S.V. LEGACY
Windjammer Barefoot Cruises
April 2004
by Doug Eads
"Ships are the
nearest thing to dreams that hands have ever made."
-Robert N. Rose
Why V.I.? For any
reason, whether it is business, or a land vacation, the Virgin Islands
in the Caribbean offer a surreal scenic canvas and there are
activities galore. This trip was my son Todd's medical school
graduation present and we were flying to St. Thomas, V.I. to meet the
sailing ship S.V. Legacy.
As we descended upon the Cyril E. King International airport what
strikes even returning visitors is the variety of the stunning blue
watery hues that glisten and sparkle about these emerald island
outcroppings. Are the crystal clear waters topaz—aquamarine—or
deep azure? Yes they are, and much more.
The islands are a tropic artistic palate, brimming with a sensuously
alluring invitation to come bathe and refresh in the opulent beauty.
You will surround yourself with pristine natural splendor and the
simple serenity that is offered on most of these islands.
Like a series of green sea turtles, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the
neighboring British Virgin Islands dot the unbelievably pure and clear
surrounding waters. These island gems are just 90 miles southeast from
San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The S.V. Legacy was docked at Crown Bay for our arrival, and I had
spotted her towering masts before our taxi turned into the docking
area. Our late arrival was expected, as a delay in flying made us the
last to board. The ship was like an inviting lady from the pages of
sailing history. The crew was friendly and welcoming throughout our
week aboard.
I had read ads and articles on the Windjammer Barefoot sailing company
nearly all of my life, and the lure to sails is one that seems
ingrained in our nature—the salty air and the brimming sails seem
primal to many who love the sea as I do. In 1947 Captain Mike Burk
formed the Windjammer Barefoot concept—and the rest is vacationing
history.
Legacy was acquired by the company in 1990. She was formerly a French
research ship, and was quickly converted to a traditional tall mast
ship accommodating up to 130 passengers on Caribbean venues.
Life Aboard: Long time Windjammer buffs were worried that the
larger and more accommodating Legacy would forget the traditional sort
of bare-bones approach to small group sailing that the older ships
offered the traditionalists. That ambience had become an icon for
those infatuated sailing souls who were Windjammer repeat clients over
the years.
Being true to Windjammer traditions, the Legacy quickly embraced even
the long time sailing set. And for you would-be first time sailors on
a Windjammer Barefoot cruise, the Legacy is longer, wider and more
spacious than the others in the fleet, we were told on-board.
A mammoth amount of deck space makes even a full ship seem roomy.
Cabins range from very compact singles, a quad is offered, some
triples, and even a couple of decked-out cabins with entertainment
centers. Since most people do not book the suites with television, you
may expect larger cabins compared to Windjammer’s other ships, but
comparing the cabins to large cruise ships they may seem smaller
and more plainly utilitarian. Legacy maintains a small lounge with
books and television for other guests.
There is ample cabin storage space for the product that is offered.
Let me explain: Barefoot cruising means shorts, sandals and
sneakers... so pack light if you are not familiar with Windjammer’s
atmosphere. Expect dinner with fellow mates in the same type casual
attire, and expect meals that are both eye-appealing and tasteful,
with a varied selection.
I loved the mornings with coffee in hand and above the frigate birds
and gulls soaring to lead the way. At night after dinner and a
symphonic rose-colored sunset, the stars dazzled the night-sky for a
tranquil return to natural and peaceful personal moments that life
awaits these were special moments upon the S.V. Legacy.
Goings On: Windjammer offers clients a chance to have fun, and
an opportunity to focus outwardly on what is around the ship—splendid scenery and natural wonders—not bingo and ice-carvings or
shipboard malls.
A couple evenings brought on games that ranged from innocent to
salty bawdy adult humor, but most nights left time for the silence of
stars, personal CD players and conversation with new friends. The
clients came from Alaska, Europe, Australia, and across the USA. On
the whole a nice mix of guests from PhDs to plumbers who were all
looking for a common interest—unwinding fun mixed with the sea,
sails, and the soft sands in paradise.
After breakfast each day Captain Julian had talks and orientations on
daily events, and crew members were always available and friendly.
Evenings the Windjammer tradition was the music "Amazing
Grace" and it greeted the sunsets—a romantic, if not
spiritual tradition. If the sails were set, then you could opt to join
in the hoisting and partake in sailing lessons where possible—a fun
experience for all.
I felt the wondrous itinerary around the Virgin Islands to be one of
the most lovely on earth in all of my travels, but due to the short
distances between the islands there was not much sails-up time... a
disappointment for me and others aboard... perhaps some ambiguous
sailing time about the area could be added by planning. The tough call
here is the short distances from island to island on this itinerary. But,
it is a sailing adventure that is sought and bought by clients,
regardless of short distances.
Ashore Mate! The natural wonders of St. John U.S.V.I. are just
four miles from St. Thomas, and it offers Trunk Bay, the only national
park under water, and a nice tour of the island is reasonably priced
and includes Trunk Bay snorkeling time.
Another crowd pleaser was the British Virgin Island of Gorda and her
world known Bath geological area. Huge granite boulders decorate the
swimming area and create swim-through cave-like areas. I suggested to
Windjammer they offer and or advise swimming or beach shoes for the
rocky areas encountered at times on these islands... ouch!
My favorite island of the week was one I had not seen in 30 years,
Tortola, B.V.I. Though Windjammer has outings for divers and other
tours, we decided to take a taxi with other guests over to world
famous and less crowded Brewer’s Bay. This is likely one of the most
picturesque beaches on earth. Hyper-lush hills surround a cove that
includes some rather Bohemian camping areas, and excellent reefs for
snorkeling.
A beach picnic one day on Peter Island was ideal and memorable. Once
you are into the mode of no hour-to-hour activities like the huge
cruise ships, and you begin to focus on what is around and about you—you may also become one of the many Windjammer devotees! Windjammer
Barefoot cruises are now on my thumbs-up cruise/sailing recommendation
list! This cruise product is not for the tuxedo and ball gown
enchanted set—but the company has a true and growing following in
the small ship and sailing niche market that I will fondly remember.
The Fore and Aft: Though St. Thomas is a bit more bustling than
the outer islands, she deserves a good exploration from the shopping
in town to wonderful and world famous Magen’s Bay. I always suggest
flying into a cruise port a day or two early, and perhaps spending a
day afterward.
A new special memory for me are Sandy and Martha, as they want to be
known, at the 1800’s building that is remodeled into the Galleon
House Hotel B & B. They have just 12 rooms, and are moderately
priced. You need to be able to navigate 40 plus steps up from
downtown, but the vistas can be wonderful and worth the effort. The
convenience is perfect for dining and shopping. In fact the well
recommended Herve Restaurant and Wine Bar adjoins conveniently to the
Galleon House.
Sandy and Martha are down-to-earth and friendly and will see to your
needs with a warm greeting and welcome. Breakfast is to suit your
delight, whether hot or cold, and a refreshing pool awaits along the
series of steps. The accommodations are quite adequate. There are
rooms in a newer add-on and in the older building all connected by
walkways and steps.
Setting Sails for Paradise:
Windjammer Barefoot
Cruises
(800) 327-2601
www.windjammer.com
Galleon House
www.galleonhouse.com
info@galleonhouse.com
(800) 524-2052
Virgin Island Tourism
www.usvitourism.vi
Copyright
©
Doug
Eads
Photo
© Windjammer
Barefoot Cruises
More Cruises Reviews
Cruise
Diva Home | Site
Map & Search Tool
