Fair Winds, Snowflake

In our last post we left you with the understanding that we were in search of a local buyer for our catamaran, since borders were still closed on island. We knew we would have to be much more flexible with our asking price, and we also knew that finding a local buyer would be challenging.

Then L. J. had a brilliant thought…

Remember the first couple that was interested in Snowflake? The reason why we rushed back to Grenada from Trinidad, to show this couple the boat and finalize the sell in January? They really wanted to buy Snowflake, but due to personal reasons they decided against it.

L. J. immediately recalled the couple, and the fact that they were residents on Grenada’s sister island of Carriacou. Not exactly on island and still not permitted to travel to Grenada at that point, but we knew the likelihood of inter-island travel was much higher than international travel happening anytime soon. 

I reached out to the couple and asked them if they were still interested in Snowflake. Of course they were, but they were hesitant to make an offer as their financial situation had not improved. After some back and forth, we came to an agreement that was a win-win, even though we were accepting far less than we had ever imagined. At this point, we knew we needed to get back down to owning only ONE boat, and we also knew that being able to own a catamaran like Snowflake would be a dream come true for the couple. A deal was struck, a deposit was made. 

We just had to wait for Grenada to allow inter-island travel. It appeared that this would happen soon, as Grenada’s Covid 19 numbers were still low and many businesses were beginning to open on the island. 

Finally, a week later, there was talk of the inter-island ferry resuming business! However, it wasn’t until another week after that when the buyers were permitted to travel by ferry to Grenada. After requesting permission to travel, and after completing a Covid 19 test with negative results, they were on their way! 

We scrambled to clean Snowflake and prepare her for her new owners’ first night aboard. It was bittersweet, cleaning the boat and sweeping the floors and making the bed for what we knew would be the last time.

Memories washed over us, as we touched each part of the sturdy little catamaran that had taken us on so many adventures. We smiled, remembering our very first overnight sail on her and how excited we were. We laughed at the good times she had shown us, and we thanked her for the places and people she had introduced to us. 

As we climbed into our little dinghy and untied the painter from Snowflake’s aft cleat, we knew it was the last time we would do so as Snowflake’s owners. I would be lying if I said no tears were shed. It’s an emotional thing, saying goodbye to a boat. If you are a sailor, you know what I mean. 

It’s difficult to explain to someone who has never experienced it, but it’s like your boat takes on a personality throughout the years. She teaches you lessons, introduces you to people you would’ve never met, and takes you to places you likely would’ve never seen without her. She has her quirks and she talks to you when something isn’t right. She keeps you safe through bad weather. You care for her like a child.

She gives you the freedom that you dream of, the freedom to travel with your home, the freedom of living on the water and amongst nature, the freedom of traveling by wind… The list could go on. My point is that when you own and sail on a boat for a length of time, you develop a bond with that boat. Personally, I have never felt anything like it with the cars or houses I have owned in the past. It’s indescribable and it’s sensational. 

Saying goodbye to Snowflake was like saying goodbye to a close friend or a family member. So yes, as we dinghied away from Snowflake tears were shed. Memories were recalled. We thanked our old girl for taking care of us and told her we would never forget her.

The next day, was the big day.

Deal finalized, documents signed, we handed over the keys and answered as many questions as they could throw at us about systems onboard Snowflake. They seemed beyond excited, we were immensely relieved, and all was right in our world again. 

Several days later, Snowflake and her new owners sailed out of Prickly Bay and on to Carriacou. We are still in communication with them, answering any questions they have. We know how helpful it can be to have a good connection with the previous owner. The couple is fairly new to sailing and living aboard, and this is their first sailboat, much like Snowflake was our first sailboat and living aboard experience years ago. We well remember the excitement and uncertainties, and we are happy for the couple and their new adventure. 

Now… as for us, we are fully concentrating on Soltara. Getting her back into the water is of highest priority for us and now we are able to focus completely on making that happen. 

We have been hauled out since the end of January because of some problems with our drive train. Unfortunately, the lockdown prevented us from receiving parts needed to complete the installation of the new drive train. Even today, with most things opened back up, we are still waiting on parts. 

But that is another story, for another post. 

For now, know that we are finally one-boat owners again!