Another Abaco Year

Our first month in Abaco has been busy. First, we had the getting settled period i.e. securing our lines at Boat Harbour Marina, meeting all the new folks on the dock and then there were a few RMHYC responsibilities to involve ourselves. While several folks returned home for the holidays, some had family and friends visit them in Marsh Harbour and everyone seemed to enjoy the Bahamian Holiday Festivals and an occasional Junkanoo. Couples managed to get together with cruising friends Christmas Day to share a ham or turkey with all the trimmings.

Just before Christmas we had an unexpected guest aboard. A young lady had flown into Marsh Harbour to meet her husband who was sailing from Wilmington, NC to meet her. Unfortunately he was delayed, out in the Atlantic, due to a storm and was several days overdue. When we learned of the circumstances, we welcomed Suzanne to stay aboard Sea Island Girl. She was rather tough for a couple of days but we decided to report their boat as missing to the USCG. As it turned out, the husband was located a short distance from Marsh Harbour and they were safely re-united. If interested, we can email the details or you can read the story in the Lakeside News.

Now that the New Year has arrived, the yacht club activities will be on the rise. We have a chili cook-off and a sock-hop scheduled, and our big annual event is the Commodore’s Ball in February. This year it will be a “black and white” ball and everyone tends to dress in their best resort wear i.e. dress or coat for some, shorts for others.

Carolyn begins her volunteer work at Every Child Counts later this week. She will have a class of seventeen, and has been assigned an aide to assist with her art projects and activities. ECC is a valuable resource here in the Abaco’s and it is supported in total by donations. As for the Captain, he has already had three articles published in the Abaconian, the only local newspaper, and stays busy walking the docks and being the consummate Commodore, politician and problem solver.

We hope to have many more exciting things to report in the near future, so stand-by!

Preparation Begins

It is about time to get back out on the water again, and the summer has given us an opportunity to add a few conveniences to Sea Island Girl and to complete several projects.

During our travel last year we noticed that in high seas, our tv attempted to "waddle" atop the refrigerator despite the clever tie down mechanisms that were installed to hold it in place. So, we opted to install a 20" flat screen unit and fits nicely above the passageway going below. It is out of the way, gives us more room for storage and the HD feature adds to the enjoyment. We have the option of using dockside cable or satellite reception for catching up on the weather, news and watching our favorite programming.

Our in-house decorator has made some wonderful changes to the interior. New area rugs, lamps and pillows. Next year we anticipate updating the upholstery and this years additions will fit in nicely to the overall plan.

The Corian counter-tops were polished up in both the galley and the head as the hard water used in and around marinas tends to leave waterspots. An Atlanta cabinet-maker offered some very helpful suggestions and we are about ready to move back aboard for another trip to the Abacos.

Being the Commodore of the Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club has given us an opportunity to remain in touch with a lot of our cruising friends during the summer months. Everyone seems busy visiting friends and family, but most are looking forward to being back together in the Fall. We have had several RMHYC members staying at Brunswick Landing Marina this summer and others have passed through in route to their home ports, so it has been an enjoyable summer.

Our plans are to depart Brunswick early November 07 , stopping in several of our favorite spots along our southern passage and to await fair weather in Palm Beach, FL for the best time to cross the Gulfstream and make our way to Abaco Beach Resort in Marsh Harbour.

As always we will highlight our cruising activities and encourage emails from our friends and family.

Senior Sock Hop (sic)

To escape from the March winds, two hundred or so members of the Royal Marsh Harbour YC gathered in the tent at Abaco Beach Resort to remember their younger years. Most of us still had some of those "old" clothes lying around while others had to search to find something that looked original. The girls shown here in their Poodle skirts went all out to make the evening a festive one and the decorations made everyone think they were back in Philly and their favorite "malt shop."

Jim Fenn a.k.a. Dick Clark did a great job of handling special requests, and the telephone call in comments as everyone danced to the music of the 50s & 60s. As it turns out "Shout" was a big hit and the evening would not have been complete without a final dance to "Goodnight Sweetheart."

It was another night to remember in Marsh Harbour.

Commodore's Ball 2007

Cruising is not all work and no play...and that was evident at this years Commodore Ball at the Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club. The Club had their annual event at the Abaco Beach Resort to welcome the incoming Commodore. It was a festive evening and everyone seemed to have fun.

Activities included a delicious dinner followed by dancing, well into the evening hours. But a highlight of the evening was a "roast" of the Commodore by some special friends. As it turned out the evenings activities were interrupted for the purpose of an "emergency meeting." The intent of the group was to propose that an interpreter be appointed to help members translate the "southernisms" pronounced by the incoming Commodore. The motion was accepted and a member brandishing a very strong Scottish brogue was appointed interpreter.

The Commodore's Ball is the highlight of the winter cruising season and fun was had by all.

The RMHYC has become the focal point of all social activities for those cruising the Abacos and we currently have more than one thousand members worldwide. Should you have an interest in cruising the Abacos or learning more about the activities of our club, you may wish to refer to our website at RMHYC.com .

Pirates of the Abacos

Yarrr! The pirates came alive in the Abacos when the Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club had their Feb. get together. The afternoon events included a treasure hunt, a costume contest and a most interesting ditty competition. There were approx. 175 members present and it was wonderful to see how many new members participated in the planning, coordination and execution of the evenings activities.
Our friend, shown here, was prepared by Karen and Steve O'Brien aboard "Christmas". The decorations, complete with palm frawns help to set the mood. The evenings activities were concluded with a festive buffet and plenty of grog.
It is truly amazing how everyone got into the mood and participated in each portion of the afternoon's activities. The event promises to become an annual celebration. 

Food For Cruising

If more than four cruisers gather, there's bound to be a pot-luck! It is a fun way to get everyone together and the ladies can usually forget preparing a dinner. This particular event at Boat Harbour was a lot of fun. Our yacht club members staying in Boat Harbour have grown so large that we are now filling multiple docks.
The first dock was Dock 5 and they were so proud that they erected a sign "5th Avenue". Well this party was to celebrate Dock 4's contribution as they erected another sign reading "Rodeo Drive." There were a few remarks like, "where are the cowboys" and "where did you leave the horses" but it was wholesome entertainment for everyone to enjoy. You can tell by looking at the food that none of us go hungry and we try to get together at least once a week.
Our friend Henry aboard "Oh Henry II" brought a karaoke machine and has hosted several get togethers on his dock. We do have some rather talented individuals and everyone enjoys the night air.
The weather has been wonderful thus far (only two cold fronts) and now as we move into the most active month of the winter season we should have much more to report. So stay tune! 

A Break In The Holiday's

Sea Island Girl is resting nicely in Boat Harbour Marina, Marsh Harbour, Abaco. Her Captain is in Atlanta, alone and in a wheelchair!

Stupid I guess, but he fell while climbing aboard the boat following the Royal Marsh Harbour YC Christmas Party. It was one of those "low tide" nights and it seems the fixed docks create all sorts of boarding opportunities. This night had him stepping down onto the coaming, opening the boarding gate, stepping onto a utility ladder and then into the cockpit. Well it was the utility ladder that slipped out from under him!

After a trip to Dr. Binard and the Abaco Family Medical Clinic the following morning it was confirmed the fibula was broken and the recommendation was for him to return to Atlanta for treatment. Two members of the club escorted him to Miami via American Airlines using a wheelchair borrowed from the Abaco Beach Resort. Everyone should try a full body search in a wheelchair going through customs...a real trip. They obsconded his shaving cream and someone suggested he looked like "Captain Dan" from Forrest Gump by the time he got to Atlanta.

Anyway, the prognosis looks good following a visit to the Atlanta orthopedic doctor. Plans are to retake xrays in a week and if all looks good to get him back on Sea Island Girl before Christmas. Will have some pictures later.

It's The Bahama's

December 2 was the magical day when Sea Island Girl made her first trek across the Atlantic to Grand Bahama Island and the Old Bahama Bay Resort. The crossing, though a little bumpy, was enjoyable in the company of Magnum Opus and Jaftica 2 following several days together in Old Port Cove Marina in North Palm Beach, FL.

Our North Pacific 42 performed beautifully as she maintained 9.5kts cutting through the 3-4ft waves. The crew was comfortable during the entire passage and all systems performed as anticipated. After-all she was built for the Pacific Northwest.

Bob Krimm, and the staff at Old Bahama Bay hosted their Croon To The Moon full moon celebration that evening and as usual it was a fun time for all. The resort continues to make improvements each year after suffering from the devastating hurricanes of two years ago.

By carefully planning our exit, we made way the following day for Hawksbill Cay and anchored for the night. Bob and Rita, hosted a fun get together aboard Magnum Opus that evening. While the others departed early the next morning in hopes of making Marsh Harbour, our crew slept in and enjoyed three days in Green Turtle Cay, just north of Whale Cay. New Providence, the township on Green Turtle is always an enjoyable stop and this year we enjoyed friends aboard the vessels Two By Sea, Orient Express and Soleil.

On the 8th we had a brief weather window in the morning that permitted passage around Whale Cay. Rolling beam waves gave us a little excitement during the passage but once we turned toward the Sea of Abaco we had a comfortable three hours down to Boat Harbour Marina, on the southside of Marsh Harbour.

With air horns blowing and a crowd of dock hands standing by, our crew docked Sea Island Girl (stern in we should add) on Dock 4 which will be our base for this years Bahamian season. It sure felt good to be home among our friends and the Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club. And while some are yet to arrive we are anticipating another fun filled time. 

Yes, We've Arrived

Following almost a month of watching the weather forecast and looking out for hurricanes, Sea Island Girl successfully made it to Ft. Lauderdale and was unloaded from the PAC Adara safely. Al Ressa, our friend from Lake Lanier, assisted in the process by accompanying Robert and getting the boat moved safely into the Hollywood Municipal Marina just south of Port Everglades.
A number of projects were planned and completed: bimini and air conditioning. It took a month to line everyone up but things are completed and she looks great!
We have now moved north enjoying a couple of days in Lake Worth, near West Palm and was pleased to know that we could transit most of the 20 bridges without having to stop for a bridge opening. Following a brief stay we moved on to Vero Beach and are enjoying the company of many of our fellow cruisers whom we plan to be with for the annual Thanksgiving get together at the marina.
It has been enjoyable learning the ropes of power boating and managing the waters of the ICW enroute to our current location. We are anticipating a smooth crossing to Abaco before Christmas and will keep you posted and take plenty of pictures. 

Heading Home

Despite all preparations, our 3pm loading of Sea Island Girl was delayed and we had to leave her tied along side the PAC Atara and catch a float plane to Vancouver. She was sitting rather nicely and we were able to manage a few shots from the air as we took off from Victoria Harbour. We left at 7pm and the freighter left about 9pm for her 19 day trip through the Panama Canal to Ft. Lauderdale.
What a wonderful trip! We tried to share some of the highlights but there were so many exciting things to experience, to see and to learn. In summary, this was a grand opportunity to learn the boat, establish some valuable procedures, and to "test" them in a real life situation. The 14ft. tides, the 6kt. currents and charting unknown territory were all a test of our previous experiences and they proved valuable.
Now back in Atlanta we are catching up on our land-lubber chores, trying to refill the cruising kitty and preparing for our Florida departure. Maggie met us at the airport and has not let us out of her sight since the return. We have a few projects planned for our stay in Florida (bimini, a final departure punch list, and transferring our belongings from storage). We are planning on celebrating a traditional Thanksgiving with our cruising friends in Vero Beach after the chores are complete and will then shortly depart for the Abacos.
We have heard from many of our friends from the RMHYC, even spent time with one couple (Bob and Ellie McCreery)in Canada, whom we subsequently "sold" a North Pacific 42 that is currently in production. We know they are excited and were pleased to welcome them aboard.
For those of you that correspond via email, you will want to note that our address has changed to cruiswils@earthlink.net and you will want to change your address book accordingly.
Here's hoping that everyone had a wonderful summer, and will experience good health and abundantly good and safe cruising as the winter approaches. 

The Sun Is Setting

It has been almost six weeks since we arrived in British Columbia. The weather has been absolutely beautiful and it hasn't rained a single day. But like so many things it must come to an end so we are enjoying the last of several days in the Gulf Islands, just north of the US border.
The North Pacific Yachts rendevous was a big success. There were 14 boats represented during the Labor Day gathering in Victoria. It was quiet impressive to see so many "new" boats and the owners of the company was wonderful hosts. From all indications this will become an annual event, and who knows, we may soon have enough NP owners on the East coast to have a get together on our own side of the world. Now that will be exciting.
Yacht Path International, the company responsible for shipping Sea Island Girl to Fort Lauderdale has been in contact via email on a daily basis. The staff has been very helpful and the loading of the boat is the last hurdle for us. The trip through the Panama Canal is expected to take twenty days and we cannot wait to be back on the boat in Florida.
Canadians have been extremely warm and most helpful. They are a fun-loving, outdoor oriented group and certainly enjoy the warmth of the summer months. We will miss them.
The sunset shown was taken near Ganges, on Saltspring Island, just east of Vancouver Island. A beautiful evening for certain. 

Jedediah Island, BC

There's alot of history along the coast of BC. The First Nation tribes maintain indian reservations in many of the areas even today. Fishing is big business as can be witnessed by the traps sprinkled across the Strait of Georgia, or the Malaspina Strait and the mixed heritage seems to all go back to the outdoors.
Jedediah Island is an example. A small island, with several coves and inlets, deep forests and on the eastern shore a former homestead recently donated to the Marine Park Service. Here you will find a few wandering sheep and goats, apple and pear trees full of fruit and trees reminding those hiking along the trails of the Redwood Forests of California. There are no facilities or staff to monitor ones activities, as the people here in British Columbia savor their summer times outtings so much tthat hey never leave a trace .
After saying that, upon close observation, we discovered Clue #5 left by a Nora Jones under the skull as part of a scavenger hunt she was having with some of her friends. As we exited the area after several hours we noticed the Clue had been removed. 

Oooh Canada!

Words cannot describe the majesty and the beauty among the islands of British Columbia. Each inlet and cove seems to have its' own personality, offering something new to explore and experience. The calm and stillness was only enhanced by the clear blue skies, mild temperatures and the absence of humidity.
The mornings tended to become my favorite. With a fresh cup of coffee you can witness seals splashing about, or bald eagles soaring overhead and there was nothing to disturb the calm.
Desolation Sound is a popular destination. A few Americans, mostly Canadians and the boats were of every size, shape and configurations - all were extremely well maintained. Everyone seemed to have a kayak, and a dog; if not, they carried prawn traps, and were well equipped for crabbing or fishing. West Canadians are a healthy lot for sure, and they savor every opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.
Our friends Romer and Susan Shewchuk, now living on Vancouver Island, were our tour guides in and around Desolation Sound. Susan did the trip planning while Romer set the prawn trap, and while anchored at Prideaux Haven we dined on fresh prawns and toured several of the coves by dinghy.
After a few nights we have become more comfortable with deep water anchoring. Thus far we have managed 75 ft. ,without a stern tie, and were pleased we marked the anchor chain ahead of time. Plans are to move on to Vancouver Island and visit Schooner Cove, home of Romer & Sue's yacht club just north of Nanaimo and Nanoose Bay.
Our Victoria shipping date has been delayed a little, but how can anyone complain about that!
Until next time.  

Ship Shape in Vancouver

As is normal, there was work to be done when we arrived in Vancouver. Despite our preparations in Atlanta there was much to be done - spare parts, provisioning and learning the systems aboard Sea Island Girl. We also finalized plans with Jensen signs in N. Vancouver for the graphics and until we read Sea Island Girl on the transom it was just another nice boat.
Granville Island in downtown Vancouver served as our base for the first few days. West Marine was close by, a dock neighbor kindly drove us to Costco and to the government bottle store and there was a variety of stores with access via bus. Trevor Brice, of North Pacific Yachts, provided the Captain with a few docking lessons and following a visit by friends from Atlanta we were prepared to depart to tour the coast of British Columbia.
There were so many options for places to visit. Our first night out we thought we would make it an easy overnight by staying at a public wharf, as tales of anchoring in 75 ft. and stern-tying to a tree along the shore was a little more than we wanted to tackle our first night. Pender Harbour was our choice - a quaint harbour just fifty miles north of Vancouver and nestled among the mountainous and distant snow capped mountains.
Public wharfs are common in the area and are inexpensive alternatives to private marinas. As we learned everything is first come, first serve however, rafting is permitted. That first night Sea Island Girl was rafted to a 45 ft. fishing boat (nets and all). Thankfully, the owner was away and there was not resident fishy smell.
That first evening in Pender was quite enjoyable. A string quartet performed a concert in a local art gallery and the next morning we "toured" the grocery, coffee shops and even found a garage sale to benefit the local 30 bed hospital - they were trying to buy a CAT machine. Carolyn picked up a "typically British" tea pot at the sale and we found several books that had come highly recommended enabling us to learn more about the people and the area.
Our Vancouver visit had been enjoyable, however now that we "cut the lines" and are cruising the coastal waters, we can truly enjoy the splendor of British Columbia and savor the comfort of Sea Island Girl in style. 

Making The Change

As we had suggested in previous posts, the Cruising Wilson's are making the change over to power now that we have taken delivery of our North Pacific 42. She is a fine yacht and comes to us after years of searching the trade magazines, walking the docks and attending boat shows.
Sea Island Girl is her name...and she will be christened as we enjoy the First Annual Rendevous of North Pacific Yachts in Victoria, BC over the Labor Day weekend.
The boat adds a different dimension to our cruising. We will have more room, added conveniences and will not be as subject to the whims of the wind as before. Luxurious throughout, she will cruise easily at 10kts. and keep the crew protected from the elements. In case we miss the wind in our hair, there is a roomy and easily accessed fly bridge atop with plenty of room for the crew and guests.
Carolyn has always wanted to do some fishing, but before we had so much in and around the cockpit it would have been next to impossible to land a fish when and if he caught the hook. The roomy cockpit on the stern will provide a wonderful platform for fishing, getting in and out of the water, and for some of the crew and refreshing spot to take a "hot and cold" water shower before retiring for the evening.
To prep everyone just a little we will be flying out to Vancouver BC for the Rendevous and spend the month of August cruising the coast of British Columbia and then down the coast of Vancouver Island. There are some wonderful harbors, inlets and islands among the Gulf and San Juan Islands as well where we hope to catch some wonderful pictures.
As of this writing it is 59 deg. F in Vancouver, or better stated, thirty degrees cooler than Atlanta so it will be a refreshing time before we load Sea Island Girl aboard a Yacht Path International transport ship for the journey to Ft. Lauderdale, FL. That will take approximately 19 days, which is just enough time to fly back to Atlanta, wash a few clothes and provision for our annual Bahama trip.
So look forward to some wonderful pictures! And don't forget to send us an email every now and then. Until next time. 

Our Bahama Farewell

As it the Sea God's were speaking directly to us, Mother Nature gave us a direct message that suggested we should stay in the Bahama's a bit longer as a major Nor'easter pumped major rain and high winds into the area and then stalled. Two fronts converged (like in The Perfect Storm) and we could not depart for the US. This sounds terrible, but Old Bahama Bay is not a bad place to "have to stay."
Since our earlier visit here in December, the staff has done a marvelous job completing major repairs from last years hurricanes. This trip the restaurants were open serving marvelous food, the fuel prices were comparable to the US and the staff welcomed our return with open arms, a free t-shirt and we were also able to take in the infamous Full Moon Party down on the beach!
We met some wonderful folks during our eight days, many of whom we will certainly remain in contact with. We also had an opportunity to email and receive replies from other cruisers from previous visits to the marina....Zippidee Doo, Lazy Bone, Attitude, Lucky Peek and Tidepool. Memories of the times and places are always fun, but when you can continue to share the times with the people it's even better.
Thanks to everyone at Old Bahama Bay for making certain that our 2006 Cruise to the Bahamas was a tremendous success! 

Its Been Grand

From our vantage point on Man O War Cay it is easy to see why we return year after year, yet we return to be with the Bahamian people who welcome us and entertain us. More importantly they remind us of many of the lessons we learned as children but are commonly forgotten by most in our own country.
We will soon embark on our final sailing venture aboard Gypsy Common as we begin another learning experience aboard our new boat in August. We have been given an opportunity to commemorate this rite of passage in the new
Waterway magazine and we encourage all to purchase a copy and share in the excitement.
Our final sail as we depart the Abacos will be to Great Sail Cay and on to Grand Bahama Island and the port of West End where we will visit for a few days at Old Bahama Bay. This is a lovely spot and you will not want to miss our next update regarding the visit. 

Mad Hatters Tea Party

I've never understoody why, except maybe for her creative aptitude and flair for the novelty of it all, but once again Carolyn won First Prize for her chapeau at the concluding get together for the Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club. While the other entries were clever and more traditionally "british" the umbrellas, wine glass and postie notes adorning the Wilson entry took the cake.
Although a picture is not included here, Dick Stover, Carolyn's cousin Joyce's husband, had joined us from Philadelphia. Dick created his own entry on the theme of "Throw It or Stow It?" His bonnet was covered with an assortment of items found lying around for which he added an ecological theme. It looked great Dick, but no cigar!
This was to be our last night in Marsh Harbour. Dick was flying back to Philly and we were setting sail for Green Turtle Cay and points north to stage for our trip back to the US. It didn't turn out that way as we experienced some minor engine problems that delayed us by one day, but more on that to come. Congrats ladies!!!! You look loverly! 

Ladies Walking Group

Since December, the ladies of the RMHYC have been walking each morning, some more than others, and the results have been rewarding. Many new friendships were created and some lost weight! Anyway, it is almost April and for most the walking sessions are over as members are beginning to head back home.
Peggy O'Neill, of Attitude, provided lobster and the enthusiasm to have one more party for the ladies. Pictured here is just one of the more delectible tables. Everyone had a wonderful time and those extra calories were gathered in preparation of some serious cruising schedules. Thanks Peggy...and ladies!! 

Always The Teacher

Every Child Counts is a program for child with learning or physical disabilities - something the Bahamian schools are not equipped to handle. Lyn Major, a mother from nearby Hopetown, had adopted twin boys when they were 3 yrs. old, only to discover that they had severe learning problems. Not to be outdone, she started ECC shortly thereafter.
The school receives no funding or support from the government and the only financial support that they receive is from a Catholic education fund or private donations. There are 66 students, 4 teachers and a handful of volunteers to provide the only service outside of Nassau.
Carolyn has been volunteering since our arrival in Abaco. Anyone knowing her can attest to her enthusiasm and commitment which the children picked up on right away. Not only did they enjoy the arts & craft projects and stories, but she always managed to sneak in some popcorn, brownies or cookies which many of them seldom enjoy at home.
The school is dealing with a space issue and thanks to the generosity of the community, volunteers and private donations a three room classroom is now being constructed. Donations of teaching materials and funds are always appreciated.