A more positive approach
As I mentioned in the rainforest post, our friends on Ainulindale had planned to be off their boat yesterday on an island tour. As we knew they’d be gone for most of the day, and Rebecca and I hadn’t planned on straying too far, we told them that we’d keep an eye on their boat, just in case. They were a bit concerned that in some light and fluky winds, they might drift a bit too close to their new boat neighbor, our other friend Rick on s/v Sophisticated Lady. As it turned out, it was a good thing that we were nearby.
Just after lunch, Rebecca and I were busy on deck, putting ZTC’s sails up in anticipation of our moving her around to St. George’s on Saturday morning. While doing so, we watched a 54′ SeaRay (power boat) come into the bay and anchor just off the beach at Hog Island. The boat was loaded with kids and adults and with all the laughter, it was obvious that they were there for some type of celebration. This type of situation is nothing new for those of us anchored in Hog Island as that beach is a frequent stop for the day-charter boats.
At one point in the afternoon we noticed that the SeaRay had either raised their anchor, or were dragging. Initially we were unsure as to whether or not there was even anyone on the boat as all the “guests” were apparently having a great time on the beach, laughing and frolicking in the water. Although the wind was light at the time, the boat was slowly drifting, making it’s way directly towards both our friends’ boats, broadside. We watched the situation unfold and as the boats got closer and closer, we hailed Rick who presumably was on his boat (no response). We watched some more, waiting for the SeaRay to power away. When this failed to happen and the boat had drifted way too close, I jumped in our dinghy and raced over to Ainulindale, ready to have a confrontation with the SeaRay’s Captain for endangering our buddies’ boats. After quickly securing our dinghy to Ainulindale’s transom, knocking one of their solar lights off in the process (sorry, guys), I raced forward to the bow, ready to fend off the other boat if necessary. When I arrived there, the SeaRay’s Captain immediately explained that they needed some help. They had lost an engine and were unable to maneuver.
Pushing their boat with our tender as a tug would move a barge, I helped the Captain of the SeaRay steer his vessel away and between our friends’ boats. With Rick down below and Kirk and Donna away, few other people witnessed all that transpired. Once safely clear of the yachts, I ultimately helped him to position the boat in a suitable spot for re-anchoring and following that, even ran the Captain over to the adjacent bay so that he could purchase some more diesel fuel (was that the problem?).
The Captain of that boat turned out to be a very nice guy and he was extremely thankful for my help. He took down our telephone number and invited us to visit him and his wife at their home in Hope City.
After reflecting back on the situation, I felt bad for the way that I had mentally approached the situation. Instead of going over there, ready to have a confrontation, perhaps I should have instead went their first assuming that the boat was in trouble and needed some help? Has my attitude has been tainted by past experiences? Without a doubt. Regardless, I will endeavor to take a more positive approach in the future.
What you can’t see in this photo is that I am in our dinghy at the port bow of the SeaRay, pushing him away from Ainulindale.
Glad to hear that ya’ll were available to help out! Great point about not jumping to conclusions … we all need a little reminder every now and then.
Sounds like your “good deed” may have also resulted in new friends … and perhaps a stay at their house … cool!
You can never have enough good friends!
You just dont like powerboaters…..Kidding! We have all been there and we all need to look out for others as we would want them to look out for us……..John 18:8
From the book of John.
“From the book of John” Yes, John was a well known powerboater.
Because even devout followers of Jesus can’t control the wind!
It’s OK to react badly at first, you handled the situation, and that is what matters. And your feelings changed based on the knowledge you gained from the situation. Bravo.
Until the next ignorant person anchors too close and reacts poorly to my pointing it out to him.
WHAT? You blatantly boarded a friends boat and smashed a light for no good reason? What a guy! ha ha
Good story Mike!
Funny thing is that they knew that it was me who broke the light without even hearing the story.
Strong work. Good post.
Thanks.
I think you had what is known as a “paradigm shift”. Nice that you recognize and reflected on your own behavior. Not many people do. Good stuff, Mike.
Thanks, Brandon.
you had a bad attitude at volleyball in the morning as well. want to see a better attitude next time.
LOL. I’ll try harder, Sir!
Too bad about all the boat drama. Say hi to Rick! He won’t remember but we met him once at Trellis Bay in the BVI. I have followed Rick’s adventures and his mission trip to Haiti on TTOL. Does he still have the webcam hooked up on his boat? Perhaps we could have seen all the drama first hand.
Glad you were there to save the day.
Pretty sure I have seen him mention the webcam on Facebook. With our bandwidth limitations I typically don’t even bother trying such things.
And here’s a big THANKS from the crew of Ainulindale.
On the balance ledger, we now owe you one less good deed!
Ahhh…… but I you could follow us around until your “black box” overflows.
I long for the day when that happens!
I been helped by too many power boaters to have negative thoughts about giving assistance – but on the other hand , can instantly recognize a bad boater driving any boat , and get riled ! Great story , keep up the good lifestyle !
Kris
We do not appreciate bad boaters either. Newbies? Sure. Inconsiderate people? No.