Seas The Day Charters. US

Captain John Gerhardt and The Manta

Hi, I’m Captain John Gerhardt. I am a U. S. Coast Guard Licensed, Captain 50 GRT Upon Near Coastal Waters. I’ve been a “water baby” since birth. I was born in Chicago, where I spent my summers on Lake Michigan learning to swim and sail. I moved to Sarasota, Florida at the age of eight and had the privilege of living and growing up on the offshore islands of both Siesta and Casey Keys at Sarasota Bay. I found that I had salt water “in my blood” as I grew up motorboating, sailing, skin-diving, crabbing and spearfishing.

During my teen years When my family moved to Casey Key, I lived for many years “over the water” in a boathouse, on stilts in the Sarasota bay. It is still standing to this day. I’ve been an avid power boater since the time I learned to water ski on my first boat, a 12 ft Jon-boat with a 9.8 Mercury outboard. I have I’ve owned 15-power and sailboats in my lifetime, and plan on sticking with the two I run now, a 17ft. Triumph skiff and Manta.

After graduating from Florida State University, I completed Seminary at S.W.B.T.S. and graduated with a Master of Divinity Degree. For the last 25 years I was better known as Chaplain John, serving the patients, their families and staff full-time in three hospitals. As hospital chaplain, I’ve had the privilege of helping many bereaved families find closure after their loss of a loved one by facilitating their Celebration of Life on land, or, as is my preference, an Internment of Ashes at sea.

Retiring from Sarasota Memorial Hospital in 2018, I’ve now shifted gears from being Chaplain John, to Captain John. I’ve found over the years that time spent on the water is a healing and restful retreat from the problems, hassles and heartaches often experienced in this life. The water also provides the perfect tranquil and beautiful natural venue for celebrating the special occasions and the special people who we share life with. I personally invite you to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation along the tropical southwestern coast of Florida, while you explore the sea, in my aboard our “Manta”.