Caribbean Compass Sailing Magazine

— Continued from previous page
Jus’ Sail thanks all the staff at SMMA for their engagement with the students and
support of efforts to introduce them to the joys of the marine realm and the importance
of its protection.
After the lionfish lunch the crew embarked on a fish survey using the REEF.org system
that has been employed by Jus’ Sail and can be uploaded to the NGO’s
worldwide database. In a 30-minute snorkel session the group identified almost 30
species of fish. A great result for a group of amateurs who days before had never
before donned a mask, snorkel and fins!
Another night was spent on a mooring below Gros Piton, which the students
climbed the following day. The guide confirmed that this was the first group of locals
in as long as she could remember that she had led up the trail.
Returning to the boat in the early afternoon the crew set sail for Laborie but, put
off by a thick carpet of Sargasso weed, they chose to head back north to find
clearer waters. An hour later, moored Mediterranean style close to the beach at
Anse Mahaut, they practiced their swimming and stand-up paddle boarding and
enjoyed another wonderful evening under the stars.
The following morning, as a thank-you to the beautiful beach that had been a
source of great enjoyment, an impromptu litter clean-up delivered six heavy bags of
litter back to the boat for later disposal back in Rodney Bay Marina. This civic-minded
activity was quickly repaid in full by Mother Nature who delivered a large pod of
dolphins around the boat as it headed north off Anse La Raye. The excitement was
palpable amongst the crew, who had never before witnessed the enthralling display
of dolphins.
A stop in Marigot Bay Marina to practice docking for their crew certificates and a
final leg back to Rodney Bay delivered Mid-Fifty with her full complement of crew
back to home base.
After the cruise, the students embarked on a customer-service training workshop
with Human Resources professional Sannyu Clarke-Isaac, a visit with the St. Lucia
Marine Police force, a half-day tour around the IGY Rodney Bay Marina and
Boatyard, their Swim to Survive test and interviews prior to undertaking work experience
with various private sector businesses such as The Moorings and IGY Rodney
Bay Marina.
Jus’ Sail would like to thank The Moorings for their generous support that allowed
this voyage to take place.
For more information on Jus’ Sail visit www.jussail.com.
St. Croix Christmas Boat Parade
This year’s St. Croix Christmas Boat Parade will take place in Christiansted Harbor on
December 13th.
The marine and boating community on St. Croix invites residents and visitors to
launch the holiday season watching beautifully decorated boats sail through the
Christiansted Harbor, followed by a fabulous fireworks display. Arrive early to the
Christiansted Boardwalk for the best seating: the festivities on the boardwalk begin
NOVEMBER 2014 CARIBBEAN COMPASS PAGE 6
Project: Sail to Ile-à-Vache
Mandy Thody reports: The Good Samaritan Foundation of Haiti is forming a small
group of yachts to sail from the Virgin Islands at the end of December to Ile-à-
Vache, Haiti, returning by around January 25th. We will be delivering donated
equipment and participating in a week of workshops focusing on health
and construction.
For information about joining the trip as yacht owners, crew, or teachers please
contact Mandy at mandy.thody@gmail.com. For donations of useful goods, please
ask for list.
Donations towards fuel and costs of trip, medical supplies etc. gratefully received,
by Paypal on our website www.goodsamaritanofhaiti.com.
around 5:30PM, with the boat parade starting at 6:00. To continue the evening’s special
fun, enjoy a harborside dinner and drinks, wander the shops of Christiansted,
and check out local vendors and music along the Boardwalk.
St. Croix’s annual boat parade has been featured on the Travel Channel. Every
year, dedicated St. Croix boaters organize this event for the St. Croix community
and it has become one of the biggest boat parades in the Caribbean.
For more information contact Sal Sanpere (340) 690-0006, Trish Rhodes: (340) 643-
0555, trish1rhodes@gmail.com or visit www.christmasparadestcroix.com.