Posts Tagged ‘Guadeloupe’
Sunday, January 27th, 2013
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!!….
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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  |
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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…… |
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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:
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 - Super Yacht Chef
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Andrea and I met in St Lucia, pre season.
She is a master at her trade having over 10 years at the top flight of catering for the super yachts and uber rich. She is a seasoned adventurer with proven time served skills. Her passion is the ocean and cooking and when she heard the news of the vacancy on Zenith I have to be honest was surprised at her motives for joining. Poaching this (Chef) calibre of professional is a feather in the cap of Zenith indeed. This is what she had to say:
” My present boat, a 40M sloop, has given me a great life and I ve travelled all over the world in my career on the biggest private yachts in the industry. I am grateful for all the moments and gifts life has sent me. Seeing the passion for kitsurfing and Zenith model reminded me of the things that the past few years didn’t offer….and I’ve missed it. I would love to be part of your team, meet your guests and laugh while sharing the direct/close hands on experience of the expedition…..and your destinations..Wow they are soo different. Can’t wait to see the Grenadines up close, not just through a port hole,.”
The Captain’s reply: “SOLD”…instantly. ( I was like MC Hammer but NOT on a kite. I think I am in a whole heap of other trouble here  |
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)
| Enter Kinley:
I have itchy feet. Always have. Rather than using a synthetic creme, I’ve found traveling keeps the itch at bay. My goal is to circumnavigate our little rock via sailing and short deliveries. I have a knack for adapting quickly to foreign cultures and strive to mesh an open mind to their backdrops.
I only just started on my goal. I graduated the University of New Hampshire with a degree in Outdoor Education and two months later, November 2012, sailed from Boston to Antigua. I’ve hiked most of the peaks here, sailed and swam my way around the island and now it’s time to continue on.
I’m very fortunate to be joining Zenith Ocean Voyages and it fell (as it usually does) into my lap at the right time. I may stay aboard as far as Curacao and from there, if not before, I hope to find another delivery through the canal and into the vast Pacific world. I plan to travel to Thailand, Cambodia, Indo, and perhaps stay put in New Zealand for a bit. But who knows? I’ll go anywhere really as long as my feet are happy.
I write my own music, (sing, guitar, harmonica), I play all sorts of sports. I have left-handed pride. Passion for surfing, fluent in both French and English, I rock climb, scuba dive, hike. I’ve been a canoe instructor and hitchhiked across the U.S. If I was stuck on an island, I would want bread, cheese, wine, and chocolate. |
 - Kinley
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Tags: Antigua, Antigua kiteboarding, Antigua kitesurfing, Barbuda, Barbuda kiteboarding, Blast Kiteboarding, catamaran, catamaran kiteboarding, catamaran kitesurfing, Green Island, Grenadines kitesurfing, Guadeloupe, kiteboarding, kiteboarding Antigua, kiteboarding Caribbean, kiteboarding instruction, kiteboarding lessons, kitesurfing, kitesurfing Antigua, kitesurfing Grenadines, Marc Rowley, Naish kiteboarding, Naish Torch, Zenith Ocean Films, Zenith Ocean Voyages
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Wednesday, October 31st, 2012
Juliet Lemon
From the Captain:
T1 our Xmas trip opens the 2012/13 season. As a special Xmas present Zenith has invited professional photographer Juliet Lemon on board to shoot what we do in Antigua & Barbuda. She will also be holding a photography workshop specifically for shooting kitesurfing and speed snaps, for my guests.
We are privileged to welcome Juliet to the expedition and all things ‘kitesurrfy’. Obviously our facebook page will feature her photos so be sure to log on and see the action…… over your turkey and stuffing.
Want to be the right side of a massive lens?…Do it-do it!
If you would like to check out Juliet see:www.JulietLemon.com andwww.TheLemonGallery.com her work is outstanding.
What Juliet has to say:
I’m super excited to be leaving the arctic conditions of the Northern Hemisphere for sunnier climes and joining the Zenith gang in December. Really looking forward to photographing the Caribbean magic that is happening down there in the sunshine.
As well as shooting all Zenith’s incredible kiting action and documenting the Meercat way of life, I’m looking forward to holding photography workshops. We will cover absolutely everything to get everyone capturing the perfect shot, be it of an airborne kiter in action, the right camera settings for capturing that perfect sunset shot as well as the post production side of things.
Juliet at work
A little bit about me…….full time, professional photographer based in the UK and am fortunate enough to travel extensively with my work. In the UK I photograph weddings, lifestyle shoots as well as many corporate and commercial assignments. Most Sundays I can be found trackside or in the pit lanes at race circuits photographing the British Touring Car Championships. As well as that I hold photography workshops and work closely with budding fellow photographers keen to take their photography skills to a new level.
Outside the UK I’ve enjoyed a very interesting and varied photographic background…….. destination weddings in Africa and Europe, lived out in Botswana and Southern Africa for a few years working for a Safari company – which is where my passion for photography was first lit – so photographing wildlife in the depths of the Okavango Delta was where it all began for me! The wilderness, natural beauty and constant sense of adventure was what I loved and is something that I have continued to factor into my life and work.
More recently I have been over in Madagascar photographing for NGOs and giving wildlife photography workshops, in Mozambique shooting for Penguin Publishing’s travel guide book for the Bazaruto Archipelago, shooting fast cars at the World Endurance Championships with meets in Florida and Belgium, culminating in the Le Mans 24 hour car race in France and professional windsurfers in Dahab, Egypt.
Kitesurfing offers spectacular expression, and with Zenith beautiful locations hand picked just for us. To get into the mindset I will be kiting for the first time with the Zenith team to truly know the tribal nature of this sport… I cant wait to capture, kite and sail on yet another of my unique global photo missions.
Tags: Antigua, Antigua kiteboarding, Antigua kitesurfing, Barbuda, Barbuda kiteboarding, Blast Kiteboarding, catamaran, catamaran kiteboarding, catamaran kitesurfing, Green Island, Grenadines kitesurfing, Guadeloupe, kiteboarding Antigua, kiteboarding Caribbean, kiteboarding instruction, kiteboarding lessons, kiteboarding vacations, kitesurf caribbean, kitesurf cruises, kitesurf holidays, kitesurf safari, kitesurfing Antigua, kitesurfing Grenadines, kitesurfing instruction, kitesurfing photography, Marc Rowley, Naish kiteboarding, Zenith Ocean Films, Zenith Ocean Voyages
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Wednesday, September 19th, 2012
With my new chapter about to begin with Zenith, I thought I should give you a little low down of what I’ve been up to in the build up to the 2013 season aboard Meercat…
This summer I have spent most of my time in the sunshine in Egypt preparing myself for life in the Caribbean. My days mainly consisted of kitesurfing, windsurfing, backflipping, meeting new people, making bracelets and generally having lots of fun!!….Gotta get in the right head space so I am doing my bit
I also set myself the challenge of trying to cook as much as I could whilst I was out there to practice my finest recipes. I was however presented with a few challenges… Things such as no equipment to cook with, no ingredients to buy, no scales and an oven with only two settings. However this didn’t stop me and I did manage to master banana bread as well as a few other signature dishes. It has all good practice for when my search begins out in our Caribbean locations to ensure I have all the local delicacies and finest fresh ingredients onboard.
I personally am a big fan of using as much fresh, local produce in my cooking as possible. I have done a lot of traveling myself and have been lucky enough to sample many worldwide cuisines. I like to explore and experiment and try as many different things as possible. I really enjoy spices and vibrant flavours in my food and love making a good curry. This accompanied with homemade flat bread goes beautifully.
I pride myself in big, juicy salads mixed up with as much as I can get my hands on. You would be surprised how filling and delicious one of my specially prepared salads can be… light and fresh…tends to help with the back flips!!
| Being aware that there are many people with special dietary requirements, including wheat and gluten intolerances, I have been doing my research into how I can ensure that no one misses out on a delicious feast. So if you do fall under this category then never fear, your hostess has it all under control. I have been reading up and educating myself on all the necessary information.
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Its not long now until I will be out in St.Lucia getting myself to grips with life onboard Meercat…. And yes I am VERY excited and can’t wait to get stuck in.
Tags: Antigua, Antigua kiteboarding, Antigua kitesurfing, Barbuda kiteboarding, Blast Kiteboarding, catamaran, catamaran kiteboarding, catamaran kitesurfing, Florian Daubos, Green Island, Grenadines kitesurfing, Guadeloupe, kiteboarding, kiteboarding Antigua, kitesurfing Antigua, kitesurfing Grenadines, kitesurfing instruction, Naish, Naish kiteboarding, tobago cays, Union Island, Zenith Ocean Films, Zenith Ocean Voyages
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Friday, April 8th, 2011
Our T8 guests contacted us a few months back, and to be honest, we were a little bit surprised they wanted to come on our boat. For a very simple reason: they ( a couple) were accomplished kiters, but they wanted to take their newborn baby on board. We thought – NEWBORN = HELP!!!!
We came up with all kinds of reasons why we (childless, as of yet… so no direct experience) felt that having a baby onboard would be a bad idea. Well! Guess what! We were overruled. Big time. Tim (the baby) had a great time. So did his parents, shall I mention, or is that obvious? Not quite sure if it was all down to the parenting skills of Gilles (former snowboarding world champion) and his wife Michelle (snowboarding physiotherapist) or just something that happens to all newborn babies when they board a catamaran. Whatever. They loved it. Let’s hope it happens again, without further analysis, and leave it at that
Tags: babies kiteboarding, babies kitesurfing, catamaran, catamaran kiteboarding, catamaran kitesurfing, Gilles Jaquet, Guadeloupe, Guadeloupe kiteboarding, Guadeloupe kitesurfing, kiteboarding, kitesurfing, Michelle Fertek, Naish kiteboarding
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Thursday, March 17th, 2011
About to set sail for Guadeloupe! We spent over two months in Antigua and Barbuda and it’s been great. It’s sad to be leaving such a gorgeous set of islands with excellent kiting conditions. Barbuda on an easterly wind is second to none, and Green Island on any given day is hard to beat. It was so good we might even come back
Since we are an expedition, however, we are now stoked to continue our exploration of new places… that’s what Zenith Ocean Voyages is about, after all!
We’ve met some wonderful people here. A big thanks – again! to Chris, Max and Irene of 40Knots. They have been invaluable mates on Green Island… and to Adam Anton for helping on our last trip.
After Guadeloupe we’ll do a quick stopover to see friends in St Lucia, a couple of trips in the Grenadines, then back to St Lucia to pick up our new crew member James Gardiner (more about him in a future blog!), then Grenadines until the end of June. We’re really looking forward to those trips. From April onwards, the wind blows harder there than anywhere else in the area. In terms of kiteboarding from a catamaran in the Caribbean, you can’t get a bigger variety of lovely spots on different islands, all only a short sail away and offering a choice of both flat water and waves.
So off we go again… stay tuned for the next update.
Tags: 40 knots, Adam Anton, Antigua, Antigua kiteboarding, Antigua kitesurfing, Barbuda, Barbuda kiteboarding, catamaran Grenadines, catamaran kiteboarding, catamaran kitesurfing, Green Island, Grenadines catamaran, Grenadines kiteboarding, Grenadines kitesurfing, Guadeloupe, Kiteantigua, kiteboarding expeditions, kiteboarding Grenadines, kitesurfing Antigua, kitesurfing expeditions, kitesurfing Grenadines, Naish kiteboarding, Tobago Cays kiteboarding, Tobago Cays kitesurfing, Union Island, Zenith Ocean Voyages
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Thursday, December 30th, 2010
The view from Meercat at sunset - lovin' it
Hanging out in the cockpit after a good day on the water
Celine Collaud heading for the surf in St Francois
While we’re all busy making plans for New Year’s Eve I thought I’d post some more pictures of the epic Guadeloupe adventure. Looking forward to doing it again! St Maarten, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda are next, and then it’s back to Guadeloupe.
We’re now in St Lucia again… we had to cancel our Christmas Trip as we had to come back here to have the teak deck finished. We’re glad to report that it’s nearly done and looks great. Next week Meercat will be back in open water – which is where she was designed to be.
Hope y’all have a great year’s end and an even better start to 2011.
Tags: catamaran, Celine Collaud, Guadeloupe, hanging out, St Francois, sunset, surfing, teak
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Friday, December 24th, 2010
Tags: catamaran, Celine Collaud, Guadeloupe, iguana, iguanas, kiteboarding, kitesurfing, Le Gosier, marine park, marine parks, Matt Sexton, Naish, Petite Terre, St Francois, surfing, Will Bennet
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Thursday, December 16th, 2010
Matt Sexton rippin' it at Le Gosier, Guadeloupe
Well. Will Bennet and Celine Collaud left for the airport, Matt Sexton is still here until tomorrow… and we are having beers to celebrate the success! We are glad to report that it went very well. We feel privileged to have had Will, Celine and Matt onboard as our very first guests. The wind didn’t play ball unfortunately… we had one good day. Not a surprise as it is pre-season but we were hoping for better. Obviously according to Windguru the wind IS back tomorrow… figures. We will stick around to check it out so stay tuned.
Sooo what did happen? Well lots of surfing (yes! proper surfing) was done, plus we wakeboarded, fished (an eyeball, amongst various….) and just generally hung out and had a very good time. Guadeloupe is gorgeous -with or without wind. The waveriding potential is enormous. Love this place!
Tags: Celine Collaud, Guadeloupe, Le Gosier, Matt Sexton, surfing, Will Bennet
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Wednesday, December 8th, 2010
Alright, a quick update: we got here yesterday after a 24-hour sail from St Lucia through pretty rough seas and big waves (if only we’d been able to kite hehe…). Now we’ve been busy preparing everything… Tonight our first guest Matt Sexton is due to join us, and tomorrow the rest of the crew, featuring UK wavemaster Will Bennet and top kitechick Celine Collaud on behalf of Kitesurf Magazine. Really looking forward to getting this going! The forecast is looking pretty good and we are totally ready… Stay tuned for more updates and pictures.
Tags: Celine Collaud, Guadeloupe, kiteboarding, kitesurfing, Matt Sexton, waveriding, Will Bennet
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