Lately all of us have been feeling like we were long overdue for a change of scenery. So we did a thing…
A few days ago we moved to the dock at Sapphire Beach Marina here on St Thomas!!
The slip we wanted finally opened up and we made the move as soon as Peter had another day off. As much as I despise dock life and would much rather be at anchor, it’s really the best option for us right now. There just aren’t very many good options for being a liveaboard permanently based in USVI. Ideally, we would love to be in an anchorage that has good protection from waves and open ocean swell, water clean enough to swim in, and easy access to shore, but that really doesn’t exist on St Thomas. Plus, Brig is at the point where he really needs to run off some energy every day and meet some other kids his age, so dock life is the next best thing.
Peter is currently signing on long term for a really awesome job opportunity (more on that to come!) which means we are ready to plant some roots again. Some days I can’t stop thinking about how much I loved our mooring in Sopers Hole on Tortola, but then I remind myself that it’s not even close to being how it was before. There’s nothing there for us right now. Our new life after Hurricane Irma is here… on a different boat, just an island hop away. I absolutely love living in the islands and eventually I hope to love it here as much as I loved our home in BVI.
Sapphire has a pool and a really nice beach. There’s a beach bar/restaurant, coffee shop, smoothies, and ice cream. It’s close to the safari taxi route and there’s even a taxi stand by the restaurant. Parking is free, but you have to pay for showers. There’s self service laundry on site. Water is cheap at only .10cents a gallon reverse osmosis. The slip rental cost is pretty pricey but we don’t have many options to choose from. We get a decent breeze on deck but it’s coming from our starboard side so it can get pretty toasty down below. In the evenings it’s imperative that we get screens in all the hatches and zip up the cockpit or the no-see-ums and mosquitos can get pretty vicious. Our electric bug zapper racquet gets used once or twice a night even with the screens in. I think the part I like the most about our new home is that we don’t get ferry wakes anymore!! Those Tortola ferry captains lay on the throttle and when we were out in Christmas Cove we got some catastrophic wakes every now and then. Nothing like red hook gets – but still.
I think this will be a good thing for us. At least we are still able to live Where The Coconuts Grow
It was so good to “hear” from you. So glad you are all doing well. David shows me pictures you have sent. The little one is still cute as ever. Hope your new site works out well. What is Peter’s new job? He has a birthday coming up so I wish he a happy birthday now while I have the chance. Love, to you all. Myrna
Sounds like best decision for you right now! Your family has proven itself to be flexible, mindful, and above all resilient! Can’t wait to see future posts about this new chapter!
Great News For us,as my wife and I will be staying at Sapphire this May with another couple.We would Love meet you Again! As in May of 2016, your Birthday! Toni and I went with Captain Peter and Aristocat, You had the day off . We Happened to return to Pussers for a Group Dinner where we met You and puppy. Our unit is facing the marina.
All The Best
Patrick and Toni Hogan
Goodonyas! Be well, blessings to you and yours!
Could not help but notice he is like our 2 year grandson–shoes on the wrong feet.
Sounds like a good move. I, and my two sons, own a Tartan 27 on the Chesapeake, so I dream of the live-aboard life. I always enjoy your posts because I learn quite a bit.
Brig sure is growing!
Alan
I am excited for you guys! I understand (obvs ) the need to change it up.
Sorry we missed you guys when we were there! Peter zipped by and yelled Hey, and we always love that. But I was sad when we finally made it to Xmas and you guys weren’t there. Totally my fault for not checking in!
Anyway, enjoy your change in routine. We stayed in a condo at Sapphire a while back, and you are completely right. It’s a great location for a family.
Beautiful and happy memories! Your son is a cutie!
I’ve been reading your blog for a few years. We were based in Tortola as well and just moved over to sapphire beach marina. Small world.
Yes, we have found that the marina life is part of our journey, too.