The first evening, stowaway night, we had a good meal and then a steel band came aboard and played late into the evening. I had a chance to meet some of my shipmates. The next day, when everyone had finally arrived, we set sail for our adventure in the British Virgin Islands. We all helped hoist the sails as we got underway. The weather was beautiful and the winds brisk as we headed out of anchorage on Tortola. Days flew by as we visited a different island every day. It was great because you would set sail in the morning after breakfast and then arrive at another island soon enough to go ashore and explore.

Each morning started early with fresh hot sweet rolls, bloody mary's and steaming hot coffee. After breakfast we would gather around for story time. The Captain would talk about the day's plans, what island we were headed for and make announcements. Then it was time to set sail once again. Day after day we would enjoy leisurely sailing, great islands and the ample food that was just enough to satisfy our appetites. After the 1st day I left my watch in the cabin, certainly did not need it anymore.

One of our stops was Cooper Island. We were in a sheltered anchorage, not far from the beach. They would run the launches on regular trips back and forth to shore. First we went snorkeling and then caught the next launch back to the boat. Before dinner I went ashore with my camera and hiked up to the ridge. To the northwest I could see Tortola in the distance across the Sir Francis Drake Channel. To the northeast I could see Virgin Gorda across a wide expanse of water dotted with sailboats. That evening they brought dinner ashore and we ate under the palms. The stars were brilliant and the meal was great.

The next day we sailed for a few hours over to Virgin Gorda, anchoring off of the Baths, this great jumble of huge bolders at the waters edge. Again, with the launches running regular trips, everyone could explore and swim at their own leisure, on their own schedule. You could eat on board or enjoy an occassional meal on shore. Plus, there were always taxis available to take you into town for shopping or down the road to another beach adventure. Every day was different, a different island, new vistas, new places to explore.

I think I liked the evenings best. There would be activities such as the crab races, where sand crabs with numbers on their back, would scurry to win the prizes. There was usually some music playing in the background, Jimmy Buffett or steel band or the like. You would grab your favorite rum drink, settle down with a group of people and talk, or just soak up the atmosphere. Light breezes, amazing sunsets, good talk with new found friends from all over the U.S. and Canada.

We visited Cooper Island for snorkeling, dinner and the great view from the ridge. At Salt Island we snorkeled on the wreck of the Rhone. We explored the Baths on Virgin Gorda. Norman Island had water-level caves for snorkeling and a hike to the top of Spyglass Hill. At Jost Van Dyke we hiked over to the beautiful beach at White Bay and then danced the evening away at Foxies beach bar. Everyday was a treat. I snorkeled as much as possible; it was great exercise and the fish were fantastic. While we cruised, I spent a lot time laying out on a deck pad, enjoying the warmth of the sun, reading and generally vegging out. At first I was concerned about getting seasick, but found that because of the size of the ship and the sails that acted like motion dampers, it was not a problem.

I found the crew to be courteous, warm and friendly. Those rum drinks never tasted so good. The food was more than ample and always well prepared. I did the batchelor quarters thing on my first cruise, with 6 bunks in one cabin. We had a shared head and shower down the hall. That was a bit cramped, so the next time I went for a cabin with attached facilities. But, all in all, it was a super experience.

Since then I have sailed on the Fantome, the Mandalay, the Flying Cloud again, the Harvey Gamage three times, the Rachael and Ebenezer, twice on the Romance, the Roseway, the Sir Francis Drake and the Star Clipper. Each vessel was special in its own way. Each had its special moments, special people and special ports-of-call.