Grammy-nominated songwriter James Slater aboard Fury.

By Shayne Benowitz

It’s that time of year again! The 17th Annual Key West Songwriters Festival rolls into town May 2-6 bringing a little bit of Nashville to our island paradise. From legendary to emerging, some of the most prominent singer/songwriters will be performing all over town for a long weekend not to be missed.

I have to say, I’m more excited than usual for this year’s festival for a few reasons. First of all, we’ve got some world class acts joining us aboard Fury May 4th and 5th for a couple of very special Commotion on the Oceans.

On Friday May 4th, we’re welcoming Chase and Jesse Rice for the Pirate Sessions. I was just on the Songwriters Festival website where you can listen to Chase and Jesse’s original “Key West Time.” It’s catchy, it totally captures the Key West spirit, and I especially love the line, “Well, that baby blue water really floats my boat.” Yeah, they get it! Give the song a listen online or buy your ticket to hear it live on board our spacious 65′ catamaran at sunset.

On May 5th, we welcome back Grammy-nominated songwriter James Slater, local’s favorite Howard Livingston, and newbies to the Fury Joey + Rori. James has performed on board many-a-times and I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing him. He’s incredibly friendly, incredibly talented, and puts on a great show. He’s written hits for the likes of Rascal Flats, Tim McGraw, and Martina McBride. For people who love trop-rock in the vein of Jimmy Buffet, Howard Livingston always delights. I’m also looking forward to seeing what Joey + Rori are all about.

Fury Girl with best friends Lisa and Krista in Nashville.

So why else am I excited about Songwriters? Well, over the last year and a half, I’ve slowly, but surely become a fan of country music. I never really thought that would happen! Being from Southern California, when my family moved to Georgia, I rebelled against all things country. I’ll give Captain Scotty some of the credits. Working on the parasail boats with him, we have fun listening to country music and eventually it was the lyrics and the songwriting that won me over. Some of my favorites include Sugarland, Blake Shelton, and Miranda Lambert. What about you guys? Any country music fans out there?

To be sure, the Key West Songwriters Festival isn’t all about country music, but just like Nashville, it’s a big part! I was just in Nashville last weekend visiting two of my best friends. It was so much fun! We dressed up as cowgirls, bought cowboy boots, and listened to some country music on Honky Tonk Row (kind of like Duval Street, but with a country accent!). The only thing we didn’t have time for was the Bluebird Cafe, which is a premiere singer/songwriter venue. Good thing they’ll be coming to us in Key West next weekend! I can’t wait!

Fury's Riaan & Eliza with Telemundo's Leti Coo.

By Shayne Benowitz

Last week, Fury was treated to a very special guest visitor when Telmundo’s Ritmo Deportivo decided to shoot an episode with us. Their adorable host Leti Coo joined Riaan and Captain Marius for an afternoon of parasailing in Key West. Our own Captain Shon even joined the production team! He ferried the Telemundo camera crew out on his boat to get some great shots.

The weather was great and Leti and her crew were so sweet! For our Spanish speaking fans, this will be a really cool way to connect! Ritmo Deportivo is a cool sports entertainment show on Telemundo featuring all kinds of adventurous sports. It was about time they added parasailing to their programming!

If you’ve never been parasailing in Key West, it’s definitely worth checking off your list. You’re in good hands with our crew and we’ll send you sky high on 600 feet of line for amazing bird’s eye views of paradise. Swing by the Westin Marina. Our boats leave the dock every hour on the hour. We hope you’ll be on the next one!

Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crew member and freelance writer. Follow her on Twitter @ShayneBenowitz or email her at shayne@furykeywest.com.

Sea turtle at the reef.

By Shayne Benowitz

What do you get when you step aboard a sleek, 52′ power cat that can get you to the reef in half the time of most sailboats? Well, you’re aboard Fury’s new Double Dip snorkel trip with twice as much time to snorkel at two different stops along the reef! With the addition of the Reef Express catamaran to our fleet over a year ago, we’ve been able to add this action-packed trip for the true adventure traveler and snorkeling enthusiast.

On the Double Dip, our vessel’s name Reef Express really embodies what the trip is all about–getting you to the reef in express time for snorkeling! This way, you get nearly two full hours of Key West snorkeling at two different spots along the reef. After all, it’s the third largest barrier reef in the world and the only in North America. There’s a lot to explore! We commonly frequent Sand Key Lighthouse, Eastern Dry Rocks, and Rock Key, and each location is a little bit different.

For years, Fury’s offered a classic snorkeling option aboard our 65′ sailing catamarans: the Atlantic, Pacific, Key West, and Caribbean Fury. On these trips, a leisurely sail out to the reef takes about an hour. During this time, you can take in the sights, catch some rays, chat with the crew, and relax. Our captains navigate you to the reef for a full hour of snorkeling. On the sail home, we serve cold beer, listen to music, and swap stories about what we saw at the reef.

The choice is yours. If you’re a strong swimmer and can’t get enough of splashing around in the ocean, then the Double Dip might be right up your alley. If you enjoy a scenic boat ride and lots of deck space with your hour of snorkeling, then our classic Key West snorkel trips might be the right choice. The good thing is, you really can’t go wrong! Hope to see you snorkeling soon!

Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crew member and freelance writer. Contact her at shayne@furykeywest.com or on Twitter @ShayneBenowitz.

Parasailing on the Ultimate Adventure!

By Shayne Benowitz

At Fury, we have a longstanding tradition of celebrating holidays a special way. How do we do it? Aboard the Ultimate Adventure, of course! And we’ll be doing exactly that on Easter Sunday, which also happens to be the second day of Passover. It’s gotten to the point that I just don’t feel right celebrating holidays any other way.

Admittedly, sometimes I head out of town to join my family and sometimes I have the day off, but when I think of the holidays, I think of being on board with Fury, our crew, and our customers. Through the years, I’ve celebrated many holidays aboard our catamarans and parasail boats all day long, and it’s truly the best!

If you’re celebrating your Easter holiday in vacation in Key West, won’t you join us for a day on the water that you’re not soon to forget? Leaving the dock promptly at 10am with a special Easter breakfast on board, we’ll chart a course to the reef for a morning of unparalleled Key West snorkeling. See rainbow parrotfish, yellowtail snapper, blue tang, and more as they swim amongst colorful coral canyons.

Next up? An Easter luncheon and a sail towards Adventure Island. For the thrill seekers, we’ll be parasailing and taking jet ski tours, and for the chill seekers, we’ve got kayaks, water toys, and plenty of deck space for sunbathing. Enjoy it all until we sail back to shore at 4pm.

It’s Easter the Key West way with Fury Water Adventures and the Ultimate Adventure! Whatever you do for Easter and Passover, we hope you celebrate with the ones you love. We also hope to see you in Key West this spring and summer season!

Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crew member and freelance writer. Email her at shayne@furykeywest.com and follow her on Twitter @ShayneBenowitz.

Island Adventure?

By Shayne Benowitz

As you may know, we now have two ways to spend an entire day on the water with Fury Water Adventures, the Ultimate Adventure and the Island Adventure. If you’re coming to visit us this spring or summer, you have a tough decision to make if you can only spend one day with us. Take our quiz below to see which all day adventure is for you!

Ultimate Adventure?

1. My idea of a good time on the water is…

A. An action-packed day with a big, fun crowd. I love meeting new people and trying new things!

B. A laid back day surrounded by close friends and family. I just want to chill and enjoy the gorgeous surroundings.

2. In Key West, I want to check the following off of my bucket list:

A. Parasailing! It looks like so much fun!

B. Kayaking through offshore mangroves. Uncharted territory!

3. If there’s one thing I must do while spending a day on the water it’s…

A. Jet skiing! I have a need for speed!

B. Sinking my toes in the sand of a deserted sandbar without another boat in sight. So peaceful!

4. My perfect lunch break:

A. Cold cuts, fried chicken, fresh fruit, potato salad, pasta salad, cookies, and cold beer! The whole smorgasbord!

B. Cuban mix sandwiches, salsa, hummus, chips, fresh fruit, and Coronas! Perfect for a chill day in the sun.

5. My perfect day on the water must include:

A. Testing my limits! I like a good challenge like scaling the iceberg!

B. Learning something new! I’m really into the outdoors and learning about the ecosystem!

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Alright, boys and girls, tally up your responses and find out which trip is for you!

Mostly As – You’re an Ultimate Adventurer

Always up for action, adventure, and a good time, you’ve got a positive attitude and you love meeting new people. The Ultimate Adventure is your kind of trip! Spend the morning in Key West snorkeling the majestic coral reef aboard our 65′ catamaran before heading to Adventure Island where you’ll parasail, jet ski, kayak, and play on our inflatable water toys. Our spacious boat offers plenty of space to kick back and take a breather, but one of our activities will likely rouse you to action! Even better, breakfast, lunch, and all you can drink is included in this action packed day.

Mostly Bs – You’re an Island Adventurer

You’re inquisitive nature forces you to seek off the beaten path experiences. You love creating memories with the people you care for most, or even by yourself! Your idea of a good time is getting away from it all and possibly learning something new. The Island Adventure is calling you with snorkeling at some of Key West’s most hidden reefs. Finish the day with an exploration of the Gulf of Mexico’s backcountry where you’ll spot juvenile nurse sharks, conch shells, sea cucumbers, and more! Then kick back and relax at a sand bar sipping Coronas and watching the world go by. Snacks, lunch, and drinks are included on your laid back day in the sun.

Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crew member and freelance writer. Follow her on Twitter @ShayneBenowitz