Time has a way of getting away from me, I can't believe that it is March and I haven't written since August! Independence is looking pretty good these days. After our run-in with hurricane Emily and the adventures in Bermuda we were in need of some cosmetic help so it was into the boatyard for the month of November. Lucky for us, son Paul stepped up to the plate and while Pieter and I were off playing in Florida he did the lion's share of the work. He sanded and faired and filled and got the boat ready for an awlgrip job(like getting your car spray-painted). He also replaced the epoxy that was ground off the keel during the hurricane and then we (I helped!) gave the deck a new non-slip coating; it looks good and is much easier to walk on, especially when wet.
While Paul was beavering away we went on a cruise - on a real cruise ship - no driving or navigating required. The food and the cabins were amazing. Everything all our guests have raved about was all true and we are glad that we went. The Jewel of the Seas was our home for a week and we had lots of family along to show us the ropes so we gambled and ate, played silly games and ate, went to the gym so we could eat some more, even the coffee was great, if you have sailed with us you may remember how important that is to me!
It was hard for us to look at the damage wrought by hurricane Wilma, south Florida was recovering quickly but it was wild looking at all the high rises with blown out windows, the Mexicans in Cozumel were hard at work rebuilding and I am sure they are glad for all the visitors that come and spend money, no FEMA there! St. Thomas has been so lucky with hurricane season in recent years but all their damage brought back memories of Hugo and Marilyn, fingers crossed for a quiet year so everyone can recover.
Independence was launched and ready for season by mid December. Friends from our South Pacific cruising days, circa mid '80s, showed up in time for Christmas. They sailed all the way from New Zealand over the course of several years so had lots of stories to tell and it was great to catch up. Our kids played together and explored around places like Bora Bora in their small sailing dinghies, they were pretty young, Hillary 6 and Paul 8 and their boys the same, but they still have good memories of a pretty amazing way to grow up.
My first mate this season is Al Whittemore. He loves to sail, lives on his boat in Red Hook, and is an avid snorkeler and student of our underwater life. His son is mate on another day sail boat here and I might even convince his wife,Irene, to fill in occasionally - St. Thomas has another sailing family! If you are thinking of a day on Independence with your children, Al has had great success getting the kids in to enjoy the water, even snorkeling!
We are doing more half day sails this year, I guess the idea is to get in some shopping and still get to go sailing and snorkeling. The wind has been cooperating and we have had some great sails. The baby pelicans are getting big and very visible over on Congo Cay and the tropical birds are back. We keep our eyes peeled for those elusive humpback whales. We got lucky last year and saw a mother and her baby in Pillsbury Sound off Thatch Cay, so we keep hoping for another encounter.
I hope we can plan a day aboard Independence for you ... Remember, we take only 6 guests onboard, so we can tailor the day to your group. We do have a standard menu but that doesn't mean we can't discuss changing the food to suit your taste or diet, and it is never a problem to get your favorite drink or brand of beer or soda ... as long as it is available on island!
Pieter has a building project that is just getting started at his old boatyard so it looks like Independence will be here and available for summer charters. Cruising is fun but somehow it is hard to be unhappy stuck in this little corner of paradise! Get in touch with me if I can answer any questions you have.
Come on down and let's go sailing! - Pat and Pieter
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