An approaching storm darkens the sky to the east of Anna Maria Island. Moored boats soon will face the brunt of an afternoon thunderstorm, that can lash out with heavy rain and high winds. Dinghies line the shore, waiting for the return of their skippers. The dinghy, often taken for granted, is abused, towed, swamped, scraped, bumped, repainted and patched up time and time again. But the small vessel is resilient and loved by many a sailor. The dinghy is that vital link to shore where a larger boat, with its deep keel, would run aground. It is a great teacher for young sailors gaining independence as they hone their skills on the water. The dinghy has been a lifeboat for unfortunate sailors who have watched their larger vessels sink below the waves.

The Gallery Series is a collection of fine art photographs capturing the wildlife and beauty of Florida’s west coast. Each photograph is custom printed using a Canon iPF8400 photographic printer and Canon’s archival 12-Color LUCIA EX pigment ink on acid-free fine art paper.