We arrived into Port Stanley, Falkland Islands on Tuesday, January 28. Unfortunately, the bleak weather and 45 mph winds will not permit us to launch our tenders for the ½ mile to shore. The Harbormaster hailed our ship to advise that their port docks were taking on boarding waves and that it would not be prudent to come ashore. We had no choice but to weigh anchor and continue onward, towards the South Shetland Islands and the beginning of the Antarctica peninsula.
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Leg 1: Caribbean & South America
This past winter, Tom and I found ourselves back aboard the m.s. Amsterdam, a 780-ft ship operated by Holland America, for our second Grand Voyage circumnavigation cruise. This years intended itinerary was to be 128 days, following a route around the southern capes of South America and Africa. And while we were to have a few repeat ports of call, we would visit many new places, including Antarctica. What we did not expect, was a pandemic that would bring the entire world to a halt. Including our voyage after 80 days. I hope you’ll enjoy my travel journal for our ‘Half-World’ cruise of 2020… Continue reading “Leg 1: Caribbean & South America”
How we got started
It seems fitting that I begin my blog while here in the British Virgin Islands, as it was here in 1982, where my life in nautical miles really began. Back then, there was a group within our Hobie Cat club that put together a sailing trip to the BVI. It was my first time in blue water, and I was hooked. It was the perfect combination of sailing, snorkeling, island breezes and scenery. You could really say that trip charted a course in my life that would take me places I never imagined. Since then, Tom and I have spent a significant time in the BVI; as visitors, residents and even employees.
Our 1980’s sailing in the BVI was joyful. Tom and I had been bitten by the bug. Hard. We began to scheme how we could live that cruising lifestyle for more than just annual vacation time. We knew that if we didn’t do it before we got ‘old, fat and grumpy’, we’d probably never do it. We loved our careers but decided to take a 4-year sabbatical from our careers to satisfy our itch.
Our planning to make this all happen propelled us to read every article, book or publication of others living aboard. We self-studied and both attained our Captain’s Licenses and took celestial navigation courses. And all the while, we were searching nationwide for The Right Boat. Our long list of seaworthy boat criteria led us to a 38’ Alajuela that we found in Newport, Rhode Island. “Windborne” was a stout cutter rig with a sea kindly gait that became our floating home for four years, during which we sailed her to Venezuela, Trinidad, and all the Eastern Caribbean islands along the way. Click link for complete stories: Living Aboard A Sailboat
Since then, we’ve sailed a wide variety of boats and routes along the way. Many folks have asked us to write about our places, adventures and experiences. And so, I’m now “sticking my toe” into the blogging waters.
Leg 4: The Mediterranean, Northern Europe and UK
After the arid heat of the Middle Eastern deserts, we’ve arrived to cooler temperatures in the Mediterranean Sea, now only in the 60’s. A dramatic change in climate, cultures, food, styles and slightly improved internet! And we have once again returned to legible alphabets. Continue reading “Leg 4: The Mediterranean, Northern Europe and UK”
Leg 3: Indonesia, India, Middle East & Suez Canal
After leaving Australia we turned towards Indonesia, easily one of the most intriguing destinations on earth. But coming into the port of Komodo Island (located between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores, in the eastern part of the Indonesian archipelago) feels like arriving on an entirely different planet. Stepping out onto the deck in the morning, the landscape in front of us stopped us in our tracks and took our breath away. The lush green majestic mountains were stunning. And the early morning mist added to its intrigue.
Continue reading “Leg 3: Indonesia, India, Middle East & Suez Canal”
Leg 2: South Pacific Islands, New Zealand & Australia
After leaving Pitcairn Island in our wake, we sailed to Tahiti, which is the largest island of French Polynesia and home to the capital city of Papeete, where we docked. Papeete is a bustling large city, in contrast to the rest of the island which is fairly underdeveloped. The tropical climate here makes everything grow like its on steroids. Enormous flowers, vines, trees, fruits. Leaves are the size of me! The air is sweet-scented and briny all at the same time. Continue reading “Leg 2: South Pacific Islands, New Zealand & Australia”
Leg 1: Ft. Lauderdale to Pitcairn Island
We hope the first couple months of the New Year are off to a good start for you! This winter, we’re doing something entirely different. But does it still include water, warm weather and travel? Of course! We are aboard the m.s. Amsterdam, a 780-ft ship operated by Holland America, for their Grand Voyage circumnavigation cruise. Around the world in 113 days!
We departed January 22 from Ft. Lauderdale and got our sea legs pretty quick, experiencing gale-force winds of 50+ mph for the first two days as we headed toward South America. Everyone aboard was in good company and spirits as we all staggered around the ship, trying to gain our balance in the pitch. Overall, the ship (and passengers) rode the waves pretty well. Continue reading “Leg 1: Ft. Lauderdale to Pitcairn Island”
Delivery of Schooner "Roseway" from St. Croix to Savannah
Tom and I had the unique opportunity to help deliver the valiant World Ocean School Schooner “Roseway” from St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands to Savannah, Georgia. It was a fulfilling experience! Read all about it in the attached pdf.
https://worldoceanschool.org/get-on-board/about-roseway
Living Aboard A Sailboat
These three chapters describe our life living aboard our 38 ft sailboat for four years. Please pardon that these old logs are in pdf format. They were written on a typewriter in pre-Internet days! Also: Don’t miss the photo gallery that follows below. Some good old pictures there-
Windborne
The mother ship and family car
Nav Station
Galley
Port settee
Starboard Settee
V-berth
V-Berth
Romping Sail
Some days….
Distant Shower
Blue sky, blue ocean
At anchor in Marigot Bay, St. Lucia
Lobster for dinner!
Making way
Provisioning & the family ‘car’
Heading South
Stern
Life in Nautical Miles 