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.











Monday, March 21, 2011

Hospitality Plus…..Domincia


Wednesday did we ever “veg” out – all three of us just kind of slept on and off all day – enjoying the view from Companion’s “trampoline”  - Roseau, Dominica -  a great spot to chill …. because that evening we were to meet Ophelia …… what a treat!!!

We were picked up right outside the Anchorage Hotel – we anchored off the shore of the hotel – dinghyed over, the docks had a lot to be desired – (I wish I would take pictures of these – they are usually quite entertaining getting on and off of – grace in action!)  and drove about 30 minutes into the hillside of Roseau – talk about lushness …. holy cow – the rainforest times two – bigger than life!!  Flowering vegetation everywhere – driving on the edge of their botanical garden – a spectacular vision.

Ophelia greeted us as if were “old friends” – you know  …. these experiences really make the world small! As offered – a wonderful dinner prepared and shared with us - ginger wine – delicious!!
Visiting and talking about her adventures in the United States with Partners for America, sharing stories about “Vrba” (Mary Kay) –( MK all good ... no worries) and then about her passion and occupation…. singing – what a career …. Ophelia – the Lady of Soul ….   After dinner we enjoyed lovely entertainment – she shared her “30th Anniversary Celebration DVD” with us – Ophelia was singing along – that was the real treat – just a nice, relaxed evening.   You were right MK –  she is one special gal – thanks for sharing your friendship with us!!
Ophelia... the Lady of Soul in Dominica
A delighful evening of friendship

Dale and Kim in harbor outside of Pointe de Bout

One of my joys is ... as most of you know – is having people “over” – well Thursday night the Oboe Musician/ Professor (Jay) and the Coast Guard retiree (Jack) – came over for a spaghetti dinner – great conversation, quite a few laughs, and sharing of cruising information – makes for a good evening. The sunset brought the “green flash” to us – when the sun hits the ocean an optical illusion occurs and you see a quick green flash – pretty amazing. The boys (as we call them now) left from Fort Meyers in December and now our paths should cross often.  They are taking Alborada to Grenada for the hurricane season.  (Chuck has the photo of the evening on his camera – so no pic right now)

Friday morning was a calm day – Chuck sat on the front bow seat for the 12 nautical miles that Dale sailed to Anse Matin –   a little port town in Martinque – we anchored out for the evening and I think we watched one of the most spectacular sunsets that we have seen – a red red sky…  during the afternoon we explored the village – a cute little “European” style shopping area.  A good night’s sleep was excellent for my attitude. 

Today we came into the Pointe du Bout Marina – you should have seen Dale – he is so good – motored into the Marina – did a 180 within the length of the boat, backed into the spot; missing the two boats on either side of us and landed perfectly – whew it is good to be with an experienced sailor!!  Did I tell you …. he did this in front of two “party” catamarans full of people …. that was fun!  
Companion squeezed in

We rested a little bit , washed down the boat and readied her for Danylle, Andy and Father’s arrival this evening.






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