From the Captain:

Yep, life at sea on Zenith continues to teach me to roll with the punches while remembering that in between,  if you slot in those epic sessions, things have a way of working themselves out. …..No stress & plenty-plenty irie….here’s the Antigua story so far…

Mother nature has been somewhat fickle of late, providing mixed winds from 0 – 29kts and sending huge Northerly swells down from the East coast of the States. T1 enjoyed Barbuda and my secret spot, but T2 was denied (due to swell) so we concentrated on Green Island and making their Zenith Ocean Film. https://vimeo.com/57332439 A night kite playing with the camera, a ‘Rowley’ off the coach roof,  my first un-hooked… not looking like MC Hammer in rehab(!)…and generally sublime times were had making the most of the massive Nonsuch Bay reef….

Juliet Lemon joined for T1 & T2. She is a professional photographer and offered her services to Zenith to shoot kiting and our lifestyles. I will be showcasing her amazing work with us soon but in the meantime her website is: http://julietlemon.com/

Provisioning  again proved surreal due to the BIG north swell which meant the local fishermen couldn’t go out either,  resulting in a lack of fresh fish at ALL the markets…check out the photo below!!….

When trying to buy fish on the ENTIRE island the response was the same:”The sea RUFF” Finally 4 hours pre guests arrival Georgie found some fillets …maybe the only in the northern Caribb. The ‘Hurricane’ Georgie prevailed

T2 over and time for the crew to get some personal kite sessions in. A new system blew through offering 20-29kts. BOOM. Georgie went out on a Park 8…and in her inimitable style she went BIG. A second boost from a gust sent her higher than she had ever been before and then it happened…KITELOOP SLAM.

Hurricane hit the water from quite a height breaking a lower rib. Some local kiters went to her aid immediately (Good Job Matt). Her shortness of breath in open water although a hazard did nt get the ‘Hurricane’ down and like the trooper she is held on until safe on board Meercat. Me…I was having a great un-hooked session (no MC Hammer in sight) and only noticed when the rescue seemed to take a bit too long. On arrival back at the boat I assessed her condition….she was in considerable pain….but still smiling and putting on the bravest of faces. George is a seasoned sea-woman and knows when offhsore there is no use in making a song & dance…just tough it out. Good girl. Instantly we took our injured cargo to hospital to make sure that no internal organs were damaged and to confirm that she ONLY had a broken rib!! Thank NUBERU (wind God of the tempest)….George was ok. Just another 8 weeks to tough it out….. Georgie will return to the UK to convalesce ….. As a captain I cannot take risks with crew, guests or vessel. Goergie will be sorely missed and its gutting to see her Zenith season cut short. We had so many laughs, sometimes I was in tears with her stories…..I am sad to see her go. Georgie, you are welcome on board anytime…. Post recovery of course,  but please don’t go sooo BIG next time. So season start and Zenith is crew-less……

Antigua is a hotbed for the yachting industry attracting ocean going adventurers from all corners of the globe. So I set about interviewing for the continued season…….

Zenith requires such a specialised set of skills and the selection process in mid 2012 for Georgie was long and arduous. Overall I look for an attitude comprising of a love for sea and adventure combined with a skill base to provide the level of service that says “this is ZENITH”.

As I said things have a way of working out. The trick is to kite and not think so much…… Meet the new crew –    2 !!!

Enter Andrea:

Kinley was introduced to me by Georgie. He has a genuine zest for life and he is joining Meercat as part of his ‘journey’. Our expedition will be richer for his company, and I am sure Zenith will enrich his travels and get him a few steps closer to Panama & the Pacific. Welcome…(nickname TBA)