One big happy family

I think that many people, after reading my posts about cruisers helping one another, sharing resources and coming to the aide of those in need, might get the impression that the cruising world is one big happy family, with everyone getting along at all times. Although I don’t like to focus on the negative, I can assure you that this is not the case. The fact is that with any large community, be that land-based or water-based, some people will get along while others will butt heads. Even the two of us, who tend to get along with just about everyone, have a few people here who drive us a bit loco.

If there’s one event that seems to be able to bring all of these people together though, sans drama, it’s the Dinghy Concert sponsored by Le Phare Bleu Marina. I’ve mentioned these events on a couple of different occasions and they really do rock. A few times each season Le Phare Bleu parks a tug and barge in the middle of Clarke’s Court Bay and cruisers from all over the various anchorages congregate to listen to some great live music. As each new dinghy arrives, a line is passed to the one in front and a giant raft-up is created. Need to get to the bar on the barge where cold beer and drinks are being served? No problem, just crawl from dinghy to dinghy and make your way there. People smile and chat with those around them, oblivious to any differences that might have existed on previous days. The music is always great, the venue is awesome and when Mother Nature cooperates, as She did yesterday, the event can’t be beat.