Sailing into life together

I am so pleased to hear you are restoring SV Mandalay and that she is in capable and committed hands. The historic 3 mast schooner was instrumental in navigating my life’s course.

Michael my partner of almost 40 years now wanted to share his love of sailing. He had owned sailboats, sailed with you on several occasions and thought a 13-day cruise aboard the Mandalay in the Caribbean was the perfect introduction to sailing for his future 1st mate.

It was in December of 1988. We were contacted by John Caldwell - affectionately known as “Johnny Coconut” amongst the locals, author of “Desperate Voyage” and owner of Palm Island. John was committed to health and fitness. He reached out to us to build him a spa. We were traveling to meet him on his island.

We read John’s sailing adventure and love story aboard the Mandalay. With the sensuous warmth of the tropics, stargazing under a luminous sky and embracing the motion of the ocean. Finding the “Sweet Spot” as Michael would say: the harmony of the rig, wind and water. We hoisted sails to Amazing Grace and listened to our Captain every morning for Story Time to learn about the island we would soon explore and the adventures in store.

There are so many wonderful memories…. We were welcomed aboard in Antigua and soon were dancing and drinking Rum Punch at my first “Jump Up”. In Dominica we hiked to waterfalls with Frank our local driver and experienced guide with fellow sailors and adventures from all walks of life. We couldn’t have less in common with our shipmates, but found a camaraderie, laughter and a lifelong connection. On Mustique an unforgettable lobster dinner at the infamous Basil’s which even included a legendary rock star sighting. The seas were a bit rough that evening, so the crew strung rope across the deck. “One hand for the boat” is a term I still use today. Waves were splashing over the rails and we roped danced all night to Caribbean sounds. And a perfect Christmas Day was spent on Bequia known for its beauty and handmade model ships. We gifted each other one of those local treasures.

We now have our own small sailing ship of dreams and have cruised on many large vessels. What I appreciate most on the Mandalay and the Windjammer experience is that you provide an intimate opportunity to experience the islands with an environmentally conscience footprint, learning from and sailing with a crew from the islands, enjoying the incredible beauty, tastes, people and rhythms of the Caribbean.

Fair Winds and Following Seas,

Erin Leader

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