|
Fall (October-November-December) 2003:
*** NOTE *** (December 1, 2003)
Time constraints have made it
extremely difficult to update The Usual Suspects website on
a monthly basis. There has been no update in November or
December. Starting January 1, 2004, updates will be made on
a quarterly basis.
Well,
racing season has finally come to a close. We took an 8th
at the J35
North American Championship on Winston’s
J35 Crime Scene - mixed results as a result of a mixed
performance. And no, we did not win the Winston Cup
either. That’s
yacht racing . . .
This month, I somehow managed the following:
The Suspects - We finally welcome Dudes Cruise II
veteran Stinky to The
Usual Suspects wall of fame, as a result of his role as V.P
of Fishing Operations on the passage from Mustique to Tobago
Cays. Congrats! I think.
The Adventures - The
Christening of Silk Pajamas - Terry Shuster
and Kristin Hunter return to The Grenadines to christen their new
boat Silk Pajamas. Read about the experience of
stepping on a boat for the first time as new owners and spending
several weeks cruising aboard her in a tropical paradise.
Absolute magic!
 October’s
Background Photo features a spectacular view of
Admiralty Bay Bequia at dusk from a table at Mac’s Pizzeria.
(Terry Shuster photo)
September 2003:
In
case you were wondering, there was no August 1 update. It
is summertime and there are many fun things to do. Sitting
down in front of a computer writing about the Caribbean is not
one of them, so bear with me. Once the temperatures start
to cool down, that is all I will be thinking about.
 Much has happened over the summer.
First, we welcome a new Suspect into the world - Bianca
Lucia Presenza-Long arrived July 27, 2003, weighing in at 6
lbs. 12 oz. We congratulate proud parents (and Prime Suspects)
Jeff
Long and Silvia Presenza.
Bianca has a confirmed reservation on the February 2010 Suspects
adventure to The Grenadines.
It
is summer and I am racing full time on Winston’s
J35. It has been a most unusual season as we have
encountered virtually no wind all summer. One regatta was
almost cancelled, due to fog of all things. I have only
raced my International Star twice. Well, maybe I
was really destined for cruising, anchoring, and keeping beer
cold.
Growing
up in Moncton, N.B., I used to spend my summers at the beach in
Shediac. Watching the sailboats in Shediac Bay cruise leisurely
by had some influence on my wanting to be out there. Well,
thirty years have passed since then, and I finally had
the opportunity to sail in Shediac Bay. Larry Jack, a
longtime friend of the family, has an Aloha 28, Sea Shanty,
and offered to take me out for a sail. It was a great to
finally see the beach from offshore, and to complete a dream
that began in that very spot many years ago. Thank you
Larry for that great experience - smooth sailing!!!
Larry Jack and his Aloha
28 Sea Shanty, with the Prime Suspect.
* * *
This month, I somehow managed the following:
The Boat - Charter
Boat Ownership - 4th Year Anniversary Report - I cannot
believe it has been four years! This report describes the
experience of charter boat ownership of The Usual Suspects
after four years in operation.
 September’s
Background Photo features yet another brilliant
sunset at Britannia Bay, Mustique. You never get tired of
these.
(Arnis Budrevics photo)
August 2003:
The news is there was no
news. Due to summertime activities, there was no August
update.
July 2003:
It
is summer and I am racing full time on Winston’s
J35. Not much time for writing, so this update will
be brief.
The Suspects - We welcome
Dudes Cruise II veterans Arnis
Budrevics and
Lezli Petersen to The Usual Suspects wall of fame.
The Experiences - July
2003 fine-tune update to the Boat
Boys of The Grenadines feature, containing all the
latest information on these enterprising vendors.
 July’s
Background Photo features well known favorite Boat
Boy Venold “Willy”
Williams plying his trade in his tiny rowboat in Admiralty Bay
Bequia.
June 2003:
Despite
the fact that Dudes Cruise II ended over a month ago, I am still
on Island Time, mon. For that reason, this update has been
late. It is difficult to re-integrate with society after
being barefoot for two weeks. Finally, here it is.
 The
story of Canadian Derek Hatfield in the 2002 Around
Alone Race is finally over. On the morning of May
31, Spirit of Canada crossed the finish line to
complete the race. Considering the roller-coaster ride
this man has endured since last September, this represents an amazing
feat. There was the battery problem in New Zealand, the
rollover and dismasting, the major boat repair in Argentina, and
the tear in the mainsail. Yet, he stuck with it and
finished. Congratulations Derek, you have been a source of
inspiration and pride for the entire Canadian sailing community.
I look forward to hearing the stories first-hand over a
beer. I'll bring the beer. A case. A big one.
|
Spirit of Canada crosses the
finish line in Newport.
(Mary Ambler photo, shamelessly lifted
from the Around Alone website)
|
Derek’s
finish provided enough points for him to finish on the podium in
third place in Class 2 for the 2002 Around Alone Race.
Even more important is the respect Derek has earned in the
sailing community. Most of the competitors in Class 1 were
happy they did not have to sail against him. Well, that is
likely to change now. Derek has indicated his intention to
seek out a fully-sponsored Open-60 for the next Around Alone
race. Based on his performance this year, he should have no
trouble finding that program. Either way, his friends and
supporters in the Canadian sailing community will be behind him
100%.
You can read up
on this amazing story on the Spirit
of Canada Website. |
* * *
This month, we have:
The Adventures - Dude’s Cruise II: Operation Amber
Squall - Read all about this flotilla of
three boats and seventeen guests who invaded The Grenadines
April 25 through May 6. Learn why the mission was called Operation
Amber Squall. Find out what happened in Basil’s
Bar Mustique, the real affects of SARS, the power failure
on board the boat, the taking of Mopion, our fishing
expeditions, and the latest Boat Boy buzz. It’s all
here.
 June’s
Background Photo features a stunning shot of the
tree line on the beach in Salt Whistle Bay Mayreau at dawn.
(Arnis Budrevics photo)
May 2003:
I am off to The Grenadines April 25 through May 6
to participate in Dude’s Cruise II: Operation Amber Squall.
This event features a flotilla of three boats and sixteen guests
- Basil’s Bar...snorkeling the Tobago Cays...the taking
of Mopion for Canada...Lambi...Mr. Plat...Yellow
Man...Dennis...Righteous...conch roti...Gingerbread...and
of course, that great amber nectar Mount Gay Rum (hence
the name of the operation: Amber Squall). Anyone in The
Grenadines should either leave the area, or join us.
The story of Canadian
Derek Hatfield in the 2002 Around Alone Race
continues to amaze everyone.
Despite the difficulties of
trying to rebuild a boat in the southernmost inhabited location
on the planet, Derek has managed to have his keel, stanchions,
and electronics repaired/replaced. A new carbon-fiber mast
was constructed and trucked to his location in Ushuaia.
Sailmakers from Quantum Sails Canada joined him and
worked around the clock to step the mast, re-rig, and tune the
boat. In four weeks, they were ready to go - almost.
A major storm prevented him from
leaving for a few days, and when he finally did leave, a further
storm packing 50 knots forced him to return to Ushuaia.
Finally, on April 7, he returned to the spot of his capsize and
resumed racing.
Yet another major storm on April
21 knocked his boat down a dozen times and a major tear in the
mainsail resulted. This has since been repaired under way,
and as of April 24, Derek is off the coast of Uruguay, at a
latitude just north of Montevideo. He has about two more
weeks of racing to complete Leg 4 in Salvador Brazil, a 48-hour
stop, then a resumption of Leg 5 to finish in Newport, RI.
All Derek has to do to finish
third in the 2002 Around Alone Race
is complete the race - he has enough points from previous
legs. We wish Derek a safe passage and hope that his
difficulties are behind him. He has been a great
inspiration to sailors all around the world and we wish him
well.
You can follow this amazing story and Derek’s progress on the Spirit
of Canada Website.
* * *
This month, we have:
The Adventures - TravelTalkOnline
North Party 2003 - Twenty-seven total strangers,
one winter storm, plenty of rum, lots of stories. Find out
what really happened at this infamous party.
The Experiences - The
2003 update to Destination:
The Grenadines. The information contained in this
72-page travel guide is essential for your full enjoyment of The
Grenadines.
* * *
Finally,
a humorous tidbit sent to me by Barbara Jones. To best
prepare yourself for the coming sailing season try these quick
exercises:
-
Buy
a case of beer, sit with it in a very warm place for a few
hours, then drink it.
-
Apply
sunscreen to your face in streaks and sit in front of a sun
lamp for 2 hours.
-
Sit
on a bench with large metal fixtures cutting into your legs,
stare straight up into the sun for 2 hours-for a more robust
workout: invite 4 friends to come over and yell at you the
whole time.
-
Go
out and get very drunk, sleep 4 hours, then stand on a rocking
chair for 6 hours.
-
Go
to the bank and withdraw $1,000.00 - then light it on fire.
-
Sit
in front of a commercial fan and have someone throw large
buckets of water on you.
-
Repeat
number 6 in jeans and a sweatshirt AND/OR repeat number 6 with
head turned sideways to ensure water lodging fully into ear
drum.
-
Cut
limb off of a nearby tree, tie ropes to it, stand on rocking
chair with tree limb and ropes - hold them over your head for
3 hours...at 5 minute intervals drop your head - More robust
version: have friends yell at you in 6 minute intervals.
-
Set
your wrist watch to 5-minute repeating counts...let it go off
all day long.
-
Pour
cold water in your lap and give yourself a wedgie, now
alternate between sitting and running around bent over.
-
Tie
ropes between 2 trees - push your body against them as hard as
you can for 6 consecutive hours - don't stop for pain or
bruising.
-
Place
sandpaper on your stairs, crawl up and down on your knees for
several hours.
-
Make
12 sandwiches on white bread with bad meat and cram them into
a bread bag - eat one a day for 12 consecutive days...make
sure the last one is peanut butter and jelly if preparing for
race week.
-
Tie
ropes to rear bumper of friend's car, hold on tightly, but
allow rope to slip through fingers as car drives away -
Tip: works best with nylon fiber ropes, lengths in excess of
50'.
-
Upon
completion of previous 14 drills - sit down and drink 14 Mount
Gay rum drinks, any flavor.
* * *
 May’s
Background Photo features a breathtaking view of
Admiralty Bay Bequia, taken from my favorite vantage point on
Mount Pleasant.
April 2003:
The story of Canadian
Derek Hatfield in the 2002 Around Alone Race
has gone from incredible to unbelievable. On March 7,
Derek had just rounded the dreaded Cape Horn when he encountered
his own private version of “the perfect storm.” The 70
knot winds and 40 foot waves finally got the better of the Spirit
of Canada, and it pitch-poled (cartwheeled, flipped
over, get the picture?) resulting in the loss of the rig.
Amazingly, Derek was not washed overboard. He gathered his
wits, cut away the rig, and in true Canadian style, refused to
accept outside assistance. He made his way to safety up
the Beagle Channel to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in South
America. The mast and sails were gone, the boat was in
shambles.
Under normal circumstances, that
should have been it for the program. But Derek Hatfield is
no normal human being. In the days that followed, he
gathered his team and assessed the situation. He soon had
a plan to have a new mast built by King-Harken in Buenos Aires,
new electronics en route, and repairs to the boat in
progress. He was back in the race. Now all he needed
was real money.
 A
consortium of fundraisers met in Toronto and went to work.
A $125/plate benefit was conducted at Ashbridge’s Bay Yacht
Club on March 30, and a whopping $45,000 was raised.
Various people donated items that were auctioned off, and a
great time was had by all. Derek spoke to us over SatPhone
and it was a magical evening.
In cooperation with Barefoot
Yacht Charters, I donated a one-week bareboat charter aboard
The Usual Suspects. Bidding was intense, but in the
end, Marv and Kathryn Wilder of Toronto (at right, with the Prime
Suspect) won with a bid of $3,600. They are quite
excited about traveling to The Grenadines, and a great time is
assured.
The mast has arrived. The
electronics have been replaced. Three Quantum sailmakers
have arrived to rig the boat, tune it, and get Derek on his way
to resume racing by Friday, April 4. Derek still has the
chance to finish the event on the podium.
You can follow this amazing story and Derek’s progress on the Spirit
of Canada Website. Go Derek!!!
* * *
The TravelTalkOnline
North party is a go for April 5th in Oakville Ontario Canada (Great White North).
It looks like there will be 15 to 20 in attendance and a good
time will be had by all. You will read about it in the May
1 update.
Dude’s Cruise II: Operation Amber Squall
- April 25 through May 6 in the Grenadines. If
you are planning to be in the area, send me a note and we can
hook up for a beverage.
* * *
The Experiences - The
2003 update to Destination:
The Grenadines is in progress, but a whole lot of
work. Rather than rush it, I will release it with the May
1 update.
The Adventures - St
Martin Cruising: Better than the Grenadines? -
Three-time contributor Robert Sherer shares his experiences
cruising St. Martin, Anguilla, and St. Barths. He also
provides an insightful comparison to The Grenadines that you
will not want to miss.
 April’s
Background Photo features one of the prettiest
anchorages in The Grenadines, Britannia Bay, Mustique.
March 2003:
 For
someone who is not supposed to have anything to do in winter, I have been
busy.
First off, some great
news!!! Born to Prime Suspects Dave
Holmes and Julie
Hughes, Jade Marie, 6 lbs., 8 oz., on February 14,
a little sister for Micro-Suspect Garrett.
We can’t wait to get her out sailing.
A TravelTalkOnline
North party is in the works. April 5th is the date.
Oakville Ontario Canada (Great White North) is the venue. TravelTalkOnline
subscribers who can chisel their way out of the ice and snow
will gather and exchange tall tales. We know them by
username - now we will be able to affix a face and a story.
You will not want to miss this party. Let me know if you
will be in attendance and I will provide the details.
Dude’s Cruise II: Operation Amber Squall
- April 25 through May 6 in the Grenadines.
Charter a boat and join the Dudes and Suspects on
a guided flotilla through the finest anchorages in The
Grenadines. To date, The Usual Suspects, Sharnry,
and Rita Louise are confirmed. Local authorities have
been notified. It is expected that the Canadian flag will
be planted on Mopion, establishing it as the 11th Province.
Just try to stop us!
* * *
Intrepid Canadian
Derek Hatfield is well into Leg 4 of the 2002 Around Alone Race aboard his Open-40 Spirit of Canada.
He is currently in last place, only because he had to stop to repair an
electrical problem two days after departing New Zealand.
As of March 1, he was in the Southern Ocean in some of the
nastiest weather
imaginable, 1200 miles (6-7 days) away from rounding the dreaded
Cape Horn.
“It will be a great relief to
finally pass that rock and exit the Southern Ocean, stage left,”
he wrote. “I feel a bit like the safety guy coming up
the race course last, ensuring everyone has made it through
safely. So far, I’m happy to report, I have not found
any race casualties along the way.”
SatPhone conversations with
Derek reveal one tough customer. He said that he sees
icebergs during the day that also show up on radar. For
some reason, they don’t show up at night. I cannot imagine the
mental agony he must be going through knowing, that he could hit
one at any time without warning, potentially ending his life.
You can follow this amazing story and Derek’s progress on the Spirit
of Canada Website. Go Derek Hatfield!!!
* * *
The Boat - Terry
and Kristin’s Long Journey - It took six tries, but
this persistent couple are now proud charter boat owners.
Read about this incredible journey of patience and persistence.
The Experiences - March
2003
Update to the Boat Boys
of The Grenadines feature, containing all the latest
information on these enterprising vendors.
 March’s
Background Photo features the Prime Suspect enjoying
a great afternoon on the Tobago Cays with Boat Boys Mr.
Fabulous and Free Willy.
February 2003:
Canadian
Derek Hatfield has completed Leg 3 of the 2002 Around Alone Race aboard his Open-40 Spirit of Canada.
He finished third in that leg, only 10 hours behind the
fifty-footer Everest Horizontal, after six weeks of
sailing and 7100 nautical miles through some of the most treacherous
waters of the Southern Ocean. He has managed this feat
without the benefit of a title sponsor. He has earned the
respect of sailors worldwide, and the Canadian sailing community
is very proud of Derek. We have organized a number of
fundraisers that will hopefully keep Derek competitive.
Fellow competitor Alan Paris summed it up nicely when he said, “Will
somebody please buy this man a 60-footer!”
I continue to marvel at the camaraderie and mutual respect that
has developed between the competitors and their teams.
They communicate with each other daily by e-mail while at
sea. As each competitor crosses the finish line on each
leg, they are greeted by those who have already finished -
regardless of the time of day or night. These people, from
different backgrounds all over the world, have grown to like each other as they
enthusiastically tackle a common objective.
Experiences like this makes one wonder why our world leaders don’t
focus more on global events that bring people together,
rather than building bombs and walls to keep us separated.
As of February 1,
Derek was in Tauranga, New Zealand, working around the clock to
prepare the boat for the next leg of the race that begins
February 9. Leg 4 is the longest and most
treacherous, as it takes the competitors through the nastiest
part of the Southern Ocean and around Cape Horn. You can follow this amazing story and Derek’s progress on the Spirit
of Canada Website.
Godspeed Derek Hatfield.
* * *
So, this month we have:
The Adventures - Christmas
In De Ilons - The trip report that tells how a different
group of Unusual
Suspects spent a most unusual Christmas 2002. It was
certainly not a white one!
The Suspects
- The “Pledge” Suspects have earned their
stripes as full-fledged members of this questionable
institution. We welcome Maggie Cowtan, Charlotte
Scott, and Wendy Jones into the
fold.
The Experiences - Update
to Favorite Links -
Added two new references - Cruisinghelp.Com and Cruise
Web.
 February’s
Background Photo features a couple out for a daysail
in Admiralty Bay, Bequia, W.I.
Photo by Charlotte Scott
January 2003:
Just returned
from seventeen glorious days in the The Grenadines. Two+
weeks of Rummers and an idle brain has taken its toll on me, so
it will be a while before I am finishing my
sentences. You will be able to read about the trip
in the February 1 update.
Canadian Derek Hatfield is
nearing the end of Leg 3 of the 2002 Around Alone Race, aboard his Open-40 Spirit of Canada. As of
January 11,
Derek was less than 1700 miles from Tauranga, New Zealand, solidly in third place.
You can follow Derek’s progress on this
amazing race on the Spirit
of Canada Website.
The Experiences
 January’s
Background Photo features a spectacular aerial photo
of the Tobago Cays, taken by SVG Air Pilot Paul Gravel.
|
