Comments for http://www.247sailing.net Thu, 04 Mar 2010 02:06:52 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 hourly 1 Comment on Testimonials by agalante13 http://www.247sailing.net/testimonials/comment-page-1/#comment-43 agalante13 Thu, 04 Mar 2010 02:06:52 +0000 http://247sailing.net/?page_id=3#comment-43 As I sit here curled up under a blanket hiding from the harsh, nasty weather in Virginia my mind wonders to the good ol’ days aboard SV Simpatica. While I freeze here in the States and my skin is as pale as a baby’s belly, I can’t help but think about what Julie and Captain Louis are up to. I find myself thinking about my amazing journey sailing the Caribbean last year. If I close my eyes and concentrate I can taste the salt water on my lips, feel the Latin sun warming my skin, sense the gentle rocking of the waves, and see the tranquil color blue of the ocean. My time aboard SV Simpatica obviously left a lasting impression on me. Sailing under a full moon with the wind blowing through my salty hair or dolphins swimming so close to the bow of the boat that I could reach out and touch them, both left me with the feeling of being alive and grateful. I was also fond of the moments of solitude and silence. I loved sitting out on the deck at sunset and ejoying the evening sun reflect off the 360 degree view of endless blue ocean. There were also the random visits to remote villages that opened my mind and spirit and broadened my perspective of other cultures. I should also mention the liberating feeling of showering off the back of the boat with absolutely no confinement and nothing between my skin and the ocean breeze. And the diving and snorkeling.... was great as well. Yes, it was a bit terrifying at times when I surprisingly swam next to a nurse shark, almost bumped into a a large barracuda, and had a huge ray swim under my toes, but it was all the more worth it. I miss the excitement of approaching land and finally seeing the first glimpse of the next island we were about to explore after having spent a day or two underway. I miss the adrenaline rush of fishing and the fight to see what was on the hook (whether tuna, mahi, sailfish, or maybe even a shark!) I miss the great conversation with Jules while she would be cooking another gourmet meal in the galley. And I miss the endless sailing instruction and story telling from Captain Louis. Both were extremely generous and comforting hosts. They not only taught me about sailing but also taught me a lot about life. I could go on and on with my story telling about island adventures, sea turtle spotting, indigenous villagers, lunches of fresh cerviche, dingy rides, pina coladas, kayaking, hammock relaxing, breathtaking reefs, lobster dinners, sunrises, movie nights, Jule’s freshly baked bread, shooting stars, mango smoothies, Louis’ fried fish, more pina coladas!, island hoping, and good company..... but I suggest instead of listening to my stories you should take my word and experience SV Simpatica for yourself and make your own lasting memories. Cheers! Anne Galante As I sit here curled up under a blanket hiding from the harsh, nasty weather in Virginia my mind wonders to the good ol’ days aboard SV Simpatica. While I freeze here in the States and my skin is as pale as a baby’s belly, I can’t help but think about what Julie and Captain Louis are up to. I find myself thinking about my amazing journey sailing the Caribbean last year. If I close my eyes and concentrate I can taste the salt water on my lips, feel the Latin sun warming my skin, sense the gentle rocking of the waves, and see the tranquil color blue of the ocean. My time aboard SV Simpatica obviously left a lasting impression on me. Sailing under a full moon with the wind blowing through my salty hair or dolphins swimming so close to the bow of the boat that I could reach out and touch them, both left me with the feeling of being alive and grateful. I was also fond of the moments of solitude and silence. I loved sitting out on the deck at sunset and ejoying the evening sun reflect off the 360 degree view of endless blue ocean. There were also the random visits to remote villages that opened my mind and spirit and broadened my perspective of other cultures. I should also mention the liberating feeling of showering off the back of the boat with absolutely no confinement and nothing between my skin and the ocean breeze. And the diving and snorkeling…. was great as well. Yes, it was a bit terrifying at times when I surprisingly swam next to a nurse shark, almost bumped into a a large barracuda, and had a huge ray swim under my toes, but it was all the more worth it. I miss the excitement of approaching land and finally seeing the first glimpse of the next island we were about to explore after having spent a day or two underway. I miss the adrenaline rush of fishing and the fight to see what was on the hook (whether tuna, mahi, sailfish, or maybe even a shark!) I miss the great conversation with Jules while she would be cooking another gourmet meal in the galley. And I miss the endless sailing instruction and story telling from Captain Louis. Both were extremely generous and comforting hosts. They not only taught me about sailing but also taught me a lot about life. I could go on and on with my story telling about island adventures, sea turtle spotting, indigenous villagers, lunches of fresh cerviche, dingy rides, pina coladas, kayaking, hammock relaxing, breathtaking reefs, lobster dinners, sunrises, movie nights, Jule’s freshly baked bread, shooting stars, mango smoothies, Louis’ fried fish, more pina coladas!, island hoping, and good company….. but I suggest instead of listening to my stories you should take my word and experience SV Simpatica for yourself and make your own lasting memories.
Cheers!
Anne Galante

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