Each cruise experience has been as diverse as the Caribbean
waters and notable islands we've explored, beginning
with the Virgin Islands at the crown of the Caribbean
Sea, down through the Leewards and Windwards to Grenada.
On this occasion, with long-time friends Dennis and
Carol Sanchez and a captain and cook aboard, we set
out from the island of French St. Martin in the twin-hulled
yacht instead of the more common sloop or ketch that
we typically chartered. The catamaran is quickly becoming
the charter guest's first choice, and some of its advantages
become apparent early on. It's fast and loves the wind's
kick, responding to its slightest breath, like a thoroughbred
reacts to the whip. That speed and agility in any type
of sea is appreciated, especially when you're island
hopping and trying to discover as many unique anchorages
as possible in one week's time. With favorable winds
and a following sea, Anguilla, St. Maarten/St. Martin
and St. Barth's are within easy reach.
The cat's also roomier inside and out, with a living room-sized salon and four comfortable cabins that aren't in the cruise liner class, but decidedly more intimate. The interior is air-conditioned a desirable amenity for first-time cruisers but usually not necessary unless you've mistakenly chosen to charter in the Caribbean in the torrid month of August, when the air is as motionless as a predator and the temperatures never fall out of the nineties.
On this early day in May, we began our venture as we had on other occasions with a customary morning swim. In the jade-colored waters of the bay, only yards from the gleaming white yacht, we encountered a green turtle, several rays and throngs of schooling fish in multi-hued colors seemingly unconcerned with our presence. Even our shouts and frantic pointing failed to alarm these unassuming creatures. We reluctantly swam back to the yacht, but our disappointment quickly faded when we were greeted with a lavish breakfast and steaming coffee prepared quite carefully by Nicky Edwards, our talented cook and first mate.
What she created in the Yacht's small galley would draw accolades from any well-known chef. And this was only the beginning of our first full day aboard. For the next five days and four nights, there would be countless hours of laughter, engaging sights day and night underwater marvels, incredible food and drink and, of course, the indescribable thrill of sailing.
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