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Swashbucklers
Sailing Adventure in the Virgin Islands
January 11 – 18, 2004
LIKE SAILORS OF YORE
Many boyhood fantasies have been fueled by tales of the sea—from great
works of literature to the exciting Saturday afternoon movie matinees.
Long John Silver in Kidnapped and Treasure Island, Errol Flynn in The
Sea Hawk and Captain Blood, Mutiny On the Bounty, and Captains Courageous.
These titles conjure up images of adventures in exotic places that all
of us have yearned to visit. With the passing of time, however, these
childish reveries usually fade under the pressure of serious, grown-up
responsibilities. There is no place in the workaday world for fantasies
of swashbuckling pirates and buried treasure.
If you are fortunate, a glimmer of these
past desires might drift back into your subconscious and wander into
your dreams. The cool sheets that caress your body in sleep suddenly
become vast canvas sails snapping in a gentle breeze, and you are standing
on the deck of a great masted ship. The stars remain constant in the
night sky and the only indication to signal your seaward progress is
the wind whistling through the rigging and the timbers creaking as waves
break against the hull.
At last you reach your destination, a
deserted island paradise with waving palm trees framing the pristine
beaches. Making your way ashore, you stroll the moonlit sands while
watching the first streaks of dawn cross the horizon. Alas! You realize
it is only the sun streaming through the slats of bedroom window shades
as your alarm clock rudely jerks you back to the reality of another
day.
Dreams can come true, however, and opportunities
to step into your fantasies occasionally present themselves. For one
week this January, you will have the opportunity to live your dream
aboard a classic sailing vessel, the Spirit of Massachusetts,
and be a “salt of the seas” like the daring adventurers of the past.
At last you will find yourself standing
upon the solid decks of a proud vessel with a good breeze abeam. You
will finally understand the siren call of the seas that has lured men
for thousands of years. Whether streaming along at 10 knots upon the
open water, or “ghosting” along upon a calm sea, you will feel the awesome
power of the wind and the sea and the inner glow of a dream come true.
In January there will still be several
months of seemingly interminable cold, gray winter ahead. There is no
time like the present to plan your winter escape to the warm waters
of the Caribbean—a tropical paradise where you will enjoy a week of
sailing, sun, surf and sand on this rugged, manly adventure in the beautiful
U.S. and British Virgin Islands. Join us and see why previous participants
come back year after year to enjoy this adventurous yet relaxing vacation.
THE ITINERARY
Sunday, January 11, 2004
Arrival in St. Thomas
Make travel arrangements to arrive on the island of St. Thomas in the
U.S. Virgin Islands by 5pm today. (Specifics about where and how to
meet the ship will be provided prior to departure.) This evening the
captain hosts a Welcome Dinner and provides an orientation to shipboard
life, safety equipment and sailing procedures. We’ll discuss the
week’s itinerary, and answer questions. The evening is free to
explore St. Thomas and get comfortable aboard ship. (Dinner Included)
Mon. Jan 12 – Sat. Jan 17, 2004
Sailing in the Virgin Islands
This morning we raise the anchor, set the canvas and sail out from
port in search of unknown adventures. In keeping with the laid-back,
tropical atmosphere, the week’s itinerary is flexible, determined by
the suggestions of the Captain and crew, the wishes of the passengers,
and the whims of the wind. We will take advantage of the best spots
as we sail through the Virgin Islands. Possible ports of call may include:
St. John—Two-thirds national park, this island is
a tranquil, quiet paradise with lush mountains and secluded coves.
Norman Island—It is believed to be the inspiration
for Robert Lewis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. Treasure Point has caves
large enough for a small boat to enter. Snorkel here to observe an astounding
variety of fish. Snorkelers and divers will also not want to miss the
opportunity to view the nearby wreck of the Rhone.
Virgin Gorda—This island is known for “The Baths,”
a unique formation of giant boulders with dimly lit, ethereal sea caves
that form interesting grottos. The beach here is beautiful!
Cane Garden Bay, Tortola—The Jewel of the BVI, it
is one of the most beautiful palm-fringed beaches and natural harbors
in the Caribbean.
Jost Van Dyke—The island was named for a
Dutch pirate who earned considerable fame during the heyday of the buccaneers
in the 17th Century. Known to every ship in the Caribbean, Foxy’s Tamarind
Bar and Grill is the quintessential beach bar, open to the elements,
and personally attended to by Foxy himself, the yachties’ troubadour.
Cooper Island—A scarcely populated bit of heaven on
earth. You’ll take one look at the Cooper Island Beach Resort and begin
making plans to return someday.
These are just a few examples of the many adventure options awaiting
us in the Caribbean. On the Internet, check out Caribbean
On Line and BVI
Destination Guide by Lonely Planet for more information.
(All Meals)
Saturday, January 17, 2004
St. Thomas Return / Farewell Dinner
Our final sail today will bring us back to St. Thomas by late afternoon.
We will celebrate the end of our adventure together with a Farewell
Dinner aboard the ship. This has always been the perfect opportunity
to thank the Captain and crew for all their many services and kindnesses
throughout the voyage. (All Meals)
Sunday, January 18, 2004
Departure
Be prepared to disembark the ship by 10am to allow the crew time to
prepare for the next departure. (Breakfast)
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