cannon to misfire. We reloaded and fired a return shot which fell behind the America as she sped by and headed out to sea.            
          With the music of "Master and Commander" blasting in the background and the crowd at Mallory Square who witnessed this once in lifetime event screaming and waving their arms we regrouped to assess our damages. Overall we had no injuries, and sustained only a small amount of damage to our aft cabin window. As planned, we retreated to the cover of Sunset Island to rest, celebrate and prepare for a night of shark fishing and another day of adventure!

      The New Orleans based Topsail schooner Jolly II Rover is under contract with the Boyscouts of America to provide a high seas adventure to the troops. This once in a lifetime encounter with the fastest schooner in the World occured midweek in the scouts first week of a 12 week adventure on the Jolly II Rover!!! Who knows what adventures are ahead for the passengers of the Jolly II Rover!!

If you are interested in hearing more about the adventures of the topsail schooner Jolly II Rover give me a call at 504-286-5706.
Bill Malone - the proud owner, Master and Commander of the New Orleans Based topsail schooner the Jolly II Rover.

Thursday, June 9, 2005 @ 2:10:29 PM

new orleans, LA USA

Myself and the crew of the schooner Jolly II Rover want to thank
Mike Lane, his family and staff for a very good year with rodnreel.com.
We would also like to wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season!!
Sincerely,
Bill Malone

Monday, December 27, 2004 @ 2:06:02 PM

new orleans, LA USA

The schooner made it back in the water on time thanks to the guys in the yard. (See the photos)
Put an additional zinc on the propeller shaft to see if it will help. Got the paint supplier to take back the extra ten gallons of paint too!
     We made it the Maritime Museum on time for the sunset sail. The schooner was full and everyone had a good time even though there was no wind after 8PM! The times picayune Covington sent a photographer - she was taking names and taking photos.
Lots of folks came by who were not sailing just to see the schooner and take photos. Most folks found out about the sail to support the Tchefuncte River lighthouse Restoration Project from the museum and from an article in the Newsbanner.
I was very pleased to see a woman that I had just met on an airplane a few days before! She came with her relatives from Covington and waited on the dock to see if we had some no shows! We did and she came on board. See photo of Ms.Beryl
We will be doing this again next month on the weekend of August 27th, 28th and 29th. Each night will be a sunset/moonlight sail. The full moon is the 29th!! A portion of the proceeds will again go toward the Lighthouse Restoration Project.
This weekend the schooner will be at the Dock restaurant in New Orleans at West End. We will be available for sunset sails Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7PM. Come by - grab some food and your favorite beverage from the restaurant and come onboard!!
See you sailing.
Bill Malone

Wednesday, July 28, 2004 @ 5:36:28 PM

new orleans, LA USA

The propeller on the Jolly II Rover is showing some damage on the leading edge of two of the three blades.
The yard said it was from electroysis.
The surveyor said it was from cavitation.
The propeller shaft is stainless steel. The prop is bronze. The hull is steel.
I have zincs on the rudder post, the rudder and on the hull. the only zincs that showed much wear were the ones on the rudder itself.
I have attached a few photos.
I would appreciate any comments.
Thanks Bill

Saturday, July 24, 2004 @ 12:17:52 PM

new orleans, LA USA

Second day on the hard and the schooner has been sanded and first coat of bottom paint applied. (See the photos!)
Yard estimated 20 gallons for two coats on the bottom!
Paint maufacturer estimated 15 gallons for two coats on the bottom!
Designer/builder told me six gallons for two coats on the bottom!!
NEITHER YARD NOR MANUFACTURER NOR SKIPPER BELIEVED THE DESIGNER!
It took three gallons to cover the bottom with one coat - using the yards bottom guys!!!
The yard ordered so much paint I am going to put three coats on and look to get my money back on the other TEN GALLONS!!!
The prop showed some damage on the leading edge on two of the three blades.(see photos) The yard said it was electrolysis - the surveyor said it was from capitation. I would appreciate any comments from readers as to what might be the cause of the damage.
Thanks Bill Malone
FYI - I undersatnd that all tickets have been sold for the 7PM sail from the Maritime Museum in Madisonville for this Saturday the 24th. However the museum is scheduling an additional sail to accomodate all callers - I understand it will be either later Saturday night or Sunday evening at 6pm. Please call the museum at 985-845-9200 for tickets and information. A portion of the proceeds will be going to a good cause - the restoration of the Tchfuncte river light house station!
We are planning to make this a regular event!

Thursday, July 22, 2004 @ 11:55:29 PM

new orleans, LA USA

The topsail schooner Jolly II Rover has been getting a lot of attention lately! Besides being featured with Frank Davis on his naturally New Orleans news segment and my being interviewed by Liz Reyes on ABC - the Jolly II Rover was the setting for a possible feature segment on the Jazz Brunch TV show! The director of the show was onboard with Captain Chip Sunday evening for the 7pm sunset sail from the Dock restaurant. He came with his video crew and spent the sailing time filming. He called yesterday and requested more time filming onboard. We were scheduled to haul the schooner out of the water this afternoon so it was agreed that we would meet at Oak Harbor at the Dock restaurant at 8AM. He wanted to get some more video without a lot of passengers interfereing with his filming.  We set sail as we were leaving the harbor. The Jazz Brunch director took more video, asked a lot of questions and headed back to New Orleans at 9:30AM.
       Last night I was interviewed for a story in the Times Picayune! The interviewer had plenty of questions. I am anxious to read it. The focus of the story is to be the schooner's participation in this Saturday's 7/24 sunset sail (7PM) from the Maritime Museum in Madisonville. The sail is to help raise funds for the Tchefuncte River Lighthouse Restoration project through the Maritime Museum. This is for a great cause so come to the museum and enjoy the ride! Tickets are only $30/person and are available through the Museum. You can reach the museum by phone at 985-845-9200. If you have never been to the museum you should check it out! Admission is only $2.00 - that is no mistake - only $2.00!!!
       This afternoon we hauled the schooner out of the water for a required out of water survey for my insurance company. We are getting the bottom painted and the zincs changed while it is out. The boat was last hauled in February 2003. Several months before I bought it. I had never seen it out of the water! (see the photos.) The hull is in great shape. Only a few barnacles and the zincs had some life left in them too.
The boat will be back in the water and back in business by Friday afternoon! I am anxious to see the final bill!!
       Dont forget about Madisonville this weekend. I have been talking with the museum about the possibility of making the schooner available there on a regular basis - it is a beautiful area!
Talk with you all soon.
Bill Malone
A Connecticut Yankee loving his life on a Louisiana Lake!!

Tuesday, July 20, 2004 @ 10:13:03 PM

new orleans, LA USA

Me and my schooner the Jolly II Rover were very privleged tonight to host a birthday for our very own Mike Lane!
Mikes beautiful bride Alyson contacted me a few weeks ago and she made all of the arrangements.
We had about 20 party goers onboard (check out the photos!). Alyson's Dad came with us as well as her sister and brother in law - a retired Marine who just returned from riding his bicycle cross country from Oregon! A 3,600 mile trip he made without a back up vehicle! I also met Helmut, Bill, Gordon, Mikes son and a host of others!
Anyway - a good time was had by all. Captain Chip and the Pirates of Ponchartrain took the schooner out of Oak Harbor with the birthday party at 7PM. We fired the cannon as we left the harbor. At sunset we fired the cannon again and again after we sang happy birthday to Mike, and again as we ate homemade cupcakes made by Alysons sister and again at Mikes request and again at Bills request! A lot of black powder was spent  celebrating the event!! I left the Dock restaurant at about 10:15 with a few of the group still inside!
         The Jolly II Rover will be in Mandeville Harbor tomorrow evening hosting a meeting of the Olde Mandeville Business association. Friday we will be in New Orleans at the Dock restaurant for a private party and will remain there for the weekend offering our regular 4pm and 7pm sails for $30/person.
       Don't forget that the schooner will be at the Maritme Museum on Saturday the 24th for a fund raiser to help restore the Tchefuncte River Lighthouse Station. Tickets are $30/person and available through the museum in Madisonville. We will be sailing at 7pm from the museum dock. You can call the museum at 985-845-9200 to purchase tickets ahead of time or to get directions. it is very easy to find. Hope to see you there. We are selling 48 tickets and I know that some have already been taken.
Bill

Thursday, July 15, 2004 @ 12:14:41 AM

new orleans, LA USA

     Had the great opportunity earlier this week, with two of the Pirates of Pontchartrain, to particpate in a news interview with Liz Reyes from ABC TV. We were featured on ABC News this morning!
     The schooner Jolly II Rover has been attracting a fair amount of attention this month. While we were at the Mandeville Seafood festival last week we toured hundreds of people and sailed with Festival goers several times a day. Each sunset sail was at maximum capacity of 49 passengers!
    The schooner Jolly II Rover will be returning to that area of the northshore on Saturday July 24th. We are planning to offer a sunset sail in conjunction with the Maritime Museum in Madisonville. We will be sailing from the museum dock with a percentage of the proceeds going directly to support the museum. If you have not been to the museum you should plan on doing so. It is a great place with a lot of information about the lake at an unbelievably inexpensive price for admission (under $5!). If you have been planning on sailing with us this will be great evening for a great cause. I have received several calls from rodnreel readers from Mississippi asking about sailing times. The Maritime Museum dock is on the Tchefunte river - an easy get to from the interstate.
Check out the photos I have attached from our time at the Seafood festival.
Bill Malone,
The proud owner of Southeast Louisianas' only 80' topsail schooner the Jolly II Rover!!!

Sunday, July 11, 2004 @ 10:39:09 PM

new orleans, LA USA

We have been very busy on the Jolly II Rover schooner. We left New Orleans last Wednesday evening after a two hour sail at the Dock restaurant with the PGI destination management company sales staff. We crossed the lake to Mandeville to get set up for the Seafood festival. I spent the next four nights on board and had a great time. Bill Dobson - the Festival coordinator was very helpful - this was our first time participating. He set us up with a metal ramp so folks could board the schooner with ease. Even Mayor Eddie Price helped by getting the public works guys to assist us with access issues. The volunteers were great too helping us with water and electricity hook ups. By Thursday night we were ready to go. the Festival began Friday morning at 11AM and who was the first person to show up but none other than FRANK DAVIS and his camera man! (check out the photos!)Frank came to do a "Naturally New Awhlins" piece on the schooner and the Pirates of Ponchartrain!
We took him and his camera man for a sail about noon. Me and the crew, complete with Ms. Amy (see photos of our pirate woman) made the 6pm news. I have yet to see it but got a lot of good comments about it.
Not having a shower or airconditioning on board the Jolly II Rover I was very pleased to find out that New Orleans Yacht Club (that I am member of) has a reciprocal relationship with the Pontchartrain yacht club in Mandeville Harbor! The members were very accomodating and let me access their club daily. which meant that I could get a hot shower each day!
We had a great time at the Festival. We will be back there next year for sure!
Hope you all had a great fourth - I did!
Bill

Sunday, July 11, 2004 @ 12:39:38 AM

new orleans, LA USA

The topsail schooner Jolly II Rover is in Mandeville for the weekend participating in the Seafood Festival.
We are offering rides at a tremendous discount with some of the proceeds going to benefit the Seafood Festival! We are sailing Friday at 4pm and 7pm - saturday 1pm, 4pm and 7pm. Sunday at 1pm and 4pm. Adults at $15 and Children under 12yo at $10.
We will be offering a fireworks sail at 7:30 on sunday the 4th. Adults $20
Children $20. Call me 504-460-1346 or Captain Chip if you have any questions. 504 - 286-5706 or 985-710-3405
See you in Mandeville.
Bill

Thursday, July 1, 2004 @ 7:11:55 PM

new orleans, LA USA

Brought the schooner across the Lake from Oak Harbor Sunday for the cubscout event. We never got rain but it was all around us. We anchored off the breakwater at Bonnabel boat launch right on schedule at 3PM. Within 20 minutes the wind shifted 180 degrees and we were struggling to get the anchor up to get away from the rocks! The sun was still shining on us as we watched a storm hit the causeway. Needless to say the cubscouts parents decided not to bring their kids out to the Jolly II Rover and risk the storm hitting us.
     We needed to decide to run for cover or head back to Oak Harbor. We placed a call to Captain Chips wife (Captain Evie from West Marine in Slidell - see her photo at the wheel of the schooner with this report). She pulled up doppler radar and told us we were between storms headed north, northeast. We could see lightning in the direction we wanted to head. Captain Tom from Seatow gave us a radar report and told us how far the squall line was ahead of us. We did some deductive reasoning and decided to make a run for Slidell and hope that we could stay between the storms.
  The wind was cold and gusted up to 35mph at times when the edge of the storms passed very close!. Stayed around 20mph out of the northeast for most of trip. We made about 7 knots under power and were healed over about 10 to 15 degress with no sails up! Reminded me of being in New England on Long island sound when I was kid. I loved it! We never caught any of the rain but could see it all around us (the causeway, northshore and Slidell)as we listened to the Coast Guard warnings to run for cover in those areas. We were prepared to get very wet but stayed dry the entire three hour run!
    Slidell had been hammered with wind and rain as we were crossing the lake. We were glad to make the protection of Oak Harbor and the pleasure of hot coffee and large burgers at the Dock restaurant. Oh yeah - and there was the cold beer!
    The schooner Jolly II Rover will be at the Mandeville Seafood Festival this weekend. Captain Chip will be bringing the Jolly II Rover over there after our afternoon private charter at the Dock retaurant in New Orleans tomorrow, Wednesday.
    Hope you all have a good weekend!
Bill Malone
The proud owner of Lake Ponchartrains' only 80' topsail schooner the Jolly II Rover!!!

Tuesday, June 29, 2004 @ 10:01:30 AM

new orleans, LA USA

We had a cancellation for the 4th of July fireworks celebration! If anyone is interested in booking the boat for this event please give me or Captain Chip a call at 504-460-1346 or 504-286-5706. We can take up to 49 passengers - so have your party with us and see the fireworks from the decks of the only 80' topsail schooner on Lake Pontchartrain! Hoist the sails - Steer the ship and Fire the cannon!!
     Me and Captain Chip will be bringing the boat to the southshore tomorrow for an event at 3PM with the cubscouts at the Bonnabel boat launch! The water is too shallow for us to pull up so we are going to anchor out. The cubscout leaders will bring the kids out to us for a sail!!
     Wednesday we have a private party in New Orleans with the sales reps of a local destination management company called PGI. They booked the group from the UK and Ireland a few weeks ago. Now they want to reward their sales staff with an afternoon onboard the schooner Jolly II Rover!!
      After that we are going to Mandeville Harbor to participate in the annual Seafood Festival that takes place Friday through Sunday. If you live on the Northshore or are going to be at the festival come by and say hello! We hope to be providing rides for the festival goers. Eventhough we will be at the seafood festival we will still be available for a private booking on the 4th for the fireworks anywhere on the Lake!
        On Monday the 5th we will be be back in New Orleans to take a group of teenagers out for a three hour sail! They are part of the New Orleans Ulster Project. A not for profit group that provides host homes in the area for teenagers from the embattled area of Ireland. The purpose is to show the kids that there is another way to live than what they have experienced in Ireland. The kids are Irish - I am an Irish-American and my beautiful schooner carrys an Irish name - the Jolly Rover!! I feel very fortunate to be able to provide these kinds of opportunities to the cubscouts and the teenagers of the Ulster Project.
    I am begining to receive inquires about my schooner and getting passengers coming on board who have heard about my boat through this website. I want to thank Mike Lane for this opportunity. With his and your help maybe I can keep my schooner and keep it in Lake Pontchartrain and make it available for your kids!!
    Hope you all have good day and thanks for your interest.
Bill Malone
The proud owner of Lake Ponchartrains only topsail schooner the Jolly II Rover!!    

Saturday, June 26, 2004 @ 11:14:58 PM

new orleans, LA United States

In response to Mike

Mike - Me and Captain Chip were bringing the schooner across the lake from Madisonville to New Orleans last Firday and saw lots of schools of shiners breaking the surface on the New Orleans side of the causeway not far from the draw bridge!
Bill

Friday, June 25, 2004 @ 10:11:01 AM

new orleans, LA USA

Photos of the ragtime quartet playing on the poop deck of the schooner!
Bill

Wednesday, June 23, 2004 @ 12:21:55 AM

new orleans, LA USA

We had a busy week on board the schooner Jolly II Rover! Brought the schooner across the lake to Madisonville so the people of the Maritime Museum could come aboard and check her out. Tied up in front of Mortons restaurant and had people coming onboard until after midnight asking questions and getting information about our rates and sailing schedule. Besides wanting to introduce the boat to the Maritime Museum folks I also wanted to show the boat to a bed and breakfast owner on the Tchefuncte River. Hope to offer weekend sails across the lake and back with an overnight at this floating bed and breakfast inn! We could leave on a Saturday morning and return on a Sunday night - what a great getaway weekend without having to go any distance to experience a relaxing few days on the water and a wonderful night in a floating bed and breakfast inn! We could leave any day of the week for that matter and return any day of the week. The possibilities are endless! I hope to bring a lot of attention to the museum by offering sails from their site in the near future. If anyone is interested in the overnights or the museum sails please email or give me a call at 486-1794 or 460-1346.
     Anyway - we came back to New Orleans Saturday in time for a 4PM and a 7Pm sail from the west end. Saturday night we had a very diverse group on board. 12 or so folks had a birthday celebration onboard at the same time we had two couples from Shreveport, a family from New Orleans celebrating the fathers birthday and the Verette couple who came to us via the rodnreel reports section!! In fact they talked about their experience a few days ago on this site. That same night we had Shiatsu massage available on board. The masseuse set up a massage chair on deck and was so busy he had to take a break to rest between requests! He will be coming back on a regular basis.
     Sunday afternoon we had a Fathers' day special and that night we had a private 70th birthday party onboard for a local woman. Her family came in from several states to celebrate the occassion! I lost count after I met at least four daughters, two sons and countless other relatives. We had about 45 of her family and friends on board. In addition we had a ragtime quartet playing on the poop deck! Boats were coming along side all night just to listen to the music and to see what was going on. We were out about 2 and half hours! it was really great - they were a tremendous group! They heard about us because one of the daughters is a nurse in town. I had offered all nurses in town a 50% discount during nurses week and one of her fellow nurses had come onboard and told her about the schooner! Nothing like word of mouth to make a lasting impression!
   We ended our week with another private sail on Monday evening! The schooner went back to Oak Harbor Monday night. Captain Chip and Mr. Chris (one of the Pirates of Ponchartrain crew) took today off. We will offer a 7PM sunset sail from Oak Harbor tomorrow. Thursday the schooner returns for a VIP party at the Dock here in New Orleans 5PM - 7PM. We will be available for a 7PM sunset sail Thursday from the West end location. Reservation requests will dictate whether we will be in New Orleans or Slidell this Friday. Saturday the schooner will be available in New Orleans for 4PM and 7Pm sails. Sunday we will be taking cubscouts sailing from three to five PM from the Bonnabel boat launch in Metairie. Then back to the Dock restaurant for a 7PM sunset sail!
I am really looking forward to having the cubscouts on board with us - it should be a lot of fun!
     When you get a chance come by and take a look at the Jolly II Rover. She has great "dock appeal" and is even better on board under sail! - Ask the Verettes!! You should have seen them smiling!!!
Give me a call and come onboard Lake Pontchartrains' only topsail schooner the Jolly II Rover!! Relive the days of New Orleans own "Gentleman Pirate"!!
Call Captain Chip at 504-286-5706 or me at 504-460-1346. See you all soon.
Bill Malone
The proud owner of Lake Ponchartrains' only 80' topsail schooner the Jolly II Rover!!!

Wednesday, June 23, 2004 @ 12:09:29 AM

new orleans, LA USA

Captain Chip and the Pirates of Pontchartrain went sailing with the Nurse Registry group from Metairie tonight. It was a great night on the Lake. We had about 30 passengers on board - mostly nurses and their family or friends. Every one had a great time. Plenty of food and drink. This is the second trip with this company that provides nurses to home health agencies and hospice facilities.
When we returned to the Dock we had another sailing group from the Orleans Marina come onboard to check out the schooner. They will be getting together to let us take them sailing this weekend.
The topsail schooner Jolly II Rover will be available tomorrow for a sunset sail at 7PM from the Dock restaurant in West End. The two hour relaxing sail is availble for adults at $30 and children under 12 yo for $18. Come and enjoy our beautiful lake and meet the infamous Pirate Captain Chip and his crew!
The schooner will be in Madisonville this Friday and back at the Dock in New Orleans for 4pm and 7pm sails this Saturday and Sunday! On Saturday Shiatsu massage will also be available on board!
Give us a call at 286-5706 or 460-1346 for reservations or information.
Bill

Thursday, June 17, 2004 @ 12:13:07 AM

new orleans, LA USA

BOATS - BEAUTIES - BACKSIDES AND BIG BIKES!!! Captain Chip and his Pirates of Lake Ponchartrain were part of a bikini and big bike show in Slidell! The topsail schooner Jolly II Rover was the stage for the bikini show and back drop for the Bikes of Big Easy Choppers! CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS!
Give us a call for your show!
Bill - 460-1346 or
Captain Chip 286-5706

Wednesday, June 16, 2004 @ 12:06:57 AM

new orleans, LA USA

Had a relaxing week onboard the schooner Jolly II Rover. Nice peaceful sailing every evening after the thunderstorms. Had a family from Texas drive in for Friday nights' sail from the Dock in New Orleans. Took some fabulous sunset photos! Saturday had my first customer as a result of my reports on this rodnreel.com website! "Eric" and his wife drove down from Reserve. She took the wheel for about an hour and did a great job. Even maneuvered us through a light wind tack!
I shut the boat down Sunday because all weather reports indicated a storm and heavy rainfall by late afternoon. Me and Captain Chip were prepared to take the boat across the Lake to Slidell before the storm hit. Captain Chip reported that it was pouring in Slidell and that the storm was right on top of us. We saw white caps on the Lake so decided to play it safe and got the schooner ready for the storm by 2PM. We tied up in the Municipal Yacht Harbor. Chip jumped in his car and went back to Slidell and I spent the afternoon hanging out with Tom from "SeaTow" WATCHING THE SUN COME OUT AND THE WEATHER GET NICER BY THE HOUR!!!
Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose!
The topsail schooner Jolly II Rover will be sailing this Wednesday in New Orleans. We have a private party scheduled for a sunset sail. This is the second private party for this company in the last three weeks!
Hope you all have a good week! Give me call and come for a two hour sunset sail one evening - you will not regret it! This saturday we will have Shiatsu massage available on board to add to the relaxing atmosphere on deck!
Call for a reservation or for  information - 460-1346 or 286-5706.
Ps - I have attached a photo from the Crawford wedding Captain Chip performed onboard in Sildell a few weeks ago!

Monday, June 14, 2004 @ 8:58:26 PM

new orleans, LA USA

Just got back in from another great night on the schooner Jolly II Rover. Had 40 some folks onboard for a private charter out of the West End here in New Orleans. Had no wind to speak of until after the sun went down. We hoisted six sails and moved along at about 4 knots. The breeze was nice and cool after a hot muggy day in the city.
    Most of the passengers were from England with about 10 from Ireland. All were here for an oncology conference downtown that ended today.
We fired the cannon as we departed and again to help acknowledge the birthday of one of the women from Ireland who was with us.
    All in all it was a very peaceful and relaxing night. Sailing along, talking with folks from other countries, sipping wine and watching the city lights from the decks of the schooner.
    Captain Chip and his Pirates are headed across the Lake as I write this. They are headed for Oak Harbor and a well deserved day off.
     Join me and Captain Chip for a sunset sail - you will really like it.
Call us at 286-5706 for information and our sailing schedule.
Smooth sailing.
Bill
PS - check out the photos.     

Monday, June 7, 2004 @ 11:40:53 PM

new orleans, LA USA

WHAT A CATCH! Saturday June 5th the schooner Jolly II Rover was the scene of the Crawford wedding. Darryl and Tricia Crawford were married on board at sunset out on Lake Pontchartrain! They had about 40 friends and family members on board for the occassion. The wind was still blowing when we left Oak Harbor so we only hoisted three sails to steady the big schooner for the ceremony. Captain Chip performed the ceremony at sea as the sunset in the west. Of course we fired the cannon in honor of the occassion! It was a beautiful ceremony! We returned the wedding party to the Dock restaurant with the cannon blasting - which alerted the band to start the music! We left the schooner open at dockside for the wedding party during their reception. The Bride and Groom used the Great Cabin in the aft section of the boat to change clothes before and after the ceremony.
    This marked the second wedding performed onboard by Captain Chip this season! Last fall we hosted a surprise engagement. We look forward to more occassions like this on board.
     Tonight we will be in New Orleans for another sunset private charter. This time it is a convention group in town from South Africa.
    Email at jollyrover@cox.net or call 504-286-5706 for information about your event onboard Lake Pontchartrain's only 80' topsail schooner the Jolly II Rover!
Bill

Monday, June 7, 2004 @ 10:47:53 AM

new orleans, LA USA

The schooner Jolly II Rover sailed out of New Orleans this week from the West End area. We had a private charter of healthcare providers on board. The event was sponsored and arranged by Kim and Angela of the Nurse's Registry in Metaire to thank their referral sources. Food and beverages were supplied by the Dock restaurant.      
       It was another spectacular night sailing on the lake! We watched the sunset and then the moon rise as we sailed in close along Lakeshore drive. It was windy so we only flew four of our eight sails and moved along at about 6 knots.
     Once we were underway Captain Chip handled the schooner while his crew of Pirates tended the sails and assisted the guests and servers. The group was enjoying the sail so much they extended their time for an additional hour! That is the second time in the last week the private charters have extended their scheduled sailing time! It is so relaxing and exhilarating on board at the same time that the passengers don't want the moment to end! We returned to the Dock at 10PM instead of the scheduled 9PM. Kim and Angela have already booked the schooner for two more trips this season!
    Last night the schooner Jolly II Rover, Captain Chip and myself helped sponsor a networking event for the Jefferson Parish BB club at the Dock restaurant at West End. We gave away coupons for free rides on the schooner and met a lot of nice people.    
    The Jolly II Rover will be sailing along Lakeshore Drive tonight to add a spectacular back drop to the Back to the Beach festival that will be going on during the weekend.
   Captain Chip will then point the schooner across the Lake for Oak Harbor - where tomorrow night (Saturday)he will perform a wedding on board at sunset!! The schooner will be back in New Orleans at the Dock restaurant this Sunday for 4PM and 7 PM sails. It will stay here for another sunset charter on Monday the 7th for a group from South Africa who are here attending a convention downtown.  
   Please call and join us for an unforgettable evening on the Lake!
You can reach me - Bill Malone via email at jollyrover@cox.net or at 460-1346 or call Captain Chip at 286-5706.
  Hope you have a good weekend fishing and smooth sailing!
Bill
   

Friday, June 4, 2004 @ 4:10:35 PM

new orleans, LA United States

In response to Slidellian

To the Slidellian - The manager that stays in the camper at the "Dock" - his name is Rob. The other manager is Tim. These guys sent a pontoon boat out after us a few weeks ago! In our rush to get our customers through the bridge so they could see the sunset we mistakenly left their crawfish and shrimp dockside! These guys are great they saved our night! They will help make your day! Tell Rob I said good morning. Bill

Monday, May 31, 2004 @ 1:54:49 AM

new orleans, LA USA

The Jolly II Rover schooner sailed out of New Orleans this weekend - from the Dock restaurant in West End. Saturday night we anchored out in front of the restaurant. The Dock's shuttle service brought passengers out for our sunset sail. Captain Chip kept the schooner steady while his pirate crew helped passengers get onboard. The wind was blowing steady at 15 knots and gusting up to 20 plus.
We raised only five sails and moved along at 6 and 7 knots. It was an exciting sail - we actually had the rail in the water a few times!
  It was even more windy tonight when we loaded the food and beverages on board for a private birthday party of 35 passengers. It was the "Ducks" party - his wife and brother inlaw made the arrangements several weeks ago. The original plan was for two hours but everyone was having so much fun the party was extended another hour until all the wine and beer was gone!
    Captain Chip and his crew worked hard tending to the sails and the customers tonight. It was pretty windy - I have never seen Captain Chip look so intense for such a long period of time! With so many passengers onboard eating and drinking he and his crew worked hard to keep the schooner from healing too far over while still getting the ship to speeds of over 8 knots! And we only raised four sails out of our eight! Three hours later Captain Chip managed to back the schooner alongside the dock effortlessly! At least it appeared that way to the customers. If you don't come sailing with us at least take some time and watch Captain Chip handle this 80' schooner! He can make this single engine beauty walk sideways up to the dock - parallel docking at its finest!
   Captain Chip an his pirate crew are crossing the Lake on the Jolly II Rover headed to the Dock restaurant in Slidell as I write this tonight! We will be offering walk-on sails at 4PM and 7PM tomorrow (Memorial Day) at the Dock restauarnt in Oak Harbor, Slidell. Adults sail for $30 and Children under 12yo for $18.
    Come to the Dock with your family - enjoy the day with us and take you and yours for a sailing adventure they will not forget.
   See you all tomorrow!
Smooth sailing!
Bill

Monday, May 31, 2004 @ 1:41:48 AM

new orleans, LA USA

The Lake Pontchartrain's only topsail schooner the Jolly II Rover - operated by Captain Chip and his Pirates of Pontchartrain - had some great sailing this week from both the south and north shores of the Lake. If you did not get out on the lake this week to experience the sunsets you missed some spectacular shows! On Thursday the NO-Quarter crew were on board singing sailing songs. The sunset sail was so relaxing Captain Chip lost track of time and kept everyone out for well over two hours! Saturday we had a relaxing day taking the schooner across the Lake to Oak Harbor for a sunset sail from the Dock restaurant. With only one passenger on board the sailing was peaceful and serene! Quite a difference from how our week began this past Wednesday! This evening was no different except the wind was up and the ride was pretty exhilerating! All in all a nice end to nice week on the water!
Next week we begin with a private charter out of New Orleans on Wednesday afternoon and a sunset sail from the Dock restaurant at 7PM. We return to Oak Harbor for 7PM sunset sails on Thursday and Friday and back to New Orleans for 4PM and 7PM sails from the Dock at West End on saturday and Sunday. Come by and visit or call Captain Chip at 504-286-5706 for more information about how we can make any special event an event of a lifetime on board the Jolly II Rover! Smooth sailing!

Sunday, May 23, 2004 @ 11:31:51 PM

new orleans, LA United States

In response to THE SLAYER

To Slayer  
Thanks - Be my guest. I did get a little winded last night.

Thursday, May 20, 2004 @ 12:24:11 PM

new orleans, LA USA

The schooner Jolly II Rover sailed out of Oak Harbor this evening from The Dock restaurant as scheduled with 20 passengers onboard. One of the passengers was running late so we loaded the food, drinks and everyone else onboard by 7pm. Captain Chip had the diesel-sail running, had his pirate crew prepare the sails, load the cannon and free up most of the docking lines so we could make a quick exit from the dock and run for the highway 11 bridge before the sunset.
    Cannon blasting the schooner came out of the harbor with six sails up at 7:20PM! We then cleared the last entrance marker and headed straight for the bridge at 8 knots. Captain Chip made contact with the bridge tender to request permission to pass through with diesel running and sails up!
       Suddenly - from behind and along our port side came a pontoon boat with two guys waving their arms at us! Turns out - in our rush we left two containers of crawfish and shrimp on the dock! Tim - the restaurant manager - sent these two guys after us with the food! What a great save!
We brought the goods on board but unfortunately missed our window of opportunity with the bridge and were told we had to wait for two trains to pass before we could get on the other side. Captain Chip cut the engine and we tacked off along side the bridge.    
   The bridge tender called us after one train passed and said if we could turn around right now we could pass through before the other train arrived. The excitement was on again! The bridge was going up - the crew went into action - a fast jibe like only a schooner can do - Captain Chip fired up the diesel and shot us through the bridge - like going through the eye of a needle! He killed the engine and we turned around in time to see the next train coming toward the bridge from New Orleans!
      The passengers were having a great time! They were all wide eyed and excited from all of the action on board! Many had never been sailing and none had been on a ship like the Jolly II Rover. I took advantage of the moment and told stories about bull sharks in the lake that I have been reading about on this site - thanks to all for all of that information. We then finally settled in to another marvelous night of sailing on the Lake. We were flying the outer and inner jib, staysail, foresail, mainsail and the fisherman.
     The restaurant placed one of their best waitresses (Aimee) on board with us to help with the food and beverages. There was plenty of good food for everyone! After all of the excitement I took some time to sit and relax in the Great Cabin down below and watch the ship pass through the water by looking through the large windows in the stern. I imagined what it must have been like sailing into Lake Ponchartrain through the Rigolets hundreds of years ago.
    Around 9:15PM we slipped back into the harbor and quietly tied up at the Dock. Our passengers gave Captain Chip and his crew a round of applause and disembarked until next time! Why have I not been doing this my entire life? I'm sure grateful to be doing it now!
Come join us for a sail! Captain Chip and his crew will be crossing the Lake on the schooner tomorrow afternoon headed for the Dock restaurant at West End in New Orleans. We will be sailing from the Dock in New Orleans Thursday, Friday and Saturday night at 7PM with an additional 4PM sail on Saturday afternoon for the daytimers. On Sunday we will be back at the Dock in Oak Harbor for our regular 4PM and 7PM sails.
The well known "NO QUARTER CREW" will be performing on board tomorrow night! They will be singing their famous Irish sea shanties for our romantic, sunset sail leaving from The Dock restauant at West End at 7PM. Join us for an unforgetable, relaxing time.
I had another great night!
Bill Malone - The proud owner of New Orleans Only 80' topsail schooner the Jolly II Rover!

Thursday, May 20, 2004 @ 1:00:28 AM

new orleans, LA USA

The topsail schooner Jolly II Rover - with cannon blasting - sailed from The Dock restaurant at Oak Harbor yesterday at 4PM and 7pm as scheduled. The wind was blowing at about 12 knots and we flew six of our nine sails. For the 4PM sail we ran along I-10 and stayed between it and the highway 11 bridge. The crew was firing the cannon and waving to the many passerbys on I-10 who were pulling over for photos and blowing their horns! For the 7PM sail Captain Chip and his Pirates of Pontchartrain took the passengers on the Jolly Rover through the Highway 11 brige into the Lake so they could enjoy the always spectacular sunset and distant view of the New Orleans skyline. As always - the cannon was fired at sunset to recognize the passing of another beautiful day on Lake Ponchartrain.
The Jolly II Rover will be available for a two-hour walk on sunset sail this Wednesday at 7PM from the Dock restauant in Slidell at Oak Harbor. We can accomdate up to 49 passengers and already have 20 passengers booked so please call ahead at 504-286-5706 for reservations or go to our website at www.rodnreel.com/jollyrover for more information.
See you onboard!

Monday, May 17, 2004 @ 11:47:20 AM

new orleans, LA USA

The topsail schooner Jolly II Rover sailed out of West End last night with a group celebrating a graduation from Loyola University. The group of twenty plus hearty souls began their sailing adventure amidst the rain and bad weather that plagued Lake Pontchartrain all week. However during their four hour sail the weather changed for the good. Everyone dried out and enjoyed hoisting the sails, steering the ship and firing the cannon with Pirates Of Ponchartrain.
Maybe - just maybe - Mike Lane himself will be sailing the schooner in slidell tonight!!!!!

Sunday, May 16, 2004 @ 2:10:19 PM