Reflections

The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection.

Thomas Paine

SeaSea motored into St. Thomas for the first time just a bit over 1 year ago , propelled by a pair of 50 horsepower Volvo Penta diesels quietly humming away . Her sails had yet to be rigged, but it was with great anticipation that she arrived. Reflecting back I honestly can’t say what turned the farfetched idea of owning a boat in the Islands , 1600 miles away, into a reality . We had not done any serious boating in a long time , our 18 foot Wahoo had been sitting on a trailer at my brothers house for nearly 7 years. Sure there are the little steps that occurred in the years prior to our purchase, trips to the islands and day charters were great fun but most people who enjoy their island vacations don’t make such commitments.

Back in 2019 something compelled me to research cruising catamarans . At first it was just a casual “look see” that I would do intermittently when the urge would strike. Eventually I was spending hours scouring the internet , reading everything I could find, addicted to the idea. The Atlantic Cruising Yachts website had a lot of useful catamaran information and their Annapolis branch is practically in my backyard. I really liked the lines of the boats they offer and I had learned to sail only 3 blocks from their docks. It seemed the stars were lining up. An Email and a few phone calls later and we were meeting Captain James Fachtmann , one of their Florida associates and a Southwest airline pilot , at BWI airport. We were on our way to Annapolis for a private tour of 2 Fountaine Pajot catamarans . James has since left Atlantic cruising Yachts to start is own business selling giant yachts and ships. The guy is an over achiever.

After many meetings with a multitude of super supportive people at Atlantic Cruising Yachts ( Lauren should get a raise) all systems were go and a plan was in place to start a new charter business. SeaSea arrived and her maiden voyage was a tremendous success. But then, screech , bang the world came to an abrupt halt. No-one had predicted anything quite like our current pandemic, understandably bookings were cancelled or postponed. Still we count our blessings, as a few fortunate sailors were able to travel and enjoy the U.S. waters aboard SeaSea. We were not among them. Our plans to return in 2020 were dashed. The bigger dream and its driving force , however, remains intact. Owning a yacht in the islands is something a little special , a little daring , and a lot exciting. We do not want let time pass us by. You can’t get it back. We now have significant skin in the game and are focused on being better sailors and better people. This is living and a very meaningful way to spend time . We are so looking forward to the next leg in our island journey.

The above photograph is of the salt pond in St John USVI, strait ahead is Drunk Bay to the right is Ram head.