Capt.Malick is guest speaker at Rotary luncheon

Capt. Andy Malick

The guest speaker at the next Coconut Grove Rotary luncheon is Captain Andy Melick, Harbor Pilot of the Biscayne Bay Pilots Association.  

At least 300,000 ship have transited Miami Harbor since 1911 and the safe navigation of almost everyone has been the responsibility of a member of the Biscayne Bay Pilots Association. Formerly known as the Miami Bar Pilots, these 44 men have been the sole providers of pilot service to ships calling in Miami for over a century. Today the Association is one of the most venerable enterprises in the area, and its history is an integral part of the story of Miami itself.

Captain Melick has been a harbor pilot in Miami since 1996. He previously served 15 years as deck and engine officer aboard US-flag merchant vessels, during which time he obtained an unlimited Master's license.

A graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy, he also holds an MFA in writing from New York University.  He has written three books, including A Century of Service: A History of the Biscayne Bay Pilots.

Captain Melick will discuss the development of Miami Harbor from the early days of small sailing ships and paddlewheel steamers to the present day of mega cruise ships and neopanamax container ships.

Copies of Captain Melick's book on the history of the Biscayne Bay Pilots Association will be available for purchase at the meeting. It is a wonderful read with plenty of picture illustrating the timeline of the Association.  All of the proceeds from the sale of the book go to the Biscayne Bay Pilot Foundation.

The luncheon is at the Coconut Grove Sailing Club (2990 South Bayshore Drive) at 12:15 pm on Thursday, August 18.  The cost for lunch is $20.

Everyone is welcome, you don't need to be a member of the Sailing Club or the Rotary Club, RSVP at coconutgroverotaryclub@gmail.com.