 For
many the Caribbean either stops at Barbados or doesn't
even reach much beyond the Bahamas or Virgin Islands.
Little is known about the Lesser Antilles group of islands
off by themselves just a few miles north of Venezuela
and tucked safely below the hurricane belt; namely the
tropical islands of Bonaire and Curaçao... the
perfect location for a unique vacation in paradise.
One visit to the Sailing Ship "Insulinde"
convinced me to abandon my landlubbing ways and do some
sailing and adventuring. The magic of this beautiful
ship and its welcoming international crew worked on
me and will also work on anyone whether on vacation,
a business trip with extra time or searching for a few
days of relaxation.
 Originally
built in 1931 in Belgium, as a "Zeilogger"
or sailing fishing ship ; the 120 feet ( 37m ) long
"Insulinde" proved to be a vessel which combined
grace and speed and was subsequently put to good use
as a "packer" racing fresh catches from the
Icelandic fishing grounds to the great coastal cities
of Europe. Following a period of mixed use and some
neglect the "Insulinde" was completely restored
in Enkhuizen , Holland in 1987 and fitted with 9 two
person cabins, including a couple of well-proven honeymoon
suites. The ship, while not luxurious, is most comfortable
and very well maintained. About 30 to 80 passengers
make day trips, wedding and private parties, and smaller
groups of 12-14 enjoy fully inclusive live-aboard mini-cruises
to exclusive destinations. Safety has a high priority,
and the ship is certified with the Dutch Shipping Inspection
for worldwide voyaging with passengers.
 The
owners of the "Insulinde", Phil and Laara,
hail from Canada's East Coast. Phil, a Master Mariner,
with 36 years served at sea and originally Scottish,
became a transplanted Newfoundlander after spending
several years actively involved in developing the offshore
oil industry. He is an experienced seaman who has sailed
the world round many times. He strikes one as a kind
and efficient Captain, someone you can trust to take
you out on the open waters. He is well spoken, self-confident
and fun. From his descriptions of the trips they plan
and have taken, you know he has enjoyed each and every
one. Energetic and personable, Laara, from Nova Scotia,
is a gourmet cook with many years of experience in restaurants
in Canada and in the Caribbean yacht charter industry.
When I first met Laara she was busy preparing her secret
recipe for Caesar salad dressing; sought after by many.
She won't tell the secret, so you have to sign aboard
and try it. Her galley produces many other international
specialties that are simply out of this world. Phil
and Laara have been owners and operators of the "Insulinde"
for some twelve years and have lots of humorous stories
to tell of their adventures, and of their passengers
and crew who keep on coming back time after time. In
their quest to help their guests feel relaxed and have
fun, Phil and Laara have developed a variety of adventure
cruises from daysails in Curaçao with superb
snorkel and scuba stops ; weekend trips to nearby charming
Bonaire; the dive-star of the Caribbean, to five-day
mini cruises visiting national parks and secluded uninhabited
coral atolls in beautiful Venezuela; these mini cruises
may be custom-designed to meet the special requirements
of individual groups on private charters . Divers will
find an underwater world rich and teeming with marine
life and the "Insulinde" is fully equipped
with all the gear. From time to time Capt. Phil and
Laara venture further afield in search of new horizons
with 2-3 months voyages in the Leeward and Windward
Islands , and in 2002 following the construction of
a new mainmast , rig and sail plan , they competed in
the Sail America Tall Ships Race to Jamaica and St.
Petersberg , Florida bringing home to Curaçao
a handsome bronze statue as their trophy for the race
.
 Keep
an eye on http://www.insulinde.com for future extended
voyages ...
a month long cruise to the enchanting island of Cuba
is planned !!!! Meanwhile back in Curaçao the
"Insulinde" team have added a new dimension
to their sail adventure business "Spanish
Water Lagoon Sailing Safaris" in which the
"Insulinde" plays mother host to a fleet of
five 20 feet (6.20m) long Centaur sailing sloops. Guests
may guide their own sloop through the inlets and coves
of picturesque Spanish Water or relax and let one of
the "Insulinde's" crewmembers skipper the
boat and provide expert sailing instruction . A delicious
lunch is served aboard the ship and in the afternoon
there is plenty of time to relax on beautiful Santa
Barbara Beach before sailing home to Willemstad . Competent
sailors may hire the sloops and spend the day sailing
in the safe enclosed waters of Spanish Water Lagoon
. Alternatively those staying on Curaçao for
a little longer may wish to enrol in a course of sail
instruction with a fully certificated RYA instructor.
 Today
" Insulinde " sails as a craft of pleasure
providing training , holiday adventure and life-long
memories to the crew , passengers and friends who are
fortunate enough to sail the friendly sunny Caribbean
seas aboard her . Although she doesn't quite operate
as a democracy the Captain's love for his ship , the
galley's gourmet meals and that special something we
each find when we board her magical decks somehow keeps
us from mutinying and returning to her time and time
again !
By Wanda
Young & Ken Bravo.
For more information you are welcome to call
Phil and Laara:
Telephone : ( 599 9 ) 560-1340 Fax : ( 599 9 ) 461-1538
|
