The Galley Guys Have Been Busssssssy…

The conversation started while we were reminiscing with John Armstrong, the newest member of the Canadian Yachting crew.

"I have a shrimp curry recipe that I absolutely love," John told us, “and it's something that I like to make when we have friends onboard the boat."

We couldn't help ourselves for asking John where his affection for curry come from? We learned that John spent many years as a pilot with Air Canada and it turns out that at one point in his career, he had a particularly unusual assignment.

Chester Race Week. What more can a Galley Guy say? Lots of boats. Top notch race committee work. Full on competitive racing. Fantastic people. Too much wind. Not enough wind. Mega rain. Hot and steamy weather. Spectacular scenery. Fun parties. Lots of handshakes. Big-time hugs. And a non-stop supply of Goslings dark rum in a concoction called Dark & Stormies (note the use the plural form). Old friends. New friends. First-time stories. Stories that you may have heard once or twice before.

The Galley Guys have heard it said that, “If you are lucky enough to be boating, then you are lucky enough”. This past week, in the middle of a squall, in 90 kilometre winds, three Canadian sailors (one was only nine years old) were rescued in the Pacific Ocean by the 240 metre freighter, Horizon Reliance, belonging to the North Carolina company Horizon Lines Inc. Nearing hypothermia, the three were plucked from the sea, from darkness, heavy rain and six metre waves. Here on the stormy ocean were incredible acts of bravery, courage, skill, unselfishness and luck. "The rescue efforts cost will be covered by Horizon Lines", Spokesman James Story said. “It's part of our obligations as seafarers.”

They say: what you dare to dream, dare to do. Judging from the fact that almost every month, we get a letter from a Canadian Yachting reader who is about to chuck it all in and sail off into the tropical sunset, it is clear that we have lots of daring readers!

Quit your job, sell your house, kiss family and friends goodbye and set sail for the adventure of a lifetime. We suggest you give yourself a bit of time to plan and adjust though. It’s quite a jump from Bay Street to Montego Bay. Why not start by warming up to the tropics with some amazing island food and a good book?