A short history of SV Companion -
In April of 2005, Kim and I signed an agreement to purchase a Leopard Catamaran and place it in the Moorings Charter Program for 5 years.

Buying the last 40' Catamaran built in 2005 by Robinson and Caine of South Africa, the boat was to be chartered in Placencia, Belize. It arrived in Belize in late November, and was used by Moorings Chartering until June of 2010. During that time, we were able to sail our boat many times, and have a few charters in other parts of the world; LaPaz Mexico, Abaco Bahama, British Virgin Islands, Nice France, Gocek Turkey (Turquoise Coast).

Max , our nephew and his dad, Mike will be joining, Kim and I for part of the voyage. We are also looking forward to meeting family and friends along the way.

Our blog is intended to share our journey, memories and information to sailors.

Enjoy, Dale & Kim

PS: 10 years after the start of our voyage, we are living in LaConner with SV Companion and the adventure continues.











Sunday, January 30, 2011

Antigua Week

After our good night’s rest and boy did we need it.  We - I guess I mean “the boys” gave Companion a good washing – it is amazing how much salt collects on the stainless and fiberglass – we could have a huge mound of it by now! Especially after the sail that we endured … Dale and I did the housekeeping  - we wanted the boat to "shine” for Danylle, then we all enjoyed a much needed afternoon’s nap – it really wears a person down missing a night sleep!  After a couple of quarts of Gatorade, Andy perked up!

Danylle arrived Saturday afternoon right on time – we were all happy to see her… she was ready for a “vacation” – we got off of the dock and motored over to a mooring ball – much better breeze and the “rocking” is very therapeutic.  Jolly Harbor Marina houses a lot of really cool sailboats so we had fun “people watching”. 
Danylle and Andy

Sunday was once again proof, that the world is small …. After reconnecting with my friend on Facebook (and the first employee of the flower shop) – Dawn Van Lannen  - her husband Paul and son Trevor met us at the marina – off we went for a little sail, snorkeled a sunken ship, picnic lunch on Companion and back to harbor to watch the “Bears/Packers game – (you can see they are all decked out in their  “Packer Gear”!)  You know, even not after talking for probably 18 years and life takes its own course - it was just like we had been together yesterday … we had a ball!! And of course we haven’t aged a bit!!!! 


Monday morning we geared up and sailed into the Falmouth Harbor – where the real mega yachts hang out – oh my goodness – you should have seen them – we were moored across the channel from the Maltese Falcon – the most amazing vessel – 3 automatic masts, 88 meters long, and  one of the most expensive sailboats ever built.  The 3 guys jaws dropped to their knees when they saw her  – they enjoyed speculating the costs, upkeep, crew, etc for this beast of a boat …..hard to even imagine. Andy got on the internet and got all the “skinny” for the Maltese Falcon, after he and Zeph weaseled their way on to the secured mega yacht dock…only they could have done that!  Danylle is catching up on her sleep and is now nice and relaxed - put her behind the helm and she is one happy girl!

The Maltese Falcon


Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbor is a wonderful historic shipyard with a great walking tour, explored that and enjoyed a great happy hour….  next morning tried to sail east but the waves were taking a toll on Companion and crew – so back towards the beach outside of Jolly Harbor – good supper and a nice sunset.  Thursday to Jumpy Bay at Long Island – oh my gosh – you should see that beach – gorgeous – the guys snorkeled to the reef … we should really call them “the great conch hunters” … dove to the sea floor for enough conch for an amazing appetizer – butter lemon sauce sautéed to perfection! (Using Dale’s secret pre-soak – vinegar).  Danylle and Andy brought us “sushi” tools and a recipe book – so with Zeph’s instruction we had a delightful evening of being “foodies!”  Really fun and entertaining!! 

The Great Conch Hunters
Conch Surgery!!

Leaving Jumpy Bay the guys and Danylle hoisted the main halyard – we enjoyed a leisurely sail to Deep Bay – a perfect little lagoon where a sunken ship rests in about 20 feet of water – great home for fish…. the water was perfect – not to cold …. we got there right before lunch – Dale and I strolled the beach – the kids climbed to the highest point – an old fortress and had a photo shoot of their own – back to play in the water – Danylle swam back to the boat and the two guys snorkeled their way ‘home “ – Dale always treats me to a dinghy ride….

Speakin’ of the dinghy – tonight was the night –I drove the dinghy…. after successfully jerking both of us to the floor of the boat in a swift move – completely over-accelerating … yikes – yes, I will learn…..need some practice…ok need a lot of practice!

Now back to Deep Bay – great sunset – just like we planned it for the kids last night on board… homemade pizza with an amazing new crust recipe – and a couple of games of “Oh Hell” …. Andy thinks he is so cool  (because he is) – he was excited to beat not only Dale, me but Danylle, too…. go figure ….

Saturday, lazy sail into the Jolly Harbor – but first the “great conch hunters” got us a couple more for tonight’s supper – we sailed with the jib back to Jolly Harbor –lunch, Dale checked all of out of immigration/customs, showered and had to say “good-bye” to our kids…. gonna miss them.

Just like having Em and Kyle with us – Danylle, Andy and Zeph – it is special treat to be able to share this world with them .. .thanks for making us smile, keep our sense of humor, and enjoy life with us.. . thanks for being who you are!





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