Sunday Fun Day: Ryan Beckley

When we’re not racing, which can make for a pretty hectic weekend, my 17-year-old son, Chris, and I get in our 24-foot Skater and head out on the Gulf in Sarasota, Florida. But first, Chris and I usually get the boat ready and then head over to pick up my wife, Debbie, and Connor, our two-and-a-half-year old son. We’re lucky enough to live in a waterfront home on a canal. We’re also blessed to live in the most beautiful place to boat in the world.

For the Beckley family, Sunday Fun Day is all about staying local and enjoying their home water (click image to enlarge). Photo courtesy/copyright Pete Boden/Shoot 2 Thrill Pix.

We’ll go out on Sarasota Bay and then visit one of our favorite local spots, usually Swordfish Grill or Mar Vista, for lunch. After lunch we’ll do some cruising around the bay—sometimes we even pull out our fishing poles—and then head for a local beach or sandbar and do some swimming and playing around with other people. We’ll do that for a couple of hours until everyone is good and cooked and has their sunburn on, then we’ll probably stop by a local watering hole and end the day with some libations and appetizers. Then it’s back to the ramp to take the boat out of the water and call it a day.

Usually, Chris drives the boat while I throttle and Debbie sits in the back with Connor. Sometimes Connor rides on my lap. One thing is sure: The faster we go, the faster he falls asleep.

Editor’s Note: A veteran Stock-class offshore racer from Key West, Fla., Ryan Beckley owns the DoublEdge racing team, as well Kinetic Animation, which specializes in creating graphics for offshore racing teams and other clients.

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