2002
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Antigua Update #3
Apr. 16, 2002
Okay, so I didn’t get to go out on the J-boat Valsheda the other day….they were delayed for several hours working various projects and sundry modfications. It is nice to see that ALL boats have a hard time getting it together to leave the dock.;-) So when I was invited to “a quick lunch over at Jolly Harbour” with the fun crew of the beautiful mega-sloop Shamoun that is moored right next to us, I went for it….oops!!
Four hours later and after two long bumpy rides over hill and dale on a sometimes barely noticable road (the return trip in a taxi), I made it back….and missed the Valsheda ride (it was a short one, anyway). Advice: When joining up with “quite mad” English professional crew after their charter guests have departed….be prepared to party and accept the consequences!
Yesterday was my birthday, and a special treat for me was to visit my old 30-square metre, Rumbleseat (now named Diva), that is here for this weekend’s famous “Classic Regatta!!” The old girl still looks good, although I won’t be able to resist nagging the current owner, Dr. Robin Tatersall of Tortola, to look after a few details. If you didn’t already know, Rumbleseat is the boat I won the 1996 singlehanded transpac race to Hawaii.
Last evening the “end of charter season” blowout continued aboard the fantasically plush Shamoun (clue: this boat has a WALK-IN freezer….), including several (extremely bad) versions of “Happy Birthday” sung by her crew in honor of yours truly. I was invited to play guitar and sing, which was well received in spite of party clamour. A fun birthday indeed!
But this morning was an even more special experience. I met a very sweet family from France that is finishing up a year of cruising from France to Morocco, across the Atlantic to Venezuela, and then the Caribbean. They are a humble family aboard a small sturdy boat, sailing on a tight budget but thoroughly enjoying the ups and downs of sailing with their children. I gave them a tour of Ocean Planet yesterday, and they were delighted when I asked to visit them on their small boat, which I did today. The experience was so nostalgic for me, since I spent three years cruising with my dad and brothers long ago. I want to say “Merci!” to Fredo (the father), Gertrude (mother and professor), their three beautiful daughters Adele(12), Violette (10), Suzan (5), and brave young skipper Moise (7) for reminding me how much the same all sailors and travelers are no matter what language we speak. Someday I will visit them at their farm in France!
I want to say “Merci!” to Fredo (the father), Gertrude (mother and professor), their three beautiful daughters Adele(12), Violette (10), Suzan (5), and brave young skipper Moise (7) for reminding me how much the same all sailors and travelers are no matter what language we speak. Someday I will visit them at their farm in France!
Being here with the mega-yachts and the display of wealth is fantastic, but the hand painted blue seashell pendant given to me by little Suzan and the fine shells from Moise (both wrapped and labeled Ocean Planet!) were the most memorable birthday presents, indeed.
Today it is back to working on the boat. A big thanks to volunteer Swedish sailor “Bo” who has been helping out! My Dad arrives tonite for his first (long story…) look at Ocean Planet…..
Later,
Bruce