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Thursday, March 28, 2024
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Empowering Women in Sailing: The Transformative Coaching & Mentoring Course in the USVI

Uniting Women Sailors

A cross-section of women sailors, seven each from St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John and one from the British Virgin Islands, who represented a mix of professional sailors, coaches, and recreational enthusiasts, participated in the Coaching & Mentoring Women’s Sailing Course, held October 27 to 29, 2023, at the St. Thomas Yacht Club (STYC). The goal? To get more women and girls in the territory out sailing via building a strong network and sharing resources. The three-day course was led by Rebecca Ellis, an experienced and qualified UK-based World Sailing Coach developer; hosted by the Virgin Islands Sailing Association (VISA), the USVI’s Member National Authority to World Sailing; and funded through an Olympic Solidarity Grant, plus funds from VISA, the Virgin Islands Olympic Committee, STYC, and World Sailing, the sport’s global governing body.

“My vision for this event was to connect everyone, to ignite or reignite their enthusiasm for sailing, and to make everyone aware of the many roles available to women in sailing in our community that need to and should be filled,” says Juliet San Martin, VISA president and course organizer. “I’m expecting to see at least a decade of ripple effects from this event, with a great deal more interisland coordination and competition. Not to mention newly formed lifelong friendships all founded on the common bonds of a shared interest in sailing.”

Key Take Aways

It was the diverse experiences and paths to sailing, careers or recreational, of the course attendees that most caught the attention and interest of Michelle Peterson, an assistant professor of biology at the University of the Virgin Islands St. Croix campus, St Croix Yacht Club member and avid Sunfish sailor. “What could be better than to be around other women who are passionate about sailing, be part of that community, and of course get out on the water each day,” says Peterson. “I think we all have a better understanding of ways to get more women sailing by supporting competitive racing or working on the organizational side of events. It’s all about how to support and build on the foothold we have now going forward. How to hold onto the past yet build on and improve.”

For Marguerite Burke, from St. Thomas, who is a Master 100-ton Licenses USCG Captain, it was a new experience.

“This was my first time sailing an IC24. I’m a big boat sailor, so a small boat was intimidating at first. We had excellent and professional instruction. Now, it’s opened a whole other world of racing for me.”

Maya Craig and Felicia Renaud were among the St. John attendees who instruct and coach youth sailors as part of the community-oriented Kids and the Sea (KATS) Program in Coral Bay.

“The opportunity to build a community as a resource and to be able to tap into it in the future is what I enjoyed most,” says Craig, who teaches 8- to 12-year-old Optimist sailors and professionally is the watershed coordinator for the Coral Bay Community Council.

Renaud, a professional artist, and KATS instructor for a decade, found it inspiring to learn the many facets of women in sailing in the Virgin Islands. “I’m looking forward to sharing what I’ve learned with others at KATS.”

Many of the women, even from the same island, had never met one another before attending this course.

“It often takes an event like this to bring like-minded women together. As a result, the discussions were excellent and the learning from one another was invaluable,” says Ellis.

The participants were Marguerite Burke, Kelly Johnson, Kerry Kline, Bic Leu, Emily Pearsall, Ameda Smith and Deborah Woods from St. Thomas; Joyce Campbell, Meg Deegan, Meagan Hislop, Megan Littlefield, Cheryl Lowery, Michelle Peterson, and Molly Winkelman from St. Croix; Erin Lee Burger-Gohl, Maya Craig, Erin Durell, Felicia Renaud, and Sarah Swan from St. John; and Meagan Woodman, from the BVI.

Land & Sea

The Coaching & Mentoring Women’s Sailing Course featured a combination of hands-on sailing in IC24s and onshore discussions and networking opportunities. Discussion topics included how to attract more women and girls to try sailing, the difference between instructing and coaching, how to develop coaching skills, and how to meet the needs of the female athlete.

“Many of the women, even from the same island, had never met one another before. It often takes an event like this to bring like-minded women together. As a result, the discussion was excellent and the learning from one another was invaluable,” says Ellis.

Social activities featured a dinner on October 27 where keynote speakers were the Honorable Ruth Miller, an International Judge with World Sailing and Magistrate Judge at the USVI’s District Court, and Oriel Blake, Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association. Miller detailed the strength of networking as a gateway to her obtaining global opportunities to officiate at local, regional, national, and international sailing events. Blake shared how having a passion for the water and collaboration has led her to mentor others to do the same professionally.

For more information about the event, contact San Martin at (340) 690-9040, or julie@teamsanmartin.com. Or, visit virginislandssailingassociation.com Or, on Facebook at Virgin Islands Sailing Association (www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551668560067)


Knot Too Old

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Caribbean bound and proud of it. You have gone before us, charted the course, steered the boat, became one with the seas and the wind, and we long to join you. Some may say we’re crazy, I mean who takes up sailing in their latter fifties? Sure, there’s the occasional retired guy who buys a boat and wants to circumnavigate the planet; we’ve heard rumors. My husband and I aren’t retired yet, and honestly prefer to work remotely from our boat. We’ve learned that some of you work remotely which tells us it can be done. Our yearning to be prepared for our future has led us to the sailing adventure of our lives but we’re starting from scratch.  We are total newbs dreaming of floating amongst you Caribbeans and becoming part of a community of savvy sailors, sunset loving, snorkeling, diving, fresh fish, and fair winds connoisseurs each and every day.  

 This Vermont girl has coveted turquoise water for decades, but I’ve been afraid of what’s in the ocean all my life (lakes too). When I enlisted in the US Navy, I wanted to go SAR (Search And Rescue) until I figured out I had to actually get in the water. Fear has prevented me from experiencing challenging opportunities. I know I’m not the only one out there that has been hesitant to take up sailing and actually go out and sail somewhere. I get it, the boat slip is comfy, but if I remain on the slip, my Caribbean dream will sail away without me.

There’s truth in not being able to teach an old dog new tricks. Older people seem to be settled and happy to slow down after years of child rearing and being in the workforce. My husband and I are of a different ilk – we feel like we’ve just begun but learning something brand new is daunting. This isn’t a cooking class at the local culinary school or ballroom dancing lessons. The navigation alone is a foreign language needed to exist in a country that I’ve never seen on a map. Some days I wonder if I can do this. I walk to the kitchen to get something I forgot about while walking down the hallway and feel like I must have early onset dementia. Doing something this grand scares me, and I know I’m not alone; let’s face it, sailing is hard work. Maybe you were once like me. Maybe you still are, but you keep that deep down in the recesses of your soul because your significant other is having the sail of their lives and you don’t want to be a fun sucker. Then let me say, you are courageous! Courage isn’t the absence of fear (I read that somewhere), it’s moving forward even while afraid. 

When I took the 2-day ASA 101 course this past August with my husband on a Pearson 39, I was anxious. I read the Sailing Made Easy book bow to stern. I highlighted, underlined, memorized, practiced knots, and packed my bags in preparation for what I thought would undo me. But it didn’t. I had the bruises to prove I worked hard. I’ve never navigated my way around a boat, and I was jibbing like nobody’s business. As a vertically challenged female, I seemed to bang my knees a lot and when I was on the main sheet, well, I needed to brace myself against the hard boat. But I did it afraid and conquered it (I’m standing on my tiptoes in the photo to the right).

You’re in the Caribbean; maybe you’ve lived there all your life or maybe you sailed there. Do you remember when you first started sailing? Do you remember the questions, concerns, fears, and unknowns? There’s so much to know and do and learn (and practice) and we’re excited beyond measure. Not the kind of excitement when Uncle Earl and Aunt Emma show up on Easter with chocolate eggs and little Peeps that rot the best of teeth. No, I’m talking about excitement that keeps us awake at night dreaming of what’s to come. 

Willy T Virgin’s Cup 2023: Celebrating Youthful Skippers and Exciting Dinghy Racing

A Day of Pristine Sailing Conditions

The 2023 Willy T Race and Virgin’s Cup unfurled its sails on a day made perfect for sailing, with 14 dinghies and 1 monohull cutting through the waves. Sailors and spectators alike reveled in the competitive spirit and camaraderie that defined the event.

Monohull Mastery with Lulu’s Young Captains

Lulu, the sole monohull entry, a Freedom 44, embarked on an ambitious journey steered by the youthful duo of Dottie Whitting-Knight and Piper Bailey, both nine years old. Their strategic navigation and seamless teamwork carried them to victory, earning them the esteemed Virgin’s Cup.

Images Courtesy of the Royal British Virgin Islands Yacht Club

Fleeting Fevas with Female Skippers

The RS Fevas added a layer of excitement with all-female skippers at the helm. Kay Reddy and Liz Buratti clinched the win, followed closely by Kate van Patten and Christian Fay. Sansa Nie and Tess Gregory secured third place, and Gráinne Hussey & Will Barnes completed the group with a commendable effort.

Images Courtesy of the Royal British Virgin Islands Yacht Club

ILCA Fleet’s Fierce Showdown

The ILCA class, with its diverse range of rigs, offered a thrilling display of skill and speed. Colm Crilly emerged victorious in the ILCA7, while Harry Bowerman in the ILCA6 maintained second place overall. Ella Thompson, with her father as crew, claimed the title of first female in the ILCA7 fleet.

Acknowledgements and Appreciation

The event owed its success to the dedicated efforts of the race committee, the unwavering support of the Willy T team, and the expert guidance of coaches Meagan and James. The sailing community extends its heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to making the Willy T Virgin’s Cup a memorable event.

For a glimpse of the event’s vibrant energy and the victorious sailors, click here for more images.

Images Courtesy of the Royal British Virgin Islands Yacht Club

Celebrating the Victors

The Willy T Virgin’s Cup concluded with an air of triumph and anticipation for the next wave of sailing talent. The event not only showcased the skillful art of sailing but also highlighted the potential and promise of the next generation of sailors.

  • Monohull Champion: Lulu – Dottie Whitting-Knight & Piper Bailey
  • RS Feva Winners: Kay Reddy & Liz Buratti
  • ILCA Class Champion: Colm Crilly – ILCA7

The event’s spirit continues to ripple through the sailing community, inspiring more to set sail and chase the horizon with passion and perseverance.

St. Maarten Yacht Club Launches Sailability Project at Sailing School’s 30th Anniversary

The best way to celebrate a sailing achievement is to go sailing! That’s what the St. Maarten Yacht Club did to commemorate its Sailing School’s 30th anniversary on September 16, 2023. To mark this milestone, the school hosted a day of festivities, including the ‘Bart’s Bash’ sailing race, free try-out sailing sessions, and the highlight of the day – the unveiling of its groundbreaking Sailability project. This is a new project that will enable the school to introduce the sport of sailing to people with disabilities. 

“One of the Club’s goals is to make sailing available for a broader audience. With the well-established Primary School Sailing Program, we are giving weekly free sailing classes to 48 students, for a full school year. We’ve seen that there are not many sports available in St. Maarten for people with a disability, thus we’ve decided to start the Sailability Project at the St. Maarten Yacht Club,” says Saskia Revelman, SMYC Manager. 

Sailability Antigua Amazing for the Disabled in the Caribbean

The SMYC is collaborating with the White and Yellow Cross Care Foundation (WYCCF), and their day activity center, the Sister Basilic Center, who were interested in participating right away. The highly skilled staff from the WYCCF selected four students to join the sailing classes, held two mornings a week.

The most important factor in setting up this program, Revelman says, was the specially designed boat, called an RS Venture Connect. The SMYC was able to purchase this boat with funds from R4CR (Resources for Community Resilience), which is financed by the Government of the Netherlands via the St. Maarten Trust Fund. The boat arrived in early July and the first Sailability classes started on August 22.

Sailability in the Caribbean

“My advice for other islands who would like to establish a Sailability project is to do some research on the sport and leisure activities for this target group. Sailing is a great and safe way to enjoy the outdoors, especially in the sunny Caribbean. It might look like a big step to start a program like this, but there is a lot of knowledge available online via World Sailing and the different Sailability projects around the world. Sailing should be available for everyone,” says Revelman. smyc.com 

Competitive Sailing Opportunities For Sailors with Disabilities

Thrilling Catches and Last-Minute Entries: Highlights from the Annual Wahoo Windup Tournament

Wahoo Wins and Competitive Spirit at the Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club’s Annual Event

Record Weigh-ins and a Surprise Victory

It was Wahoo time on Sunday when sport fishers aboard 14 boats weighed 21 wahoo weighing 290.2 pounds in the Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club’s Annual Wahoo Windup Tournament. In the end, St. Thomas’ Jared Buckstein caught the Largest Wahoo, a 26.5-pounder, from aboard the 32-foot Regulator, The Dude Abides, with Captain Walt Basnight at the helm.

“We caught our biggest one within 15 minutes of lines in and it gave us momentum,” says Basnight. “We won this tournament in 2019 on another boat and our gameplan this year was the same. That is, we high-speed trolled up to about 11 a.m. and caught four wahoo, including the big one. Then we switched to bait fishing and caught the other three. We had all seven of our wahoo in the boat by Noon.”

Interestingly, The Dude Abides was the last boat to enter the tournament at 4:45 p.m. on Saturday.

“We hadn’t fished for a while, so I picked the brains of a couple of charter captains I know and got an idea of where the fish were biting,” Basnight adds.

Buckstein’s catch was 48.5 pounds shy of the $25,000 prize offered for the tournament angler who caught the largest wahoo over 75 pounds.

Meanwhile, St. Thomas’ Keith Terry, Jr, angling off Double Header, caught the Second and the Third Largest Wahoo, at 25.1-pounds and 21.5-pounds, respectively.

The Best Boat prize, determined by most wahoo by count, went to The Dude Abides, who collectively caught 7 wahoo weighing a total of 88.1 pounds.

Teams from St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix participated in the Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club’s Annual Wahoo Windup Tournament.

Trophies, cash prizes totaling over $7,000, and gift certificates were awarded to the winners.

“It was fantastic to see this level of participation, and the camaraderie back on shore. This wraps up our tournaments for 2023, and we look forward to hosting our Dolphin Derby, Kid’s Fishing Tournament, and Wahoo Windup again next year,” says Kelvin Bailey, Jr., president of the Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club’s Board of Directors.

The Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club appreciates the support of Cape Fear Distilleries, IGY’s American Yacht Harbor, Neptune Fishing Supplies, Ocean Surfari, Seas the Day Charters, and its much-appreciated volunteers.

For more information about the Club and its events, call (340) 775-9144, Email: usvigfc@gmail.com, or Visit: www.vigfc.com

About the Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club

Founded in 1963 by a small group of dedicated sportfishing enthusiasts, the Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club promotes the healthy enjoyment and pursuit of saltwater game fishing and has long been proactive in marine conservation. In its almost six-decade history, members have set nearly 30 International Game Fishing Association (IGFA) world records. The Club, based in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands with its beautiful Clubhouse in Red Hook, hosts several sportfishing tournaments and social events annually. www.vigfc.com


Record-Breaking Attendance and New Additions Set for 2024 Caribbean Multihull Challenge

It’s a record! The 2023 Caribbean Multihull Challenge (CMC) Race and Rally, held out of St. Maarten, set a participation record up 78% from 18 entries in 2022 to 32 in 2023. Plus, organizers successfully added the CMC Cruising Rally. As a result, the CMC Steering Committee announced in July that it’s adding one more day to the racing and rallying, set next for February 1 to 4, 2024. 

“Our event is growing in size and prestige as word gets out about the competition, the fun, the fellowship, the top-flight regatta management, and the adventure of multihull sailing in the warm waters of the Northeast Caribbean around the beautiful Dutch and French islands,” says Stephen Burzon, the CMC’s volunteer marketing and operations director since its inception in 2019.

Multihulls Multiply in Caribbean Regattas

Looking Back and Looking Ahead: Lessons Learned from the First Annual Caribbean Multihull Challenge

For racers, the new four-day format will see a repeat of the three CSA 1 Trifecta distance races on three separate days, plus one extra day for shorter racing along the south coast of Sint Maarten. Other CSA Racing Classes will see more of the same line-up of courses from 2023 with more racing added on the fourth day.  For Cruising Sailors, the extra day will allow for a day visit to the uninhabited French island of Tintamarre and overnight in Great Bay, then a Friday sail around St. Maarten-St. Martin to the luxury of French-side Anse Marcel, and for Saturday night, a welcoming stay in St. Barth’s, with a sail back to the St. Maarten Yacht Club in Simpson Bay on Sunday, the 4th. Entries received before November 2023 will receive a 10% discount. To register, visit caribbeanmultihullchallenge.com

Discover the Ease of Mooring in St. John’s Pristine Waters with the New Online Payment System

The Virgin Islands National Park on St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, offers a seamless integration of natural beauty and modern convenience for boaters seeking to explore its azure waters and mooring sites. With over 200 mooring sites available, the park has now embraced technology to streamline the payment process, making it easier than ever for visiting boaters to secure their spot in this Caribbean paradise.

Online Payment: The Future of Boating Convenience

Paying for a mooring in the Virgin Islands National Park is now at the tip of your fingers. By downloading the recreation.gov mobile app, boaters can swiftly make payments online. This advanced system not only saves time but also reduces the need for physical contact—a welcome feature in the pursuit of sustainable and responsible tourism.

QR Code System: Scan, Pay, and Sail

Upon arrival, boaters will find QR codes strategically located throughout the park. A simple scan with the mobile app will redirect you to the payment gateway, where you can complete the transaction with just a few taps. This innovative approach means you can spend less time on logistics and more time enjoying the serene environment that St. John has to offer.

Embracing Freedom: A Hippie’s Quest for the Open Seas

Traditional Payment: An Option for the Tech-Free Traveler

For those who prefer traditional methods or find themselves in areas with limited internet connectivity, the park maintains the envelope payment system. This method honors the time-honored tradition of trust and simplicity that has long been part of the boating community’s ethos.

Online vs. Envelope: The Preferred Choice

While both options remain available, the park authorities encourage the use of online payments. This not only enhances operational efficiency but also aligns with environmental goals by reducing paper use. The move towards a digital platform is part of a broader initiative to modernize the park experience while preserving its untouched beauty.

Eco-Friendly Practices: Protecting the Marine Ecosystem

The integration of online payments is part of the park’s commitment to environmental stewardship. By reducing the need for paper and promoting digital transactions, the park minimizes waste and aligns with eco-friendly practices. The mooring sites themselves are designed to protect the seabed from anchor damage, ensuring that the diverse marine life and coral reefs thrive for generations to come.

Why does Boat Insurance Cost So Much?

Enjoying St. John Responsibly

When you choose to moor at St. John, you’re not just selecting a place to dock; you’re participating in a sustainable tourism practice. The mooring fees collected contribute to the preservation of the park’s resources, aiding in conservation efforts and the maintenance of facilities.

The Virgin Islands National Park: A Treasure to Behold

Spanning over 7,000 acres on the island of St. John, the Virgin Islands National Park is a treasure trove of natural wonders. It is home to hiking trails, historic sites, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The clear waters invite snorkelers and divers to witness the colorful underwater world, while the trails offer panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea.

Embarking on Your St. John Adventure

Before you set sail to the captivating shores of St. John, ensure that you have the recreation.gov mobile app installed on your device. It’s your gateway to a hassle-free and memorable boating experience. With a mooring site secured, you can relax and savor the splendor of St. John’s national park, where the blue sky meets the even bluer sea, and nature’s embrace is felt with every wave that gently rocks your vessel.

Connect with the Community

The boating community in St. John is vibrant and welcoming. By using the online payment system, you join a group of forward-thinking mariners who value both tradition and innovation. Share your experiences, exchange stories, and become part of the park’s living history.

Final Thoughts

St. John’s leap into the digital age with its online mooring payment system represents a fusion of convenience and conservation. As you plan your journey to this idyllic destination, take advantage of the ease of securing your mooring spot with just a few clicks. Immerse yourself in the natural elegance of the Virgin Islands National Park, knowing that your presence supports sustainable tourism and the preservation of this unique marine ecosystem.

Charter Yacht Society of the BVI Celebrates Over Four Decades of Excellence

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If a guest is fortunate enough to experience a professionally crewed charter yacht, you can be assured that most of them are unaware of the amount of work involved to guarantee their charter will measure up to their expectations.   

Several factors determine the success of a charter. The yacht. The crew. The weather. The cost, the broker, and the politics to make it all possible for them to board the chosen yacht of their dreams and have that much anticipated glass of champagne. 

Most owners of charter vessels rely on professional crews to maintain and run their expensive investments. A charter vessel requires a team of professionals to guarantee that the boats reputation, and reliability measure up to the task of providing the client with their monies worth. In order to ensure that this happens the Charter Yacht Society of the British Virgin Islands was created on August 23, 1982.

Charter Yacht Society Show Goes Green with New Initiatives

The founding members proposed to establish an entity that insured three criteria. 

• “To ensure good relationships between the resident, independent crewed charter boats and the Government and people of the British Virgin Islands.” 

• “To propagate the observation of the laws of the Territory and respect for its social standards and culture.” 

• “To foster a business climate beneficial to its members consistent with the smooth development of the charter boat industry and promote the interests of locally owned vessels”

These objectives are the cornerstones of the Charter Yacht Society of the British Virgin Islands. 

The initial ‘Society’ of 1992 would act as a liaison between the burgeoning fleet of charter owners and captains that chose to leave the USVI due to the introduction of the Passenger Vessel Safety Act of 1993 which restricted the amount of paying guests a vessel could legally carry in US waters and the government of the British Virgin Islands.   

Beginning in 1993 the CYS was in place to encourage Lavity Stoutt and his ministers to see the benefits of the charter industry and assist him in establishing the new laws to encourage a charter vessel to “work” out of the BVI’s. This action prompted the ministries to allow vessels to make incremental payments of Import duties and enacted the seven pick up rule. The “New Charter Yacht Strategy” encouraged vessels to charter out of the BVI’s.   

As we all know there can only be one captain on a ship and in the case of the Charter Yacht Society that “captain” is Janet Oliver who began working with the CYS in 1996, and has remained at the helm for twenty seven years! Janet’s tenacity, foresight and perseverance has enabled the charter yachts in the BVI to be represented through the cyclical times of the charter industry.  Over the years, Janet has been involved in twenty nine Charter Yacht Broker Boat shows, earning her the induction to the CYBA hall of fame in 2021!.  

In her tenure as executive director she has witnessed the transformation of the fleet from monohulls to luxurious catamarans where charter fees grew from $6000 to over $60,000 for a week on some of these large catamarans and powerboats.   

Hurricanes have decimated the infrastructure of the islands, destroyed two thirds of the boats and businesses. Pandemics literally closed the islands down, but the CYS boat shows continued to show the brokers that the BVI “took some licks” but stayed afloat through any adversity. It took a while but returning guests equated their experiences as “going back to the eighties” with empty anchorages, beaches and fewer vessels. The marine life flourished and the island industry was reborn. Janet was there for all of it.   

So with that in mind we are anticipating a stellar charter season here in the islands with boats queuing up to be included in the forty first Charter Yacht Society Boat Show from November 7th – 10th 2023.    

Welcome aboard, tell your friends and families that there has never been a better time to escape to the islands and experience the beauty around us.    

www.Crewedyachtsbvi.com; info@bvicrewedyachts.com; 284 494 6017  

Why Every Cruiser Needs an Inflatable Kayak: 10 Persuasive Reasons

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10 Reasons Every Cruiser Should Consider an Inflatable Kayak

Space is limited on average-sized cruising boats, so it’s important to carefully weigh the pros and cons of adding yet another gadget to the equipment. We recently bought an inflatable kayak and couldn’t be happier with it! Here are ten reasons why a kayak is a sensible piece of equipment for cruisers:

1. A kayak adds physical exercise to the boat life

We cruisers often complain that we don’t do enough for our fitness. Everything on board is located within a few steps, often to be reached without even getting up. Some ambitious sailors do yoga on deck in the morning, even sportier ones go jogging ashore and of course there are occasional work-out bursts for kite-surfers when a stiff breeze is blowing. But most of us don’t move enough, apart from going snorkeling (where you hardly ever manage to work up a sweat) or doing an occasional hike. A kayak is a great way to get more exercise!

2. It goes where dinghies can’t go

As they have hardly any draft, kayaks can take you over shallows that dinghies cannot navigate. If it gets too shallow even for the kayak, you can always just pick it up and carry it for a stretch before paddling on. Schlepping a dinghy would be cumbersome, a light-weight kayak poses no problem at all on such occasions.

PHOTO BY BIRGIT HACKL AND CHRISTIAN FELDBAUER
PHOTO BY BIRGIT HACKL AND CHRISTIAN FELDBAUER

3. It can go in rough conditions

Of course a SUP is also light, can be carried when necessary and is great to paddle on glassy-calm lagoons. The advantage kayaks have over these wobbly devices is their sturdiness. While SUPs are only fun in calm conditions, kayaks can safely be taken out for a ride even if it’s choppy out there!

4. It’s quiet

Apart from some gentle splashing and an occasional curse when it won’t stay on course, a kayak glides along soundlessly. It’s a wonderfully serene way to explore a remote shoreline and we get to see much more wildlife than we would if roaring along in our dinghy with its noisy outboard engine.

5. It’s environmental-friendly

Powered by AP (arm power) instead of HP (hose power) a kayak is an emission-free and pollution-free alternative to petrol or diesel engines. Sailing to a destination and then kayaking there we can be perfect eco-tourists and leave zero carbon footprint as cruisers! In times of high fuel prices using the dinghy less often also means that we are going easy on the cruising kitty when paddling instead of motoring.

Serene exploring. PHOTO BY BIRGIT HACKL AND CHRISTIAN FELDBAUER
Serene exploring. PHOTO BY BIRGIT HACKL AND CHRISTIAN FELDBAUER

6. It helps in areas with tricky landing

On rocky or rough shores without a dock it’s sometimes hard to find a safe spot to leave the dinghy. In such conditions it’s much easier to take the kayak—you can simply carry it ashore and leave it safely high and dry to await your return instead of worrying if the dinghy’s safe in breaking waves.

7. It’s easy to store

We often see rigid, plastic kayaks tied to railings, but Pitufa’s decks are clattered enough without yet another gadget that has to permanently live there. We therefore opted for an inflatable kayak in order to be able to deflate it and store it below deck on passages. Our two-seater Advanced Elements kayak weighs only 16 kg and—once deflated—fits into a carrier bag we can easily stuff into the forecabin.

Two skippers one destination. PHOTO BY BIRGIT HACKL AND CHRISTIAN FELDBAUER
Two skippers one destination. PHOTO BY BIRGIT HACKL AND CHRISTIAN FELDBAUER

8. It’s a back-up

It’s good to have some alternative means of transport, in case some misfortune should ever happen to the dinghy (touch wood!). If the dinghy had to stay on deck for a few days to let the glue on a repair fully cure, we wouldn’t get cabin fever as we could still venture out with the kayak. If the dinghy got blown away, we could at least go out and search for it. In the worst-possible scenario of a lost dinghy the kayak would be a vital means to go ashore and even do some shopping.

9. It’s teambuilding

We have a two-seater double kayak and yes, maneuvering the little boat to a beforehand agreed-upon destination can sometimes lead to arguments about tactics, techniques and navigational options between the two paddling captains, but working together we have always made it there and –more importantly—back home again. We can therefore only recommend double kayaks as a way to improve communication and cooperation for couples!

Perfect to explore shallow areas. PHOTO BY BIRGIT HACKL AND CHRISTIAN FELDBAUER
Perfect to explore shallow areas. PHOTO BY BIRGIT HACKL AND CHRISTIAN FELDBAUER

10. It’s fun

Last, but not least, let’s mention the fun factor: It’s pure joy to move out in nature, propelled by your own muscle power and feel the sun, wind and spray on your face while paddling to a sandy beach or pristine reef! 

Birgit and Christian have been cruising on their S&S 41 Pitufa for 11 years. Check out their blog www.pitufa.at for more info or follow sy.pitufa on facebook! They have also published a book about their travels: “Sailing Towards the Horizon” is available on Amazon.

Botran 18 Rum Review: The Guatemalan Experience Beyond Age

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Botran 18: The Guatemalan Spirit Redefined

We reviewed Botran 15 in the March 2023 issue and found this rum from Guatemala complex enough to continue sipping after the article was written. If a rum aged between 5-15 years piqued our interest, what will three more years of aging provide to the rum experience? Botran 18 has a lot to live up to.

Botran’s Illustrious Legacy

The Merino brothers founded Botran in 1940, and have worked hard for the past 80 years to make Botran Guatemala’s top-selling aged rum. After a brief hiatus in 2019, Botran returned to the United States market in 2022, emphasizing sustainability. The company’s ISCC accreditation (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) makes them the world’s first sustainable rum that is “from crop to drop.” They are certified as a Protective Designation of Origin product of Guatemala since they grow, ferment, and distill their sugar cane in the rich fields of Retalhuleu, age in the mountains of Quetzaltenango, and bottle in Mexico. 

Botran 18: The Spirit of Don Vevancio

All Botran rums are made from pure, raw, concentrated sugarcane to create concentrated juice or virgin honey. Botran 18 is made in the spirit of Don Vevancio, the first Merino brother inspired by Guatemala. They say this blend captures, “His passion, fire and determination in one bottle.” The rum is aged in American Whiskey, medium-toasted American Whiskey, Port, and Sherry wine barrels for 5-18 years.

Tasting Notes

He Said
The nose is sweet with caramel, honey, and butterscotch, overpowering a slight fruit note which I can’t quite identify here because of all the sweetness. On the palate, the liquid is very smooth, providing the same sweetness from the nose. Dark Cherry leads the liquid to the finish, where I surprisingly find smokey notes that lingers slightly. As I continue to sip, the finish changes from sweet, dark cherry notes to a more earthy tobacco and burlap. I find this rum very intriguing.

She Said
The reddish mahogany liquid coats the glass providing long lacing. The entire time Clint was sampling the rum, I closed my eyes, trying to determine what I smelled. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but it’s not sweet to me. I lean more toward cocoa powder used for baking. The rum has a rich texture that explodes on my palate with bitter dark chocolate. The finish initially burns the top of my throat, then smooths out to a more satisfying warmth. I experience absolutely no fruit. I continue to sip because I enjoy the mystery of the rum.

15 vs. 18
We compared the 15 to the 18. Clint said the 15 lacked depth and preferred the uniqueness of the 18. Terry preferred the nose and palate of the 15 but enjoyed the finish of the 18.

Final Thoughts


At $45/bottle, Botran 18 has become high on Clint’s list of drinkability for a sipping rum. He loves how the rum changes, presenting the notes differently to create a unique experience with each sip. Terry conceded, noting that the mystery is a large part of the experience.

4.75 of 5

About Clint and Terry: We have sampled many a dram over our 33 years of marriage and quite often we don’t fully agree. Could be the difference is male/female taste buds. Or, somebody is just wrong.

Autumn Delights: Simple Baked Crab Cakes and Sweet Potato Recipes

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Embracing the Flavors of Autumn

Summer months have come to an end, so now it is time to take advantage of Autumn cooking, some healthy but satisfying dishes. 

SIMPLE BAKED CRAB  CAKES AND YOGURT SAUCE

Prep time: 20 minutes. Cooking time: 15 minutes. Makes: 8 patties
1 egg plus 1 egg white
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
3 Tbsp. fresh squeezed lemon juice
½ tsp. ground dry paprika
¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
8 oz. crab meat, picked for shells
½ cup whole wheat Panko breadcrumbs
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 green onion, finely chopped
Olive oil 

Preheat oven to 400ºF. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, mustard, lemon juice, paprika, black pepper. Add in the crab meat and breadcrumbs. Gently fold all the ingredients together. Form mixture into 8 patties and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Lightly brush or spray the top of each pattie with olive oil. Bike 15 minutes or until the top are lightly golden. Remove from oven and serve with Yogurt Sauce, recipe below.

YOGURT SAUCE:
½ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 Tbsp. fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 green onion, finely chopped
¼ tsp. cayenne
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

In a bowl combine yogurt, mustard lemon juice, green onion, cayenne, and black pepper. Whisk together until both are smooth. Hint: In a hurry, skip making the sauce and just use fresh squeezed lemon juice. Or, be creative, try dill, chives, red pepper flakes, or other seasoning that you like, or maybe finely diced pickles.

Note: Serve these crab cakes with your favorite sides, or over a salad for a light lunch or as an appetizer

SWEET POTATOES STUFFED WITH GOAT CHEESE, HONEY, AND ROASTED GRAPES

Prep time: 20 minutes. Cooking time: 45 – 60 minutes. Serves: 4
4 sweet potatoes, similar size
2 cups red seedless grapes
1 tsp. Grapeseed oil or other high heat oil
1/4 tsp. Salt
1/2 tsp. Pepper
4 oz. Goat cheese, room temperature
2 Tbsp. Honey plus additional for drizzling
Pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Poke holes in the sweet potatoes with a fork, then wrap each  one tightly in aluminum foil. Depending on size, bake for 45 -60 minutes, or until potatoes are tender to the touch. Remove from oven and unwrap foil. Cut a slit down the middle of each potato, lengthwise, then let sit until cool enough to handle.

Increase oven temperature to 450ºF. On a baking dish, lay grapes in a single layer and drizzle each with the grapeseed oil and a pinch of salt and pepper; toss to coat. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until grapes begin to burst. Remove from the oven and let cool.

Once sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, remove the flesh with a spoon, keeping the skin intact. Place the flesh in a large bowl. Add 3 ounces of goat cheese, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, pepper and honey. Scoop flesh back into potato skin. Rewarm in oven if too cool. Top with remaining goat cheese. Add grapes on top and drizzle with the additional honey.

Farmers Markets are the best place to find seasonal fruits and vegetables in your area.

Jan Robinson, Health Coach, 2019 CYBA Hall of Fame, Chef Competition Coordinator/Judge and author of the Ship to Shore Cookbook Collection; available on Amazon and at CaptJan2@gmail.com

From Beginner to Olympian: The Inspiring Sailing Journey of Gretchen Ortiz

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There are not many sports where you can move from beginner to Olympian in a decade. An even bigger feat is a woman doing so in what has long been the male-dominated sport of sailing. Yet, that’s just what Puerto Rico’s Gretchen Ortiz has accomplished, getting her feet wet first on a Beneteau 40.7 in local and Caribbean regattas and then reaching the pinnacle of the sport as crew in the Mixed Nacra 17 representing her home island at the 2020 Summer Olympic Games. 

“I started sailing later in life, at age 24,” says Ortiz, who lives in San Juan, yet had never tried any water sports despite being surrounded by sea. “I used to play soccer and in one of the games I had an ACL (knee) injury. While I was recovering from surgery, I read many of my boyfriend’s books. These were about rogue waves, being lost at sea, sailing around the world, and these types of topics. Somehow that translated into ‘I want to learn how to sail’.

Gretchen Ortiz and Jaime Torres, at left, of Smile and Wave at the podium at the St Thomas International Regatta. Credit Dean Barnes
Gretchen Ortiz and Jaime Torres, at left, of Smile and Wave at the podium at the St Thomas International Regatta. Credit Dean Barnes

Learning to Sail
Ortiz studied the basics of sailing by book. However, it was sailboat racing and a real love of the sport that she learned from Jaime Torres. It was 2011 and Torres had purchased a Beneteau 40.7, called her Smile and Wave, and was putting a team together to compete in the Caribbean regatta circuit.

“I asked him if I could join. I told him straight up, ‘I don’t know much about sailing, but I can put in the time, and I learn fast,” Ortiz tells.

Her first regatta, the 600 nautical mile Caribbean 600 around 11 Caribbean Islands, was a long-distance baptism by sail. She got seasick. The entire three days and nights of sailing she spent on the rail. Eating, sleeping, everything on the rail. All the while Ortiz was sick, she looked out and the ocean was comforting. The sound of the water rushing by the boat when going downwind, the pounding of the boat with the waves when going upwind, the sparkling water at night, the dolphins, the turtles, and a shark or two were all part of the scene. Ironically, between her sailing tasks and being sick, and with everything else going on out on the sea, as Ortiz says, “I just fell in love with the sweet and sour of it all.”

She continued crewing onboard Smile and Wave for a half dozen northern Caribbean regattas – including the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, Puerto Rico Heineken Regatta, St. Thomas International Regatta, and BVI Spring Regatta – over the next three months. She started midbow, learned from the bowman, and soon took over the bow position. A decade later, with Torres trading in his Beneteau for a Melges 32 along the way, it’s safe to say that Ortiz has been on the podium every year in almost every regatta she’s sailed in the Caribbean.

“One of the most important things I learned while sailing on Smile and Wave is the importance of the joy of sailing on a ‘Drama Free Zone’ boat. No yelling, other than because of wind noise, no cursing at others, and we all do our best at all times and in whatever way it means that day,” she says.

Peter Holmberg – Interview with Val Doan

Gretchen Ortiz in the front. Credit Nacra 17 Sailing
Gretchen Ortiz in the front. Credit Nacra 17 Sailing

Olympic Opportunity
Ortiz’s path to the Olympics came via mutual friend and fellow Puerto Rican sailor, Enrique ‘Keki’ Figueroa. The two knew of each other but hadn’t sailed together. Ortiz raced keelboats while Figueroa, a five-time Olympian, raced multihulls. Halfway into Figueroa’s 2020 Olympics campaign, he found himself in need of crew.

“The sailing director where I teach sailing (Club Nautico de San Juan) recommended me. We did a tryout, and the rest is history,” she says.

One big difference between racing one hull versus two, Ortiz tells, is that “Everything is so fast. I used to joke that I would hoist the spinnaker at the windward mark and by the time I finished getting out on the trapeze it was time to put the spinnaker away again. It took me a while to get used to the pace, but it is doable.”

The Nacra 17 class for the 2020 Summer Olympics was mixed, meaning one male and one female crew. It was also full foiling. Figueroa, whose competed-on Tornados, Hobie Tigers, Hobie 16s, and Formula 18’s, only had a one-month head start on Ortiz when it came to getting the foiling aspect down pat. Training, on the water, at the gym, running, reading up, sailing seminars, and more proved a full-time job.

“The greatest part of the Olympics is to be able to represent your country against the best of the best of other countries. It fills you with pride and puts your game in a gear that you don’t even know you had. You can get a real high, but you also can get a real low if you don’t perform as you thought you should,” she says.

Gretchen Ortiz on the bow, St Maarten Heineken Regatta. Credit Laurens Morel
Gretchen Ortiz on the bow, St Maarten Heineken Regatta. Credit Laurens Morel

Looking Ahead
Since the Olympics, Ortiz has been teaching youth sailors, especially beginners, in the Optimist, Laser, 420, Open Bic, and IC24. 

“I love teaching the kids. I love seeing their progress from being attached to their parents to being able to rig their boats, launch them, sail them, and de-rig them all by themselves and take pride in doing so,” she says.

Ortiz continues to race keelboats. In 2023, she raced with fellow Puerto Rico sailor, Sergio Sagramoso, on his Melges 32, Lazy Dog, which won its class at the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta. With Torres and the Smile and Wave team, she enjoyed podium-placing finishes at the St. Thomas International Regatta and BVI Spring Regatta, and Antigua Sailing Week.

Looking ahead, Ortiz plans to keep racing keelboats, teaching sailing, and practicing wing-foiling. Off the water, she enjoys completing mini building projects on her house and garden, and taking care of her chickens and her 17-year-old dog, Almendra.

For women who would like to follow in Ortiz’s footsteps, her advice is this: “Just get out there and sail. Sail, meet people, and sail some more. No matter where you start, or what boat position they put you in, you can always learn and prove your worth in the other positions you aim for. Just sail and meet people.”

ABYMA 2023: Unveiling the Future of Yachting at Falmouth Harbour Marina

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Building on Past Triumphs

Fresh from the triumph of the inaugural Antigua and Barbuda Yachting & Marine Association (ABYMA) Industry Showcase in 2022, ABYMA gears up to unveil its second showcase, slated for November 16-17, 2023.

Engaging a Wider Audience

Reflecting on the inaugural event’s accomplishments, ABYMA president, Franklyn Braithwaite remarked, “The first year was a resounding success. We engaged with numerous students and adults eager to delve into the yachting industry. This year, we’re anticipating even greater participation, especially from educational institutions and individuals keen to adapt their skills to the yachting sector.”

Falmouth Harbour Marina: The Perfect Venue

Falmouth Harbour Marina, with its newly constructed super yacht dock from 2022, will proudly host this year’s event. The marina is already gearing up for the 2023-24 yachting season with yachts poised for display. Attendees can look forward to exploring exhibits from sailmakers, engineering firms, provisioners, sailing training entities, boat builders, and a plethora of other businesses integral to the yachting ecosystem.

Commitment to the Community

Bobby Reis, ABYMA vice president and representative of Falmouth Harbour Marina—a company wholly owned by Antiguans and Barbudans—stressed the marina’s commitment to the local community. “Our primary goal has always been to ensure that our fellow citizens reap the benefits of the yachting industry. This showcase provides an unparalleled opportunity to present our industry, our members, and our world-class marina not just to our local community, but also to international yachts arriving for the winter season.”

For more information, visit www.abyma.ag.

Electric Revolution in Yachting: The Launch of Aura 51 Smart Electric by Dream Yacht Worldwide & Fountaine Pajot

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Leading the Green Wave in Yachting

Earlier this year, Dream Yacht Worldwide teamed up with Fountaine Pajot to embark on a groundbreaking venture — the inception of the world’s first global line of electric catamarans. The collaboration proudly stands as the pioneering force behind the large-scale introduction of electric yachts tailored for yacht charter vacations and retail sales to global consumers.


The Aura 51 Smart Electric: A Flagship Introduction

Marking its premiere, the Aura 51 Smart Electric was inducted into the expansive fleet of Dream Yacht Worldwide, becoming available for charters in Italy from April 2023.

Courtesy Dream Yacht Charters
Courtesy Dream Yacht Charters

Global Expansion: The Electric Vision

Angela Tuell, the spokesperson for Dream Yacht Worldwide, emphasizes their vision: “The plan is to have them (electric catamarans) everywhere, including the Caribbean.”


Technical Brilliance of the Aura 51

The Aura 51 Smart Electric isn’t just another catamaran. It’s an embodiment of innovation. Fountaine Pajot has furnished this model with state-of-the-art electric motors and a smart energy management system. Born from the collective genius of over 60 technicians, engineers, and electrical connoisseurs, the mission was clear — devise a zero-emissions propulsion energy system specifically crafted for the yachting realm. With the support of two potent lithium technology battery banks, the Aura 51 offers hours of motor cruising and up to a week of anchored relaxation, all sans emissions.


Looking Ahead: More Electric Ventures on the Horizon

The synergy between Dream Yacht Worldwide and Fountaine Pajot promises an electrifying future. By spring 2024, the Dream Yacht fleet anticipates welcoming over 22 electric yachts, encompassing 10 sailing catamarans and an additional 12 sailing yachts from the esteemed Dufour, a pivotal member of the Fountaine Pajot Group.


For those eager to sail into a greener future, dive into www.dreamyachtcharter.com.

Barbuda’s Resilience: Top 10 Attractions Six Years Post-Hurricane Irma

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Back in the spring of 2017 I was fortunate to sail to the rarely visited island of Barbuda. Sadly, a few months later the island was hammered so hard by Hurricane Irma that every resident was evacuated to its sister island of Antigua. This was the first time in hundreds of years that the island was uninhabited. As we approach the six year anniversary of their hardship I want to focus this month’s Top 10 on Barbuda to celebrate the strides the locals have made in their recovery.

10. George Jeffery – Mr. George was my contact on the island and helped in every way possible. When we needed a water taxi across the lagoon from the anchorage off 11 Mile Beach to the town of Codrington, he was there. Frigate bird colony tour, check. A guide to the sinkhole, yep. Just general information, again he was the man. He can be reached at phone # 268-788-7067 or on the VHF with Garden of Eden call sign. 

9. Codrington – This is the only settlement on the island and it sits on the lagoon instead of the ocean, making it impossible to get to it with the big boats. This is why a water taxi across the lagoon is needed. The cool thing about Barbuda is that the entire island is communally owned and has been since the day of emancipation. There is an elected council that everyone must get approval from before doing any improvements on the island, which in turn helps keep the island from being over developed.

Me On Beach
Me On Beach

8. 11 Mile Beach – As the name implies this beach goes on forever and it is absolutely gorgeous. When I was anchored off of it there might have been four boats all along the entire 11-mile stretch. The one caveat is not to be here if the north swell is rolling!

Biking With Goats
Biking With Goats

7. Bike Riding – There are several dirt roads around this flat island and a bike is the best way to explore the various sites. Besides a couple cars passing you, the only thing you have to worry about is the herds of goats getting in your way. 🙂

6. Highland House Ruin – From 1685 until the local slaves were emancipated in 1834, the entire island was owned by the Codrington family and used as a hunting retreat, to grow food for plantations on Antigua, and to sell slaves. Their great house is now the Highland House Ruins and it is worth poking around the foundations of the various buildings in this compound.

Gravenors Bay
Gravenors Bay

5. Gravenors Bay – Another beautiful bay on the southern coast due to the coral and reefs. This is a great bay to weave your boat in behind some patch reefs and find even more seclusion. The bay is protected from the north swell and wind from the southeast and north. If you want to take the dinghy a mile or so further south there is a large reef to explore. Otherwise hop ashore and walk the trails among the scrub bush and wild sage.

4. The Highlands – A few paragraphs ago I said Barbuda is flat and that is true…except for the Highland, which is a large oval area that is jutted up around 115 feet. From a distance I simply found the geology and topography very interesting. On top it is as flat as the rest of the island and home to the next two entries.

3. Two Foot Bay Caves – A couple miles along the road heading east from Codrington you will come to Two Foot Bay. The beach is nice, but wild. Due to it being on the windward side of the island, my favorite part of this area is the caves. There is one cave called the Indian Cave that has a sand bottom, holes in the ceiling for light, and some cool rock formations. One of the formations looks like a giant skull you can enter. Another cave is a bit higher up the cliff forming the Highland and provides a great view out to sea. My favorite of the caves is an angled shaft that takes you from the beach up to the top of the Highland. Incredible!

Cave - To The Sea
Cave – To The Sea

2. Darby Sinkhole – The Highlands is a hot and scrub brush filled arid plateau, but in the middle is a sinkhole filled with palm trees. There is no way you are going to find this gem without a local guide, but it is worth it for the view across the hole. Going down into the sinkhole is otherworldly and feels as if you are entering The Lost World. All around the rim is a 60+ foot cliff protecting this oasis.

Darby Sink Hole
Darby Sink Hole

1. Frigate Bird Colony – When you add the largest frigate bird colony in the Caribbean with a remote island you get a must-see location. It is against the rules to go without a local guide, so we had Mr. George take us to the far end of the lagoon to see these amazing birds. He informed us of several facts. First, the males have a large football size red sack under their throats they use to court mates. Second, the young males and females are indistinguishable until their second year when the males’ heads change from white to black. Third, they cannot land on the water, so they usually steal fish from other species of birds.

Frigate Birds - Red Male
Frigate Birds – Red Male

Captain Shane & Lily are currently in the Western Caribbean checking out the north coast of Panama from the canal to historic forts to the San Blas Islands. Join the adventure at svGuidingLight on the web or social media!

The Worst Part of Best-of Lists

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“Where’s the best place you’ve ever sailed to?” is a frequent question that we circumnavigators get—especially during our fourth circ. The problem is that the question itself is too broad. 

Let’s narrow it down so the answer has some merit. 

My favorite ocean is the Indian because, one, it has lots of wind (the Tradewinds reached gale-force every afternoon of our 3,000-mile passage between Cocos Keeling and Reunion). And, two, because it has so few people. 

Most circumnavigators love the Pacific, dig New Zealand, and have a blast with the decadence and moral vacuum of Thailand—but then storms and pirates? No, thanks!

I, of course, like storms. If not for storms, all the rummies lying about the bars of Florida, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean would be out there floundering in deep ocean—instead of diligently working on their cirrhosis psychosis. Storm management is dead simple—and if you can’t figure it out, you’re dead. 

Ocean storms are what separate the real men and their sturdy craft from the boys and their plastic toys. 

I know one billionaire with two huge satellite domes on his mizzen who frantically pushes away the approaching storms on his computer screen with his cursor! Is that crazy or crazy? Instead, I tell myself the truth, I love the sailing life and have for the last 63 years of living aboard and ocean sailing. And, since storms are an integral part of my lifestyle, I love storms too. 

Dayak Chief. Image courtesy of Wikipedia
Dayak Chief. Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Few people have seen a mature full gale from the deck of a small boat—and very very very few for a second time. That’s why we circumnavigators have that demented gleam in our eye—who wouldn’t have after witnessing so much massive power so indifferently applied? 

The Pacific, however, contains my favorite people—the sensuous Polynesians. Both the men and the women are utterly beautiful. In their laidback culture, children are sort of demigods. Yes, Poly kids have genetic parents—not to teach them so much as act as support crew. The kids, being half gods, get to pick and choose their everyday parents and the most respected adults in the village live in a hut with the most children. 

After all, if the gods like it there—that’s a pretty powerful review, right? 

Now Polynesian houses are one room, open-air affairs—and children are cherished. And, rightly so, the adults aren’t ashamed that they reproduce—especially while surrounded by the lovely, joyous results of their sexual labors. Thus, the children see their parents have sex almost daily. 

So, a playground in Polynesian has kids pretending to be Spiderman, pretending to drive a car, pretending to shoot a gun—and, just as naturally, pretending to have sex. 

Yes, it is a bit of a shock to repressed, guilt-ridden Westerners with puritanically trained eyes.

The most beautiful island/harbor in the world is Fatu Hiva in the Marquesas. My favorite anchorage is the Bay of Penises where boiling and cooling lava re-erupting caused giant, slightly-curved phallic-shaped rock columns to jut up from the harbor bottom. Some are so large that they have exclusive resorts on them. Amazing! (Hint: the people of Fatu Hiva are friendly if you don’t mess with their graves like young Thor Heyerdahl did.)

My favorite gravesite is nearby on Hiva Oa. I shoved a note between the crumbling rocks covering Paul Gaugin—reassuring him that the names of the religious fanatics persecuting him were now long forgotten, while he and his art will live forever. (His erotic carving on the walls of his hut are still faintly visible.)

New Zealand is one of the three places where I’d consider living that speaks English—Singapore and St. John USVI being the other two. 

Certainly, in terms of engineering marvels, the Panama Canal takes the cake. Yes, a thirsty Paul Gaugin commanded a shovel here for a few months. At one point the malaria was so bad that no matter how many folks they hired to bury the mountains of dead—they’d die too. 

Dayak bones or skull in religious Sky House. Image courtesy of Wikipedia
Dayak bones or skull in religious Sky House. Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Madagascar is stranger than strange. Even the Baobab trees look like tormented souls screaming at the heavens. The residents talk to their dead all the time—and various relatives follow them around whenever they leave their hut. Yes, the dead are, like big in Madagascar. 

For example, a family came down and asked us if we could give them a cassette tape. I said, “Sure! What kind of music do you like?” They seemed puzzled. They didn’t have a cassette player and weren’t going to listen to it—they were going to use the tape for decoration. 

Oh, and did we have any old tooth brushes we didn’t need? 

Huh? 

In a few days, because of a flat tire on the eldest son’s bike, they were having a family reunion. Did we want to come?

Flat tire? Yes, one son had had a flat tire and this younger brother had broken the strap on his flip-flops—so, of course, something must be done to stop the bad luck, right?

The family party was almost exactly like a Fourth of July party in the US. Only after the BBQ, they dug up all their dead relatives from behind their house, cleaned the mud off the bones with tooth brushes, and, finally, tied the unspooled cassette tapes in bows to decorate the bones in a very festive manner—well, to their eye, anyway. 

In a different nearby village, we found all mud huts—with one guy building a cement block structure. I was impressed and started helping him and lending him tools. 

“This is going to be a great place for you and your family to live,” I said one day. 

He looked at me like I was nuts. “Are you crazy?” he asked me. “This isn’t my house! I’m only going to be alive for another ten years at most. This is my grave, Fatty. I’m going be in here forever. Of course, I want it nice!”

That makes sense… I guess. 

Our favorite headhunters are the Dayaks of Borneo. The village that we anchored off had nine heads. The village across the way had (sadly) only three. Headhunting is now illegal, of course, but it is amazing how imaginative the city fathers are at dreaming up various reasons why so many local corpses lack anything above the shoulders. “Oh, he must have stupidly stood up while zooming under a bridge,” applies to almost every dead, headless fisherman they find floating. 

Here’s how, FYI, to shrink a head. Carefully cut it away from the skull with a sharpened seashell, then sew the eyes and mouth closed. Next heat up some smooth rocks and coarse sand—not too hot, but hot enough—and pour in through the neck. Then immediately begin turning the head over in your hands—never stopping or the stationary heat will deform the facial features. Repeat many times over the course of the week or two. 

Dayak village—note the long houses on stilts. Image courtesy of Wikipedia
Dayak village—note the long houses on stilts. Image courtesy of Wikipedia

The three keys—low heat, constant turning, and different-sized grains of sand. 

The result is a perfect miniature face—with what appears to be artist’s paint brushes sticking out the nose. (Nostril hair doesn’t shrink, only the skin.)

Damn, you can’t say circumnavigating isn’t educational!

These head hunters were totally shocked that I wasn’t impressed with their hunting skills. 

“That’s because you don’t understand the rules,” the chief of the village told me. 

Huh? There are rules for headhunting?

Of course!

1. You can’t headhunt a crazy person. 

2. You can’t headhunt a pregnant lady. 

3. You can’t headhunt a sleeping person—however, you can
    gather around him with machetes, wake him up, and once
    he confirms that he’s awake, CHOP OFF HIS HEAD!

“Oh,” I said contritely, “that does sound quite reasonable!” (Hint: never piss off a dozen cannibal warriors in the middle of a jungle in Borneo!)

Papua New Guinea is almost as cool. If a stranger kills your father, you have a year to stage his funeral and then another year to kill a random member of the tribe that killed your father. (Don’t believe me? Just ask that dead Rockefeller boy—oh, wait, you can’t!)

Southeast Asia is currently my favorite cruising ground. It’s deserted, totally safe, and they have a reverence for the elderly. Everyone calls me uncle in respect—often touching their heart as they do so. 

I currently live in a city of six million people called Singapore where I don’t lock my moored boat, my dinghy, or my expensive and computer-laden bike. Lunch costs $2.50 here and the food courts are bustling. Finding a communal table with an open seat isn’t easy. If you do find one, ladies leave their purse or gentleman their iPhones—before wandering through the crowd for five to ten minutes to find their food. 

The last thing which might have been stolen at the Changi Sailing Club was in the early fifties—but was more likely the cockpit cushion being blown overboard in a squall, not stolen. (Nothing else has ‘gone missing’ in the ensuring 70 years or so.)

Of course, I dearly love St. Barth’s and Bequia too. And my finest carnival experience took place in Trinidad nearly 40 years ago. San Blas is out of this world as is the Galapagos. It’s impossible to exaggerate the tranquility of the Greek isles. Suakin, Sudan, in the Red Sea is like cruising aboard a time-machine. You can’t take a photograph that doesn’t look like it was taken in Biblical times.  

Africa, of course, has a powerful allure—it is, after all, all our ancestral home. 

St. Helena is amazing. Where else can you grab the guy from the French Embassy and end up bouncing on Napoleon’s death bed as he watches in abhorrence? (The bed is about four feet short!)

Sadly, I’ve never anchored off Pitcairn—which is something I look forward to during circ #5. 

Actually, what is always my favorite port? The next one I’m sailing to—be it Pitcairn or Fiddler’s Green. 

Editor’s note: this week Fatty gave an SRO $100/seat lecture in Bukit Batok to solicit charitable donations for the Singapore Sailability program, a program that allows wheelchair-bound sailors to sail/race together each weekend in the waters off Pulau Ubin.

8th Annual Pink Sunset Sail Raises Over $5,500 for Breast Cancer Awareness in St. Maarten

Aqua Mania Adventures Raises Funds for Breast Cancer Awareness

October 4, 2023 – Simpson Bay, St. Maarten – Aqua Mania Adventures proudly hosted the 8th annual Pink Sunset Sail on September 30th, 2023, marking the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness month. With over 150 attendees, the event aimed to raise funds and awareness for local foundations.

Achievements of the Pink Sunset Sail

This year, the sail collected $5,527 from ticket sales and a raffle. The proceeds will benefit the Elektralyets and Positive Foundations, organizations that champion breast cancer awareness and early detection in St. Maarten.

Event Highlights and Contributions

150 participants sailed on Aqua Mania’s catamaran, Tango, and Out Island Charter’s Eagle IV. They journeyed on a coastal sail, enjoying raffles with prizes donated by local businesses.

Michele Korteweg, from Aqua Mania Adventures, praised the support and enthusiasm seen at the event, emphasizing local business contributions and the educational potential of the Pink Sunset Sail.

Celebrations and Sponsorships

The Pink Mixer preceded the sail, offering guests drinks and hors d’oeuvres, courtesy of Domino’s, ILTT, Captain D, and La Patrona. Awards were given for the Best Dressed, recognizing creativity in attendees’ outfits.

Korteweg expressed gratitude for the raffle’s success, crediting the immense support of the local community and businesses.

Breast Cancer Awareness Initiatives in October

Throughout October, collaborations between the Positive and Elektralyets Foundation, St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC), and other partners will offer free screenings and mammograms, workshops, presentations, and educational resources. The Foundations are also relaunching a screening program for women, aiming to identify early-stage breast abnormalities.

Elektralyets Foundation President, Mercedes” Elektra “van der Waals-Wyatt, highlighted the importance of community engagement and education.

Shelly Alphonso, President of the Positive Foundation, emphasized the vital role of community businesses in supporting breast cancer awareness.

Looking Forward

The 9th Pink Sunset Sail is slated for Saturday, October 5th, 2024, hosted by Aqua Mania Adventures. For more information on their year-round sails and trips, please visit www.stmaarten-activities.com.

The Positive and Elektralyets Foundations have a history of promoting breast cancer awareness since 1998. For more details about their October events, visit www.positivefoundationsxm.com.

Remembering Frances David: A Pillar in the Charter Yacht Industry

The charter yacht community mourns the loss of one of its stalwarts, Frances David, who passed away on the morning of September 26, 2023. Despite her health setback from a stroke in 2018, Frances’s presence was always impactful. With her classic English wit, she’d throw remarks like “And your point is?” and then flash a reassuring smile, reminding all of her unwavering spirit.

Born in Surrey, Southern England, in 1950, Frances’s passion initially revolved around horses. She is survived by her brother, John Dyer. Upon her arrival in the BVI in 1981, Frances embarked on a journey that would cement her legacy in the Caribbean yacht industry. Initially working as a secretary at Island Gases, Frances soon recognized the need for a ‘Girl Friday’ secretarial service in Road Town, Tortola. This venture was the stepping stone to her establishing Caribbean Connections in 1985, a charter yacht clearinghouse that became an integral part of the flourishing charter industry.

Frances’s contributions to the Charter Yacht Brokers Association (CYBA) were invaluable. She played a pivotal role in setting guidelines for trustworthy charters. Besides her contributions to the charter industry, Frances was also recognized in other spheres. She was among the first trio of women inducted into the Rotary Club of the BVI, eventually rising to its presidency. Her leadership was also evident during her tenure as the Fund Raising Chairman for VISAR and her stint as the president from 1990-1991. Frances’s expertise was further sought as a board member of the BVI Hotel and Commerce Association.

Following the evolution of Caribbean Connections into CharterPort BVI in 2003, Frances’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to inaugurate Shoreside Services. This venture catered to Superyachts across the VI, Windward, and Leeward islands. Frances’s passion for yachting took her to global boat shows from Monaco to the Mediterranean, ensuring she was always in touch with the pulse of the industry.

In her professional journey, Frances lived her dream – one filled with travels, luxury yachts, and gourmet experiences. Her absence leaves a void in the yacht charter community, but her legacy remains undiminished. Frances David will forever sail in our memories, leaving behind a wake of inspiration and cherished memories.

Sailing Through Life: The Story of Robin Pinfold – An Energetic Octogenarian & His Adventurous Journey

Robin Pinfold is an energetic octogenarian who walks half marathons in the noon day sun. He is a nimble ole sailor who loves to sail, cook and be a part of his grandchildren’s colorful island life. He always has a story to share with us all, so I felt it was time to share his story with you.

I met Robin and his family when I was running Soper’s Hole Marina in West End Tortola, in 1989. His children Thomas and Tasha were very small and running around the marina all the time while daddy was daysailing KURALU the family home and day sailing business there. One day I heard a howl and little Thomas had managed to ride his bicycle off the quay into the warm clear waters of. the marina. He was not happy but that is another story.

Robin was born in Arbroath, Scotland, near Montrose on the east coast of Scotland. His father was a flying instructor for the RAF, so when his parents were abroad Robin went to boarding school, sailing was not an option at this time of his life.

It is rumored however, that his first dip in the sea as a small tyke was in the cold clear waters of Bude, near Cornwall.  

Years later he went to Ibiza where his illustrious sailing career began. Once as mate on a motor sailor in the Bay of Biscay, his captain saw the barometer plummeting and calmly said ‘prepare to meet your maker’. Shortly thereafter Robin, who was off watch, awakened to a huge crash as the boat took a knock down which blew out the windows in the main salon, flooding the cabin. Using his adrenaline he tore the salon table from the cabin sole and used a Spanish windlass to lash it over the gaping holes to the keel stepped mast nearby. His quick thinking and actions earned him the respect of the captain and as I am told he was amply rewarded for his efforts.   

Later, while a mate on a small daysailer in Ibiza, he happened upon ELELE at the dock there in 1981. The previous owner bought the boat to offer guests an ‘experience of a lifetime’ but soon lost interest and like so many vessels of distinction it languished at the dock. ELELE was built in 1901 and was a Whitstable Oyster Smack. She was a gaff rigged cutter, thirty nine foot on deck but fifty eight foot overall as the main boom overhung the stern by a yard and the pine bowsprit was an impressive nineteen foot over the bow. She was a versatile craft which Robin sailed for years.

While in Ibiza Robin met his future wife Caroline who became a master varnisher and an accomplished mate and partner.  Over time, they met a Dutchman named Harm who owned a double ended schooner named GASTEN which resembled Noah’s Arc and they decided to cross the pond and sail to the Caribbean in 1983. Fond memories of rum, freshly baked bread and other pungent aromas from GASTEN still linger. Once in Antigua many of Robin’s mates decided to remain there, however Harm and Robin decided to sail on and ventured North to the Leeward Islands.

As years went by Robin sold ELELE and returned to Europe where he made the transition to faster and more modern watercraft. In fact when he entered the first ARC race with two hundred and fifteen boats at the start line, Robin was in a fleet of seven, thirty seven foot Snowgoose Prout catamarans, where Robin finished first in his class.

When Robin returned to the Leeward’s with his family in 1987 he was aboard Kuralu a larger Quasar forty nine foot Prout Cat, which was his new family’s home and business as a daysailer operating out of Soper’s Hole In West End, Tortola. He would prepare fresh quiches aboard while the guests snorkeled and made sure they were well cared for. In fact I’m told he received a five thousand dollar tip from a wealthy Venezuelan which has to be some sort of record in the daysail business.

That being said, Robin is worth every penny as he continues to surprise us all with his wit, humorous acumen, and colorful past and future here in the BVI. 

Vintage Voyage: The Return of Brigantine Florette to the Caribbean

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The Grand Return

She’s back! Florette, the 131-foot brigantine launched in 1921 by Italy’s famous Picchiotti Shipyard and one of the last wooden windjammers that still sails actively, will return to the Caribbean this winter. She’ll arrive in Barbados in December and offer one-week and multi-week charters for up to 22 guests in her 11 cabins while sailing between the islands of St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and Martinique until May 2024. The cost per berth or cabin is less than typical skippered charters where guests hire the whole boat, making this chance to blast into the past an affordable opportunity.

Setting Sail to the Caribbean

Florette has sailed the Caribbean before and was stuck there during COVID but has not been back since. Unlike other charter vessels, she does not go to the Caribbean every winter. The family who owns and lives on the Florette want guests to experience different locations with them, so that is why they are now planning new adventures and destinations for 2024/25,” says Jo Downie, managing director for VentureSail Holidays who works with Florette.

The War-Time Chronicles

Florette boasts a fascinating history. One particularly interesting chapter is her time spent as a Q/guard ship for the Italian Navy during World War II where she took part in the battle of Taranto. In September of 1943, she was stopped by the Germans who ordered her captain to return to the Port of Livorno where she would be loaded with ammunition for transport. Rather than help the enemy, the captain scuttled her the evening before during an air raid. Her masts were still showing in the fall of 1944 when the American military raised and restored her. In 2007, Ron Haynes Jr and his wife Nicole formed Historical Tall Ship Sailing Ltd and conducted a major rebuild. Today, Florette is home for the Haynes family, which includes two daughters they ‘ship school’ onboard, as they sail around the world with charter guests. www.svflorette.com