Sail With Ocean Angel
In 2002 we took our first big trip on Ocean Angel, first racing from Clearwater, FL to Key West, then continuing on to the Bahamas where we spent part of the summer cruising in the Abacos with two good friends as crew. Everyone we knew who’d sailed in the Bahamas told us that with her 6 foot 6 inch draft we’d never be able to go anywhere, but we were still adventurous, and they were all wet! We took Ocean Angel into Green Turtle Cay, Hopetown harbor, Man O’ War Cay, and we meandered into several other channels and anchorages where we had to sniff our way into deep water, sometimes even getting out in the dinghy to sound out a path where we could still float through. She’s a tremendously fast boat easily averaging 7 knots or more while on passage, and she is also incredibly strong, keeping us dry, safe, and comfortable at all times.
Our biggest adventure thus far was sailing from Florida to Rio Dulce, Guatemala, CA, and back to Florida by way of Mexico and Belize. Ocean Angel and crew had raced to Isla Mujeres, Mexico in 2006 and 2007, and after the ’07 race, Joy suggested we might want to think about sailing further south after the race in 2008. Now look who put forth that suggestion! This cruise would be a dream come true for me, and an amazing adventure for both of us. So, after competing in the 40th running of the Regata del Sol al Sol, the time came for the race crew to fly home and for us to make our way south. With tears in their eyes, our friends left us at the dock. They all knew we were heading into some poorly charted waters with no one to help us should we need assistance. But, still being the great adventurers, or a bit crazy, or maybe a little of both, off we went.
While in Central America, we explored the interior of Guatemala traveling to Guatemala City, Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Santiago, Flores, the Mayan ruins at Tikal, and several other interesting places. We braved a ride on a chicken bus, held our breath on the first class buses as they wheeled up through the mountains, and we were even adventurous enough to try driving in the mountains on our own. On the sail down to Guatemala, while in Rio Dulce, and on the return trip home, we met new friends from all over the world, the kind of friends who will remain with us forever. Our experiences on this cruise were challenging, sometimes unnerving, but the memories of it will always be immensely rewarding.
As much as we enjoyed sailing with friends as crew, in 2004 we decided to go back to the Bahamas, this time with just Joy and me aboard. For the better part of 7 weeks we explored, wandered, and relaxed in the Exuma Islands, and we were beginning to really enjoy the cruising life again. Ocean Angel was destined to be ours; she is unbelievably easy for me to handle, safe and comfortable for Joy to move around, and unbelievably quiet down below. Ocean Angel has cavernous stowage, and can easily hold everything we need for at least a 3-month cruise, except of course, for fuel and water. Why, there’s even room for Joy’s electric scooter down in the aft cabin or in the sail locker where we usually keep it. Oh right, I forgot to mention that Joy has been using a scooter to expand her mobility since 2000, so even when we bought Ocean Angel, we took that aspect of travel into consideration. As I said earlier, she is the perfect boat for us in all ways.
Above is a photo of the 2007 Regata de Amigos in Isla Mujeres Mexico
The enormity of what we had undertaken soon hit when we anchored deep in the heart of “Bahia de Ascension”, miles from civilization. No one was around; no chatter on the VHF; not another boat in sight. We were truly on our own, at least for a while. It was like discovering our own little island; we were the only humans around. From there we sailed offshore to the Chinchoro atoll where, on our return trip home, we witnessed a beautiful green flash as the sun dove into the indigo ocean. What an amazing opportunity that so few people can experience. Another day we surfed through the pass at Xcalak while huge waves pounded the reef on either side of us, a tingling experience looking back on it. When we finally motored into the Rio Dulce and entered the Canyon, goose bumps chilled our arms, and tears ran down Joy’s cheeks as we both realized, we had made it.
Each day is a gift, and as Joy and I continue our travels, we are grateful for all we have been able to do together. Bon Voyage!