Running a charter business comes with lots of decisions to make and costs to manage. Our initial Plan was to “follow the sun.” We really loved Annapolis but didn’t want (actually couldn’t afford) to have Discovery “shelved” during the winters. We explored many different possibilities and settled upon St. Thomas primarily because it was a US territory with a new charter company based in a marina in a recognized hurricane hole. The Caribbean and more specifically the Virgin Islands are truly one of the greatest sailing locations on earth with year-round trade winds and endless places to explore on both land and sea. Unfortunately, following the sun requires transporting the boat 1500 miles between locations twice a year. First-year expenses were high, and it just wasn’t feasible to go with our preferred plan, so we decided to keep it there over the summer months and through the hurricane season. We also found research about a forecasted El Nino that would reduce the impact of storms this year. Well, we all know how that turned out.
So back to the story at hand… Irma, an unprecedented record-breaking Category Five Hurricane, unleashed its fury on all of the amazing places we’ve been fortunate enough to experience since our chartering business began. All we could do was stay glued to the news and the internet as this massive storm tore across the Virgin Islands. Trying to find out what happened to Discovery took a back seat to trying to ensure that the people impacted in these islands were safe. Eventually, the photos and videos began to roll in showing the resulting devastation.
We were nothing short of inspired to see so many hopeful stories shining brightly through the more dire events. We saw so many people banding together and offering their help to support the vibrant community that calls the Virgin Islands home. Sailors helping people evacuate and bringing back supplies to where they were needed. Businesses looking after those affected, providing food, water, and shelter. The constant chatter of how to rebuild was nothing short of miraculous after all that has transpired.
Eventually, we found a glimmer of hope:
1o seconds into that video, for just 2 seconds, we saw our boat still afloat! That same video showed 2 other boats nearby with serious damage. Later, our management team sent the following report: Minor port-side hull damage, inside is dry and sent the following picture.
The Virgin Islands are in need of our help. They’ve been hit hard and are in desperate need of aid, including donations and other volunteer relief efforts. But please know that one of the easiest things you can do to help bring back the islands is to visit and spend your money on the many business that rely on tourism. Visit these amazing islands and help restore its color and charm to what so many cherish and adore.
#VIStrong
UPDATE: Another CAT5 Hurricane Maria hit St. Croiz, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands again 2 weeks after Hurricane Irma.
Photo credits:
Pre-Irma Compass Point (Van De Heide via Facebook)
Post-Irma Compass Point (9/16 NOAA fly-over)
Post-Maria Compass Point (9/22 NOAA fly-over)
SV Discovery is a 2016 Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40 sailing catamaran available for charter in St. Thomas, USVI.