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.











Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Our Dutch Friends!!!

As you know from some of our first blogs that the “Dutchmen” – Ben and Nannie are our favorite sailors that we meet first in Belize, then again in Guatemala and had planned on meeting them in the Caribbean someplace … planned yes – but really could not predict exactly where because they had guests , we also – the weather played a huge factor in our decision making and of course fate ….

The internet is helpful as we have been able to keep in touch …. but we missed each other by a day in the Tobago Cays, were in different bays at Union Island on the same day and then we received an email from Ben … “Do NOT leave Bonaire! *** ** just wait!  We will be there! Slow down!!!"

We arrived last week to Bonaire  so ...... Dale and I watched/waited for a couple of days hoping that they would arrive sooner than later – that is when we decided to take the road trip (“a watched pot never boils!”) …. Of course while we were having our "Jive Dive" lunch they sailed into the marine park (making it in four days/nights from Martinque …. they wanted to make sure that we got to see each other .... before we headed home)

Only 5 boat moorings away …. What a great reunion ....  much laughing and “sailor talk” – we so enjoy them!

Ben is so generous with his time and knowledge –  already has spent two days on board Companion helping and teaching Dale how to change the oil, filters, engine tuning, battery charging, tightening the shrouds, lubricating the winches and more – everything Dale needs to do before we have the boat hauled out and ready for the next sailing season.

Now Nannie and I on the other hand – had a wonderful day – no real work for us … she showed me the good snorkeling areas, “girl talk” in the shade on their Catamaran  - her English is really very good and fun for me when she says … “In English … how do you say it?” –  a good game of charades!!  She is a real character!
Dinner on board Companion

They are on their seventh year of sailing (from Holland) – heading thru the Panama Canal in the fall, over to Hawaii and then up to Alaska, Canada and down to Seattle for an extended stay in 2012 – lucky for us that they will be in our "neighborhood!"  Nannie wants to see the "wild west" - "just like in the movies!"   Another adventures begins!!
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