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.











Wednesday, November 30, 2011

San Blas Islads


Two days - two nights …. The sail from Cartagena to the San Blas Islands was uneventful  …. well as far as I am told …  for  me  - I slept most of the time - especially the first day - getting the old sea legs back …. and trying to focus on the tasks that last spring was second nature.  I am sure it will come back to me …. But with all of this great help I am being spoiled.

The weather for the most part did cooperate - why does it seem that in the dark hours; it is when the wind kicks up and causes a little havoc … on this sail … we had a little rain, wind and some pretty awesome star stuff happening.   We shared the night watches - down to just three hours per partners instead of the usual four hour shifts.  Everyone was happy with that arrangement. 

We had a wonderful morning wake up call - at least a dozen dolphins played at our bow - teasing all of us as they ran along the sides - almost like a  game of hide and seek - down they would go and right back up on the bow - “look and find me” … “let’s see who can go faster “ - of course they were the winners!!  Nature at its best!

Playing with the dolphins - they were just showing off !!

Sighting the islands in the distance, Dale can always see them - we headed to what the charts call “BBQ Island”  - motor sailing around and thru this very large reef  (possibly 10 miles long) was a little tricky - with Dale at the helm, Ed near the captain’s station, the kids on the look out for the “shallows”  I could sit back and enjoy the view of this tropical paradise. 

We found our “spot” dropped anchor and couldn’t even begin to register what we were taking in…. little tiny islands - mostly palm /coconut trees - one manicured to a tee - the others filled with “jungle like” shrubbery - white sand beaches ….. and maybe 6 boats in the little bay … all protected by the reef - we could see and hear white crashing waves break over the reef.  What a sailor’s paradise! What we were seeing - was just like the photo on the “Windows Screensaver” - very surreal - extremely breathtaking!

We were welcomed to the San Blas Islands …  the Kuna Indians waving a greeting and sharing their gorgeous smiles with us.  Inviting us to enjoy their islands, take a walk ..in the place they call home.

Our big boys making friends with the little  local guys

Hand carved canoes filled with fishermen - selling their lobster catch for $3 dollars a piece - first night we just had a lobster teaser for happy hour! Speaking of happy hour .... we always enjoy a good time!

Ed and Rose getting ready to share the lobster teaser!

I think I am gonna like hanging out in these islands!



No comments:

Post a Comment