Next Trip - South Pacific, only 3 SPOTS LEFT

Now that the crew is back from Belize, we are looking ahead to our next Adventure Sailing Trip - the ever popular South Pacific!  John Connolly leads a boat through this part of the world at least once every 2 years, and this trip ALWAYS sells out.  On this trip, we even had to add a fourth leg to accommodate all the eager sailors and vacationers.

LEG 1: April 23 - May 3, 2010 (Raiatea - Tuomotus) 1 SPOT LEFT
LEG 2: May 6 - 16, 2010 (Tuomotus - Raiatea) WAIT LIST ONLY
LEG 3: May 20 - 30, 2010 (Inner Tahitian Islands) WAIT LIST ONLY
LEG 4: June 3 - 13, 2010 (Inner Tahitian Islands) 2 SPOTS LEFT

If you are looking to get your Offshore Passagemaking Certification (ASA 108), leg 1 will ensure that you gain the skills and confidence to complete ocean passages.  If you are looking to get your Advanced Coastal Cruising (ASA 106), join us on leg 4 and explore Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine and other Inner Tahitian Islands.  Call us to book your spot today!

Pictures from Paradise - Belize Trip a Huge Success

It's official - our first international flotilla was a wonderful success! The three catamarans enjoyed tons of sun, a year's worth of fresh lobster and fish, the occasional libation, and, of course, some sailing.  The pictures below are from Guenter Meiburg, who was a Cruising Catamaran student on John Connolly's boat, a Leopard 45 named Toucan.

The three catamarans at anchor - notice how shallow the waters are.  Navigation between cayes is more challenging than the Caribbean, as often times you are sailing in 6 - 10 feet of water.  Don't forget your cruising guide!

Toucan anchored at Tobacco Caye.

 The dinghy docks at Tobacco Caye - strategically located at the entrance of one of the only bars on that small island.

The Crew (from left to right) Guenter Meiburg, Al Hansen, and Marc Wilson enjoy a stop at the local watering hole before heading back to the boat for a relaxing sail to the next caye.

Placencia - Dec 5

Creole Proverb: The higher the monkey climbs the tree, the more he exposes his ass to danger.

This proverb was passed on to me by a local Placencia fisherman named "Harry" over a couple of beers and philosophical discussion on the importance of having an easy life. Now what Harry is trying to impart on us all is to take time to enjoy life, that the corporate ladder or tree will always be there for you to climb later. Seven days into our sail down the Belize coast, all on board the Carpe Feline are "feeling" Harry's message.

There are three catamarans in our Modern Sailing flotilla. There are nine of us on board our 41 foot Lagoon cat, and there are nine of us having a wonderful time. Should those from the other two catamarans be sitting here with us in Paradise, on the tip of Placencia, they'd surely say the same thing.

We set sail from San Pedro, an island town on Ambergris Caye off the coast of Belize, on November 29. We've sailed to a different caye each night, finding splendid anchorages each evening, just in time to watch the sunset and the full moon rise with a cocktail in hand. The snorkeling has been brilliant, with spottings of eagle rays, sea turtles, lobsters, eels, and of course, fish holding all the colors of the rainbow. We've bought fresh conch, lobster and fish from the local fisherman, perparing ceviche and grilled seafood on board.

Today is the first day we've come into a town with Internet access. We've truly enjoyed being off the grid, but with this chance to share how wonderful this flotilla journey has been, we wanted to take advantage of connection. We're eating fresh fruit under the palms of paradise at this moment, all chatting about how we'd love to be here again this time next year. There seems no better way to start the holiday season.

Signing off from the South of Belize, heading north again today, to sail our return course to San Pedro.

Happy Holidays to all from the crew on "Carpe Feline".

Belize Flotilla

November 29 - December 9, 2009

Located along the Caribbean Coast of Northern Central America, Belize has been fairly untouched by tourism and boasts some of the best sailing grounds in the world. Whether it’s calm water cruising, world class diving, rain forest trekking, Mayan ruins, cave exploring, or simply relaxing under a coconut tree enjoying the warm trade winds, you will find all you are looking for in a charter destination in Belize.

Modern Sailing is headed to Belize for our first international charter!  Trip Leader (and MSC's General Manager) Jack is leading a group of three catamarans round trip from San Pedro along the Barrier Reef.