July 2025 – Our World Adventure

Today, on my 60th birthday, I find myself in a church on the island of Fulqana, surrounded by Kathy and some of our closest friends, listening to a minister speak in Bauan Fijian. The “word of God” feels as foreign to me now as it did 50 years ago as a boy in South Carolina. Back then, my Sundays were split: church with Mom when Dad was at sea on his submarine, or sailing South Carolina’s coast with him (Dad) when he was home. Even at 10, I knew where I’d rather be—to Mom’s chagrin. (laughs)

It’s no surprise which path I chose. Sailing wasn’t just a hobby; it became my life’s rhythm. Today, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the people who’ve shaped my incredible journey. My father who taught me that sailing could be a way of life, not just a weekend escape. My mother who sparked my curiosity and instilled a toughness that carried me through. My brother (my best friend) who taught me that our lives can be so short. Business partners like James Cooley and Jeff Paul taught me about money—sometimes the hard way. Employers who turned a blind eye when I slipped out early on Fridays, already halfway to the water.

Then there are my friends—too many to name, but each a thread in my tapestry. Folks like Thomas Sinnickson who kept my quirky, “I can be different” edge sharp. My cruising partners, some with me since our early Mexico days. My kids, who brought so much joy but also knew Dad was off to “do his thing.”

And Kathy! The one that gives me the courage to be brave. The one that shares the necessary fortitude “we need” to greet the wide open sea when we leave the safety of the harbor and head out to our next destination.

My journey is a mosaic of moments: running the fishing boat Mello Boy in college, sailing my first Hobie with Ollie in Fresno. Logging thousands of miles on inland lakes with Kathy and all our Hobie friends. And, captaining whale and harbor tours in Morro Bay before we set sail on Sea Bella. Every experience, every person, has built this life.

To all of you—thank you. Your support means the world, and we’re thrilled some of you follow our adventures. At 60, I’ve learned it’s just a number. This ride has had its ups and downs, but it’s only getting better. As Jimmy Buffett sings in Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes:

“Oh, yesterday’s are over my shoulder, so I can’t look back for too long. There’s just too much to see waiting in front of me, and I know that I just can’t go wrong.”

-P.S. We’re stoked for Vanuatu in October! I’m diving into a book “Getting Stoned with Savages” a hilarious book about the islands. It’s opening chapter nails it: A life trapped in a soul-sucking career, which may leave you with money, but trapped in a career with a dead end life that leaves you with few experiences and memories. Somehow I relate.

-Scott

❤️🐠 Scuba diving Namena Island, Fiji (a no take marine reserve) in honor of David Attenborough’s 100 birthday. Thank David for for his life’s work! ❤️🐠 trillions of fish, 100% thriving, live coral! Incredible experience scuba diving In Fiji! Top dives so far for me. The colors and variety of both fish and coral amazed me. This area is a marine reserve, no fishing allowed, so no wonder it’s a divers dream!

So what else have we been doing? Simply amazing times! The water, the land and the people have been beyond our expectations. Fiji just might be the perfect South Pacific experience. If anyone was to ask us to choose an island vacation spot, Hawaii or Fiji, hands down Fiji, and I love Hawaii (but you know I don’t care for the typical tourist experience)!
We spent a week in Viani Bay which has turned out to be the ultimate divers paradise. There is a small village, a small dive operation (Dive Academy) and a quaint 5 room resort called Viani Bay Resort. It’s an authentic, sweet small spot with local Fijian villagers working the dive outfit. They all go out of their way to find the perfect dive and treat you so well. Smiling the entire time, Fijians seem to be the most caring people we have ever met. The owners of the little resort and dive shop have also recently begun a Sea Salt company. Stay tuned for more info. Then there are the Sharks of Beqa!! Wow!

We typically dive mostly off our own boat and dinghy but sometimes it’s best to have a guide and someone that drifts with you to show you the best points and who knows the critical currents. We dove the White Wall and The Freeway with the Viani Dive Academy. We were dropped off on top of the reef and had a great diver Master named Paul. We got to swim down and through a 50 yard lava tube that comes out 90 feet underwater by a wall covered in white soft corals. It’s like underwater snow! More videos for fish lovers.

More fish at Chimney Bommie, Namena

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Also known as the “Soft Coral Capitol of the World”

What did we do after diving?? Well, we headed back into the village for an evening of their Kava happy hour, or should we say hours, plural! The local young men and a few elders presented us with a bowl of the “good stuff” (local Kava) and we learned what this stuff is all about. Burp! Typically and nightly the men gather for entire evening and partake in this ritual, usually drinking 30-40 cups of Kava! We were up for this experience, wanted the full effect, but yuck! We managed to stomach about 7 rounds of Kava. After 1 1/2 hours, good chatter, stories, a few good laughs, and that was it for the 6 of us gringos. Tired, full and mouths tingly and numb, we stumbled in the pitch dark, minding the toads and crabs in the lush grasses, back to our anchored dingies and we all motored home-to our sailboats for a good nights sleep.