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LETTERSWe’ll end up with the rich using the field, and the rest of the boatersanchored elsewhere. Next we’ll see advertisements on billboards outon the water. I already wonder if we’ll be seeing advertisements andsoft drink machines on trails in the national parks and nationalforests. Everything for profit. Won’t that be beautiful?EditorPRESSURE COOKING SPAGHETTIIn your June issue, the article “Sailing Under Pressure” asks,“Who would cook spaghetti in a pressure cooker?” I haveand still do. After the spaghetti has been put in the boilingwater, and the water begins to boil again, I make sure the lidis clamped on tight and remove the cooker from the heat,wait about 9 minutes, then open it, and the spaghetti isready. In short, the time to cook is about the same, but theheat is off, fuel is saved, and the galley does not get hot. Ittakes a bit of experimentation to get the time right; too longand it all turns to mush. I should add; I have an old pressurecooker, no gauge, just a weight on top. I have had it, andused it on cruises, since at least 1985, maybe longer.John Y. JacksonNew Bern, NCJohn,I am a pressure cooker fan, but never tried that. It deserves aname: Pasta under pressure.EditorGULFPORT, FL: GOOD HOSPITALITYSHOULD BE RECOGNIZEDThere is a gem in southwest Florida tucked between SaintPetersburg and Saint Pete Beach. The small town ofGulfport. “The Gateway to the Gulf” resides on the northside of Boca Ciega Bay. This quaint town not only providesa nice anchorage, free dinghy docks, fun eateries and smalltown shops, but it also provides a nice municipal marina.The Gulfport Municipal Marina (727-893-1071) is boatfriendlyand offers, fuel, ice, water, transient slips and freepump-outs.All this sounds good, but it is going that next step thathas me taking the time to write this article. Heading northfrom Punta Gorda, Gulfport has become one of our frequentstops along our way. This last stop had an unexpected twist.After a day run in the Gulf, we planned a break in theGulfport anchorage. After setting the hook, I usually give aquick motor and systems check before heading ashore for ameal and beverage. Plans changed. We found water in thebilge, lots of water. It seems two failures occurred: The bilgepump died, and the motor mixing elbow had a crack in it.At least water will not enter the boat unless the motor isrunning. It looked like we would have an extended stay inGulfport, anticipating finding an address to receive motorparts and possibly arranging for a mechanic for installation.Now for the hospitality part. I made a call to theGulfport Municipal Marina dockmaster, Tony Fields. I wasblessed by Tony doing an Internet search and finding a localparts place and phone number. A call to that number furtherprovided an even closer parts place and phone number.Rich Lloyd with Yacht Power Products (727-822-2628) saidif I remove the whole assembly, he will pick it up, rebuild itand deliver it back to the boat. At 9:00 a.m. the next morning,with that all trusty duct tape wrapped around the leak,we headed into the municipal marina to take a transient10 September 2011 SOUTHWINDS www.southwindsmagazine.com