Travel – Page 4 – Our World Adventure

Brewer 44 Sailboat-(Sold)

June 1, 2024November 7, 2024 by Scott and Kathy Erwin, Sail the World, posted in Sailing

SV SEA BELLA (sold)

Make: Brewer, Model: Brewer 44 Cutter, Builder: Fort Meyers Boat Works, Florida, USA, Length: 44’ (13.4m) Year: 1990 Location: Fiji

DESCRIPTION: Sea Bella is an exceptionally well built and equipped cruising sailboat capable of a fast and safe offshore passage in a wide range of conditions. The Brewer 44 is a durable, heavy displacement boat made to be comfortable at sea. She has been sailed by myself; Kathy and my husband; Scott for 6 years. She was remarkable on our journey from California to her present location in Tonga, that’s nearly 12,000 miles with hardly a glitch. She is turn key and ready to go, nothing needed. We are eager to find her a happy new home so we can upgrade to a Catamaran.

in the last 3 years. Scott is a 100 ton USCG Captain as well as an industrial engineer, taking great care of her. She is equipped to be an offshore boat to sail around the world. Redundancies exist in most systems as well as an impressive replacement parts inventory. The sellers (Scott and Kathy), realizing they will be at sea for the long term, are upgrading to a performance Catamaran.

The Brewer 44 is a Center cockpit cutter designed by the late and prolific Ted Brewer. She boasts a 37.14 Comfort Rating making her very comfortable at sea and very stable. Sea Bella’s newer sails leave her with many options in multiple weather conditions at sea. The cutter rig, as well as the triple reefs available in the main, means she is comfortable even in a big blow. The asymmetrical spinnaker is easily flown to achieve hull speed even in lighter winds. The boat has a shoal draft keel making it easy to anchor close to shore. She has a swing down center board that allows sailing close to the wind. The center board system works flawlessly. This boat does NOT have a bolt on keel. The solid glass hull encapsulated keel means no keel bolts to rust.

The entire cabin is designed for ultimate comfort at sea as well as at anchor. The Center cockpit is one of the top cockpit designs and holds 8 comfortably for social hour or sleeps 2 for general sleeping or underway. The center cockpit also creates a comfortable aft master cabin with a bed wider than a Cal King. The mattress was made custom in San Diego by a professional marine bed company. It is a modern “bed mattress” that is 17cm thick. Yes, good enough to live on.

Nearly every system has been replaced, installed new, or upgraded between 2019 and today, making Sea Bella one of the safest and most well-equipped boats in her class. The added stainless arch at the stern is a huge tool for managing the dinghy and power systems. The arch was built in Mexico in 2019 and provides solid rails to mid-ship for safety at sea. She is ready TODAY to cross oceans or relax by your favorite island.

Sea Bella’s engine and transmission are in great shape and the transmission is only 6 years old. The Perkins 4.236 is a 85hp naturally aspirated engine that has approximately 4200 hours. This engine should go at least another 5000 hours. The boats entire fresh water plumbing was replaced in 2023 with Pex type tubing.

Sea Bella will have a very comprehensive turn over to the new owner by Scott, the captain. Her systems are not complex, and she is easy to maintain and sail.

NOTE: Sea Bella is a USA flagged vessel that entered French Polynesia on March 2023 sailing from Mexico. In April 2024, she continued her westward route, currently sailing from Tonga to Fiji. If the boat is not sold in Fiji by early 2025 the present owners will continue westward in their circumnavigation.

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

LOA: 44’ (13.6m)

Displacement: 29,000lbs (13,154kg)

Beam: 13.5’ (4.11m)

Draft Board up: 4.5’ (1.37m)

Draft Board down: 9’ (2.74)

Mast Clearance: 59’

Hull Material: GRP (fiberglass)

Fuel Capacity: 135gal (515L)

Water Capacity: 200gal (757L)

PROPULSION

Engine: Perkins 4.236

Engine Hours: 1100 hours on current meter

plus 3100 on previous meter

Fuel Type: Diesel

Horsepower: 85 metric HP @ 2300 rpm

Speed: 6.5 knots at 1500 rpm

Spare parts include a starter solenoid, Heat exchanger, water pump, raw water pump, fuel pump, Thermostat, zincs, belts, all filters, hoses.

ENERGY SYSTEMS

House Batteries: 4 x 280ah EVE LiFePO4 (2020)

Overkill BMS’s

House Capacity: 840 Amp-Hours

Starter Battery: AGM (2020)

House Voltage: 12v DC and 120v AC

(Soon to be added a 220 inverter)

Battery Charger: Pronautic 1260P Battery Charger

Inverter: Victron Phoenix 3000 watt/

120amp charger

Engine Alternator: Balmar 180amp.

Alternator Regulator: Balmar 618

(New Wakespeed, not installed)

Battery Monitor: Victron 712 (2020)

Shore power: 30amp 120V

Solar: 1300 watts total

Solar Controllers: 2 ea Victron MPPT (2020)

Generator: 8kw diesel Onan Genset

Sea Bella is very energy independent, has been cruising and not plugged into a dock in 2 years. The high efficiency solar panels provide 80% of total electrical needs. The main engine alternator is a high output Balmar180amp and contributes the energy efficiency. The 8kw Diesel Onan Generator is overkill and used very seldomly.

HULL & DECK CONSTRUCTION

Hull: Solid GRP (fiberglass) with epoxy

barrier on bottom

Deck and Topsides: Solid GPR (fiberglass) in high

stress areas otherwise marine plywood

ACCOMMODATIONS

Berths: Forward “V berth”, main salon/

cabin, aft berth

Sleeps: 4 comfortably, 5-6 maximum

(cockpit comfortably sleeps 2 persons, outdoors)

Sea Berth: 2 sea berths in salon with lee

cloth.

Air Conditioning Air Marine Air Systems 1600

BTU Air conditioner Main Cabin

Cushions: New foam and Sunbrella fabric

on all cushions throughout boat.

Showers: Dedicated H/C showers with in

forward and aft head. Half

bathtub in aft head. Additional

H/C shower on back deck

Stereo: Fusion 770

Forward Head: Jabsco Pump head with 25 gal

holding tank. Macerator for open

ocean pump out or deck level

fittings for pump out.

Aft Head: Jabsco Marine electric head.

Overboard only.

Television Hisense 32” Smart TV with Wifi

GALLEY

Stove and Oven: Force 10 -3 burner stove

Water maker: SeaWaterPro 40 gallons per

hour. Installed in 2022. Runs

easily off the inverter.

Refrigeration: CoolBlue 12v Compressor (New

2021). Huge, insulated box with

top and bottom access

Freezer: CoolBlue 12v Compressor (New

2021) Huge, insulated box

(Very Cold-keeps ice frozen)

Microwave 1000 watt Microwave

ELECTRONICS & NAVIGATION

Chartplotter: B&G 12” Zeus 3s

Radar: B&G Halo 20+

Instruments: B&G Wind, depth, temperature,

and speed

Displays 2ea Trition 2 Displays in cockpit

2ea Triton 1 Displays in nav

station and master cabin

AIS: Emtrac B254 Class B Transponder

and Receiver with WiFi (2020)

Transmits AIS and GPS to various

apps like OpenCPN and Navionics

Autopilot Computer: B&G Nac 3 with remote control

OTHER:

NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 navigation systems are networked for for redundancy

DataHub installed to communicate directly to

Predictwind and Marine Traffic

COMMUNICATION

VHF Radio: Standard Horizon Matrix 2000

with integrated AIS receiver and hailer

VHF Cockpit Mic: Standard Horizon RAM4

Backup VHF ICOM IC-M504 installed in Captains Cabin with separate Antenna

SSB ICOM M802 Marine Radio w/Pactor 4 Dragon Modem

Starlink Starlink System with wifi

MAST, BOOM, RIGGING, & DECK HARDWARE

Rigging: Replaced all mast wire rigging new in 2020

Mast Pulled and rewired in 2019

Boom Vang: Forespar boom vang (2021)

Spar Forspar extendable whisker pole (2021)

Primary Winches: 2 x Barient POWER winches

Running Rigging All new in 2020

SAILS

Mainsail: New 2020

Genoa: New 2021 130% genoa with sunbrella sun cover.

Staysail: New 2021 sunbrella sun cover.

Spinnaker: North asymmetrical spinnaker with new sock. Recut and rebuilt 2023

ANCHORING

Anchor: Mantus 30kg

Windlass: Maxwell windlass with gypsy and capstan. New 2018

Chain: 330’ 10mm DIN chain. New in 2023.

Other: Stern anchor – Fortress FX23. Chain/rode.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Alarms: Carbon monoxide/smoke detector

Bilge High Water Alarm.

Fire Suppression: Fire extinguishers throughout cabin (2023).

Emergency Tiller: Included.

Liferaft: Life raft Viking Rescyou Offshore 4 person liferaft. (Service due 2024)

EPIRB: ACR RLB-32 EPIRB

Satellite Comm: Iridium GO with external antenna

Bilge Pumps:

ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT

Dodger: Stainless steel frame with Sunbrella fabric. ½ is new 2023. Removable Sunbrella covers.

Bimini: Stainless steel frame. Sunbrella fabric. Removable Sunbrella shade piece connects bimini and dodger. Roll up removable side panels.

Sea Cocks: Spare Parts: Extensive inventory.

Equipment Covers: Bergundy Sunbrella covers for winches, compass, jerry jugs, hatches, 2 rain fly

Tender: AB 10’6 Aluminum RIB. 2020 with 20HP 4 stroke Tahatsu 2020, anchor and chain

Stackpack: Bergundy Sunbrella, dyneema lazyjacks

Fuel Transport: Scuba Equipment Compressor, 2 Dive tanks

Stainless Steel Arch: 2” custom arch with solid rails to mid-ship. Two stainless built in seats at stern. Motor mount for storage

Portholes:

DOCUMENTATION

USA flagged vessel.

EXCLUSIONS

Owners’ personal items are excluded from this sale and may include items shown in online videos or images.

DISCLAIMER

The details of this vessel are offered in good faith, but we cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct their agents, or their surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer’s desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.

Venomous Sea Snakes of South Pacific

May 23, 2024 by Scott and Kathy Erwin, Sail the World, posted in Sailing

Warning! The below video is not for the squeamish at heart. This was a very spooky dive experience with the sea snakes of Niue. Not only cool snakes here, but our dive included some of the healthiest coral we’ve seen in the South Pacific, and the clearest water.

We had up to 300 foot visibility in places. After drifting over a coral garden we swam through an underwater narrow (dark) tunnel about 100 feet long, then up into a pitch black limestone cavern. This tunnel and cavern had a mix of salt and fresh salt water which changed the visibility and temperature. When the sea water yields to fresh water, it blurs your vision and makes you think you have Vaseline on your mask. (I’ve never been diving in the dark, never in a tunnel nor a cave, with poor visibility and NEVER with snakes!) Luckily the snakes were not aggressive.

You’ll see the snakes as we ascend at the end of the tunnel. What you don’t see is that when it was time to leave, Scott’s ears wouldn’t equalize. While everyone else was descending back in the tunnel to return to the open ocean, Scott was stuck in the cavern by himself (I was waiting below), yes with the snakes, unable to continue back with the group. (Could be some people’s worst nightmare). Fortunately with time and patience, Scott was able to clear the equalization issues and exit the cavern. It might have only been 5 minutes, but Scott felt like it was an hour!!

We can’t express enough the beauty of the coral in Niue. So healthy, so extensive and so fortunate for us to see it. Truely blessed.
Scott will be doing a second post about the island and the people, soon.

Passage West From Bora Bora

May 9, 2024November 7, 2024 by Scott and Kathy Erwin, Sail the World, posted in Sailing

You might wonder what sailors do all day on their long ocean passages? It depends on the comfort factor of the sea state and your boat. We just completed a 900 mile passage, which took us 7 days. 💨 We had wind mostly behind us, at the stern, so Sea Bella was thankfully rather flat the first few days.

However, Mariners call this section of the Pacific the “dangerous middle” as the seas get confused. Stay with me on this. We saw swell of 10 feet for 2 days, which is the primary South swell. But, this area also has a small swell coming from both the North and the West. It’s also called the convergence zone. Primarily the swell was our port flank, slapping us along and lifting us up and down. Sea Bella does great, gliding, cutting and surfing down the big wave fronts. Making 11 knots of boat speed on some rides. 🌊

But, this makes for a lot of movement on the boat, which means no cooking, and not much walking about. Imagine brushing your teeth or using the restroom! Hold on! The last day King Neptune must have been grumpy. A huge 5 mile squall presented in front of us, on my watch! Reduce sail, put another reef in, furl the Genoa, take out the staysail, grab two rain jackets, Stow everything! It was a long night. As for watch schedules; Scott and I typically split up (1 in the comfy cockpit on watch and 1 in the salon with table made into a king bed). Over a premade meal and watching sunrise or sunset we discuss weather, sail configuration, and other happenings. ☀️ Either watch, we read, write, watch a movie, listen to audible, play online puzzles, stargaze, fish… or when weather gets crazy, it’s sail management.

As for watch schedules, it’s pretty loose for us. Scott does roughly sunset to midnight, I do midnight to dawn (ish) (this doesn’t guarantee the other is sleeping like a baby in the choppy conditions) 😴 Daylight hours its mostly Scott’s watch, with a few naps breaks. If you recall, Sea Bella has a partially enclosed, center cockpit. I made comfy cushions and pillows, but, you may know that the South Pacific has random but short bursts of rain, cause for an urgent rain drill and stowing 😂 We have noticed that passages always take a few days to get into this rhythm, but overall they are not too bad.

Friends come for a week of Sailing!

April 17, 2024 by Scott and Kathy Erwin, Sail the World, posted in Sailing

Good friends from Atascadero come for a visit on Sea Bella. Penny and Steve Crawford do a write up about their time here in Huahine:

“A huge thank you to Kathy and Scott Erwin aka SeaBella. Experiencing a tad-bit of the sailing lifestyle with you both was beyond what we could have imagined. So many laughs, so much snorkeling, eating, drinking, and did I mention a few boat lumps and bumps lol. We are forever grateful for this once in a lifetime experience. Who knows… maybe another adventure down the “road” in our future.The French Polynesian island of Huahine did not disappoint! Getting to experience 6 days on the Erwins sailboat was nothing less than spectacular. The friendship, laughter, snorkeling, island adventures, local peoples traditions, a few boat boo boos, and the whole lifestyle is hard to express in words. We are forever grateful for this incredible experience!”

That’s a Wrap, 1 Year in French Polynesia, 2023-2024.

March 29, 2024April 10, 2025 by Scott and Kathy Erwin, Sail the World, posted in Sailing

Two highlights of the Tahiti airport anchorage were watching the sealife under the boat and enjoying Moorea sunsets! We stayed a week then moved on to Huahine. A very favorite society island.

Our one year visa in French Polynesia is quickly coming to an end, bittersweet but we are ready. Our time here has been amazing, as most of you have seen and heard. The 3 Archepeligo’s have been unique in their own way, so it’s quite hard to pick a favorite. The Marquesas were all about the people and the rich jungles. The Tuomotus were all about the water clarity, diving, and coconut sandy beaches. The Societies have a French vibe, with many cruisers, beautiful lagoons but high fees in Bora Bora. I did hold a yoga class at a neighborhood park for a few interested cruisers and locals.

There were 8 islands overall that we visited twice, so that kind of says something about how special they are.

In Tahiti, we wrapped up some boat projects, stocked up on essentials, planned ahead, and the best part was partnering up with cruiser friends again! In about 3 weeks, we will clear out of immigration (heading West). Tomorrow we head to Huahine, then pit stops in Tahaa, maybe Bora Bora and Maupiti.

What a difference 500 miles can make from the towering mountains of the Marquesas (Fatu Hiva) to the cool blue waters of the Tuomotus (Tahanea). The 3.5 day passage brings huge changes and we loved to get snorkeling again.
We are learning more about flying this drone all the time. Take a look at our YouTube sailing, diving and yoga videos.

“What’s Next”

February 4, 2024April 17, 2024 by Scott and Kathy Erwin, Sail the World, posted in Sailing

Friends and family ask us,
”What’s next?”
While we wait out the summer storm season (Nov- Mar) in our safe haven, beautiful home of the Marquesan Islands, we research, plan, discuss, read, yes play and put a plan loosely together.

Weather is the primary factor while we research. Our cruising buddies’ plans are also a factor. It’s important for Scott and I to experience remote islands and the unique flora and fauna of land, sea and air. We also participate and explore the local culture, traditions and cuisine. As you may recall, we are on a slow westward path, enjoying as much LIFE as possible. A Sailing Adventure continues to be our theme, so we head to the Southern islands of Marquesas.

Come April we visit the Society Islands (Huahine, Bora Bora and Maupiti) and leave French Polynesia. We hop to a few Southern Cook Islands, adventure around the islands of Tonga, sail toward Fiji, first stopping at the amazing dive spot called Beveridge, and end up in September in Fiji.
“Then what??”
The Pacific Ocean is too large for Sea Bella to cross in one season (unless we don’t stop much) So she needs to stay in and around Fiji for the next cyclone season Nov-Mar. Fiji has safe harbor marinas, if needed, and 500ish, pristine islands to cruise around. Looking forward to it all! Stay tuned…

Cruiser Friends

January 27, 2024February 3, 2024 by Scott and Kathy Erwin, Sail the World, posted in Sailing

I just love our sailing friends!

Some anchorages just have that super strong sense of community, it’s hard to pull anchor and leave. We have been so blessed in this small bay named Hooumi. 4 boats are our good friends from Mexico, 6 boats are new friends we met a few months ago here in FP. We feel like such family, with daily activities loosely organized by different people every day. The spontaneity and variety is just so cool. 19 friends showed up for my Yoga and meditation this morning, hugs of gratitude all around. Yesterday, some of us dingied up the river to a little village, bought a few staples and did cannon balls in the clear and refreshing river water with the local children.

We all laughed and drummed ourselves silly the other night at the beach. Bonfires and s’mores are always fun. One boat had us all over for Taro Card readings and appetizers. There was a scotch tasting on SV Captain Music. Last week, Ingrid made enough Poke Bowl to share with us all. Luckily, English is our common language but we’re from 6 or so countries. It really doesn’t matter the age, socio economics, political opinion, religion, how long cruising, what country you launched from or where you are headed. We all have one thing in common, a positive outlook with an adventurous spirit. Mind you, not everyday is easy and fun, but we are in it together.

To Name a few: Joanne Pilkington and Scott, Jutta Birfelder and Mike. Michelle Fetkenhour and Jeff. Margot McKirdy and Elliott. Bruce Balan and Alene. Ingrid and Adam Lewis. Emma Aingé and Dan. Candice Deal and Jason Deal. Jan, Inge, Lauren and Liam.

My 15 day Sailors Yoga Camp is now compete!

YOGA CAMP

Testing out my new skills was easy and fun with my cruiser friends. I tried new poses, transitions, meditation themes and even stumbled my way with chatty children and a few locals at my side. The last day I was presented with a special card signed by all the Hooumi Bay sailors. Then they performed a ‘Trust Experience’ for me, where 20 students lifted me up, wow I felt so loved and cared for. I’m feeling inspired to do Yoga Around the World!

California and Texas Visits, (First Scott then Kathy- as someone had to babysit the boat)

January 13, 2024November 7, 2024 by Scott and Kathy Erwin, Sail the World, posted in adventure, Travel

Scott was able to spend a week in Texas and a week and half in California. “Spending a fantastic Thanksgiving day with Family in Texas! Nothing like excellent family, food and wine! Anarchy Wine Co.
(Darn cold here in the states) 😉

Happy Thanksgiving to all those missing Thanksgiving down under in the South Pacific and south of the border!!

California visit for Kathy was so, so special, two relaxing and perfect weeks. “I want to thank my family and friends for taking GREAT care of me and providing healthy land time. A much needed break from the rolly boat, heat and just missing my CA peeps. I did manage to get important check ups, select better sunglasses (and back ups) find essentials like Kirkland nuts and peanut butter, and basically enjoy normal life for awhile. I started in Santa Cruz on Christmas Day with a lovely time with Mom, Roland and my brothers’ family. I was lucky to borrow Mom’s car to drive to Fresno to couch it with my son. My daughter came over and we 3 headed to the Sierra foothills for a few days of R and R. Cooking amazing meals, singing on the Kareoke machine, silly card games, fun dance pad and mostly enjoying a large, flat, non moving home, lol. Some big hugs and a few tears later….”

I was off to San Luis Obispo to visit our rental and hang with great friends! My final 4 days I spent back at Mom’s in Santa Cruz with my Aunt, Uncle, Sister in Law and Dad. Overall, an action packed and special time for all. Soon, I make the 24 hour long journey (only an 8 hour flight over the great Pacific) returning to home on the water in Marquesas and best of all, back to my Hubby Scott.

But then, guess what happened?!.!?

Homeless Day in Tahiti

…and it sucked. I was grumpy. 😦I had hardly any sleep on the red eye, and our new foil board was not at baggage claim! It’s lost!😮Whine, whine, I know it. The nice, but French speaking attendant, insisted I report it right then, so it can hurry on the next the plane. But, it’s now 6am and I miss my connection flight to Nuku Hiva, by just 2 minutes. AAAH! 😱😱😱And still no board. 😡So, I book a new flight for 4:30 am tomorrow, book a close by lodge, and ditch my heavy bags in this sortof hotel (but-check in is at 4pm!) What to do allllll day???? Homeless for a day. I find a bus riding into downtown, mind you it only now 7:00am. 😳Searching for an open coffee shop like a homeless person, on very tired feet and sluggish mind, I sit for a needed Quiche Lorraine. Shoot!My phone doesn’t seem to have data or cellular and has only 35% battery. I tried plugging it in, but the outlets aren’t compatible! 😭NOT MY DAY! I wander from closed shop to closed shop and find the famous Papeete Market, but “closed on Tuesdays”, I mainly just wanted a bathroom. 😤UG. Getting a bit lost without any GPS, I find a park bench, to rest, feeling very homeless by now. I brushed my teeth in the public bathroom, thanking the French for having clean water. It’s 9am. 😖I only have 7 more hours to kill wandering aimlessly. I see a great book store, super right? I can sit and read for a few hours, but, no. Only French books here. 🤪Next stop, find the Air Tahiti office to file a claim. They send me to Air Tahiti Nui, 6 blocks away. Pointing a finger at each other I think. I would call… but no cell. It starts raining buckets, 🙈UG! One of those days! I am soaked within minutes, I hop on a bus to stay dry, head east, no clue where to. 😩I am kind of familiar with this city, thankfully. I explored around a favorite grocery store, bought some tops, and ate some yogurt and bananas. I managed to get my phone back running, after 45 minutes with TMobile. 😳I do have the time though, tons of time! I continued walking aimless about. (It’s, only noon) I will end this lengthy drama with a positive…you know me. I bought Scott some onions and potatoes, put them in my purse. Our anchorage town in Nuka Hiva is all out. (more heavy items for my carry on) grump, grump, grump 😁

(The next day)

When I go to check in at 4:00 am, the lost baggage office is open and there is our new Foil Board!

Community Outreach in Taiohae Bay.

January 3, 2024July 6, 2024 by Scott and Kathy Erwin, Sail the World, posted in adventure, Sailing, Travel

December 2023, a few cruiser friends and I (Emma on SV Margot and Joanne from SV Fundango) thought up a special way to give back to the little town we all are staying in for a few months. Taiohae Bay is in Nuku Hiva, in the Marquesas Archipelago of French Polynesia. I counted 150 sailboats all anchored in the bay, most are staying for the month to see the Festival Traditions of Matavaa. See my other posts. Since we are all just guests of their bay, I thought it would be a caring idea to “give back”, especially since the locals have graciously hosted us all and included us in all the their dances and singing events of the festival.

https://youtu.be/ZDv2FzqNui8?si=MIxwGQmbN6iqfsy4

We went to the local Tourism office and inquired about the local elementary schools. We shared our idea of bringing each child of the town a wrapped treat, goodie, or cookie. We were shown gratitude and a sense of appreciation.

There was a bit of red tape and logistics, with one school being Catholic, but with perseverance and organization the plans began working out well. Once we were approved, we made plans to go to 2 elementary schools, all 40 of us, and hand deliver treats to 320 youngsters, their teachers, food service helpers, principals, the mayor and even a few parents.

A few days beforehand, the three of us zipped around the bay all day asking local cruisers to participate in this “giving back”. Most of them loved the idea and wanted to join us and wanted to go to town to hand out treats.

So, the date was set for the last day of school. We gathered at the dingy dock, discussed some logistics (in French and English) and went walking into the town with goodie bags in tote. This was a fun activity for us and an important little treat for the town. The children were so surprised. They haven’t seen so many Caucasian faces ever probably. They treats were a hit. Our photo and story was even posted in the local news.

Taiohae Bay, Isle Les Marqueses, French Polynesia

December 1, 2023December 13, 2023 by Scott and Kathy Erwin, Sail the World, posted in adventure, Travel

Well, you ask if I’m lonely here in Nuku Hiva? Scott’s been gone 2 weeks and ….I miss him. But, I am never lonely or bored. With so much to do on and off the boat, and with so many past friends, new friends and friends yet to be made, I rarely have time to realize the quiet. (Maybe a bit weird to have all 44 feet of Sea Bella to myself, haha.) I go on hikes everyday, pet the random horses, study for my Yoga Certification, shop for yummy fruit, learn the local history, play chess online, do some sewing projects, and the best part: visit friends. I look forward for Scotts return next week, to share in all this island goodness. He will be here for the big Marquesan festival, Matavaa. And, yes, it will then be my turn to travel to California next month, to see my kids, family and friends, I am so excited about that.