Life is Good
I need to see their passports before I can sign these departure papers,” said the customs officer shaking his head. He glanced at me like I was an idiot and should know these things. I was sitting in front of him with in the British Virgin Islands customs office. “When I called earlier, someone told […]
“I want the full experience……”
A 22-knot wind had shifted to the southeast, coming from behind us. It was dark; the sun having set three hours ago. I was alone in the cockpit, Marco and Matthew were catching up on their rest below deck before their three-hour shift later in the night. The enormous Code Zero sail remained hoisted, propelling […]
Human Traffickers
The gentle wind had S/V Ileana heeled at a comfortable 15 degrees as we sailed to Los Haitises National park across the bay of Samana. In the Dominican Republic, even when the Armada has processed the boat papers upon arrival, it is necessary to get their permission before moving the boat to another place. Shep, […]
The Guatemala Mission
The laparoscopic image on the monitor went black. The image had vanished from the screen. “Can someone fix this?” yelled the surgeon. “I’ve got bleeding. I need to control it! Hurry!” A flurry of activity resulted, with people rushing around and shouting instructions. In a blur of motion, the nurse sprinted to the monitor, the […]
Heading north…to avoid hurricanes…
Preparing for the trip north after a balmy Caribbean winter requires careful planning, considering the drastic change in weather. I use a weather app that forecasts my NYC trip’s duration and gives me a comprehensive weather report along the way, including expected temperatures, precipitation, and wind speeds. The app predicts a 6.13-day journey if I […]
Trying to outrun a storm
The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. A sailor simply adjusts the sails. ….unless there is no wind. We start the engine and drive fast…. especially when we are trying to outpace a storm! Will G. and Will S., both weathered sailors with sun-creased faces and salt-tinged hair, arrived in […]
You must be off the ocean by Monday morning!
The deadline’s Monday morning—you absolutely must be off the ocean by then!” explained Chris Parker, our weather router we depended upon to give us sage advice. “There is a nasty cold front tearing down the eastern seaboard that will create treacherous conditions. The wind battling the current will create destructive standing waves that could crush […]
You and your vessel Ileana are denied entry into the US…..
“You might see a few scattered thunderstorms on Saturday afternoon, maybe accompanied by strong winds and heavy downpours,” said the email from Chris Parker, our weather router. “Just make sure you are off the water by Monday morning; the wind is picking up.” The black storm clouds were racing towards us, their dark, heavy forms […]
The little sailors
Eloise and Charlie are budding sailors. This lady is the boss of the boat Here is a sailing story that involves grandson Charlie and how he helped Grampa Boo win a single handed sailing race when it seemed hopeless…. the wind had died, the forcast was for no wind for the next 2 days and […]
Just ask for Gavin
“Do you think we should give them a hand?” asked Neil. The image of me holding onto the bottom of the mast and tripping on the lifeline sending the mast to the bottom of the Hudson River flashed through my mind. “We’ll leave it to the professionals,” I replied. Scarano Boat works had attached the […]