Living on a boat makes it pretty easy to meet new people.  Cruisers will swing by on their dinghy to say “welcome” or “hello.”  You meet boaters at the dinghy docks, local bars, restaurants, or where there is internet.  But most of the time, cruisers come and go which makes it difficult to make “connections” with cruisers that are actually cruising in the same direction as you.  Finding cruising friends that you connect with and that are heading in the same direction can be challenging.

ATLANTIC CRUISING FRIENDS

Matt and I were blessed to meet several cruising friend boats in the Atlantic.  We hung around with them through several countries, dives, excursions, hikes, and dinner parties.  We crossed through the Panama Canal and enjoyed Panama’s Pacific archipelagos.  But then, Matt and I turned left toward Costa Rica and many headed south toward Galapagos.  We were not too worried at the time as we only planned on visiting Costa Rica for a few weeks and then catching up with them in French Polynesia.

Although, that was not in the cards for us.  We were struck by lighting and delayed 6 months which changed our cruising schedule drastically. We decided to take the next 6 months to cruise to Galapagos, Chile, Robinson Crusoe, Easter Island, then French Polynesia.

With the new sailing plan, we did not have an opportunity to meet other cruising friends.  We met lots of other boats, but did not make the “connection.”  So, we traveled a lone, making new friends along the way, but none that were really traveling in our direction – until now!

PACIFIC CRUISING FRIENDS

Three other boats will be in French Polynesia for 6-12 months that we hope to enjoy many months of travel together.  Sailing Argo has the fabulous Diesel family (Jason, Lisa, Torsten and Simone).  Argo is a 48’ Leopard that has the most amazing interior space.  It can comfortably hold 20+ people in the cock pit and interior.  They were the only boat that could host 12 people around their table for dinner.  We hiked Mt. Duff and around Taravai with them, swapped lots of stories, fix it tips, recipes, and a few tall tales.

Voyages of Agape

Voyages of Agape with Josh, Rachel and crew Wilky. Rachel and Josh are experienced mountain climbers, divers and free divers.  Rachel is a marine biologist and Josh is a professional free diver.  Well, he never used the word “professional” but he can hold his breath over 5 minutes and dive way beyond my comprehension with nothing other than flippers.  Wilky, their crew member is from Chile (and is affectionately called “Chile boy”).  He is a professional pastry chef and is fluent in multiple languages including French.  He has the innate ability to make friends with everyone and everyone loves him. Each are truly amazing people and have incredibly enriched my life.  You can follow them on Instagram or Facebook at @voyagesofagape.  Agape’s crew photo taken on Sugar Shack at Baie Onemea with Rachel’s sister Rianna (far right).

Halcyon Wandering

John, Becca and crew Andrew are on Halcyon Wandering.  They are truly experienced sailors having traversed the arctic and all over the world.  They too are experienced mountain climbers and divers.  Becca is a very talented writer, yoga guru and runs a small accounting business on the side.  John is incredibly smart and witty and gave Matt a run for his money.  The two of them often played off one another and picked each other’s brains.  John is a spectacular spear fisherman and took Matt out several times to show him how to spear fish.  Super kind and generous people.  Can’t forget about Andrew their crew.  He is from Scotland and is a man on the move.  Hiking, walking, swimming, SUP’ing and working out.  He is very adventurous and kind.  You can follow Halcyon on Facebook and Instragram @halcyonwandering.

We are truly blessed to have met both Halcyon and Agape and look forward to many more adventures together.  Halycon’s crew photo taken on Sugar Shack at Baie Onemea.

Adventures with our Pacific Cruising Friends

Hanging out on Sugar Shack on a Sunday Funday.

The girls hanging out in Taravai during a Sunday BBQ.

We’ve had some great days!  We had a “Toes and Toddies” party where the girls did pedicures while consuming some tasty prosecco and wine.

A playday with Peggy Sue on Sugar Shack.  We managed to get all 4 girls on her back without falling in the water. However, all hell broke lose when John decided he wanted to join the girls.  Unfortunately, Peggy Sue was beheaded and will have to be retired.

We had a fabulous bonfire / cookout one night where we cooked fish we caught earlier in the day.

Cruising friends come and go as the nature of living on a boat.   But, when you have an opportunity to cruise with like-minded people for an extended period of time it really makes my heart sing.