Coming Full Circle

Back in March 1986, freshly married and wide-eyed at 25, my wife and I set sail on the S/V Fantome.

The smell of teak oil, the texture of the lines and sails—it all left an imprint. Stepping ashore on tiny island gems with the ship as our backdrop was unforgettable.

I’ve never again seen so many sea stars and conch scattered across the remote beaches we spent the day on with crew and our fellow travelers. The daily activity board was fantastic. We even had a wedding on board officiated by Captain John Lloyd. (I have those photos too.) That barefoot adventure lit a spark we’ve carried ever since.

A decade later, a Windjammer brochure arrived in the mail like a message in a bottle, and the dream of sailing the S/V Mandalay took hold. But life’s beautiful detours—kids, careers, the dog—reprioritized our time and resources.

Now, retired and ready, we’re circling back. When Mandalay is seaworthy and booking again, we’ll be in line with the rest of the Old Salts, eager to hoist the sails, sip swizzles, and step ashore once more.

Watching her restoration feels like reconnecting with an old friend. We’re ready when she is—and we trust the crew will take us aboard in the very near future.

Been carrying a Windjammer memory all these years? We’d love to hear it. Share your Old Salts Tale here →