Just back from a week coaching a new owner of the latest Lagoon 52. Link to Lagoon's presentation of the boat Since seeing them enter the BVI scene a few months ago I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical about the new approach that Lagoon were taking with the location and proportions of this catamaran's rig. It seemed … [Read more...]
A Sail to King Kong’s Island…and Beyond
Just back from a whirlwind 6 day/6 island passage training course on a chartered catamaran with a client interested in extending his cruising range by sailing longer legs across international borders in more challenging, open water conditions. Day One: Starting in St. Martin, French West Indies, we headed 40 odd miles south in 15-20kts of true … [Read more...]
To Catch a Fish
As I was preparing to help deliver a brand new Passport 545 from Hampton, VA to the BVI, the proud owner emailed the crew to to let us know that one of our fellow crewmates, Geoff Mason, had ‘guaranteed’ that he’d catch us a large dolphin fish (aka Dorado or Mahi-Mahi) during our 1400 mile passage south. "Great!” I thought. You see, although … [Read more...]
“Up to Eleven”
In the mockumentary movie, 'This is Spinal Tap', the guitarist character Nigel Tufnel shows off an amplifier where the volume control, instead of going from zero to ten, "...goes to eleven". Watch the one minute clip here. The popularity of the film caused the saying to subsequently be used when something is being taken to its maximum … [Read more...]
Prettiest Girl at the Ball
Like magnificent wild animals visiting ancestral watering holes on ancient migration routes, during this time of the year some of the most beautiful yachts in the world grace the waters of the BVI on their annual cruises through the world's best sailing locations. Yesterday afternoon, while anchored off the picture perfect speck of a BVI island … [Read more...]
Dolphins Ahoy!
Spotted by new sailors on their first bareboat learning experience in December 2014. I hope that they'll be hooked on sailing after this! … [Read more...]