Upon arrival in the Virgin Islands, we had hoped to have at least a couple of charters booked. Unfortunately we have been unsuccessful in our endeavors, in spite of Susie's most ambitious marketing venue which was putting ad brochures into empty wine bottles and pitching them overboard at regular intervals. Our gorgeous website created by Rod Houk gets plenty of lookie-loos, but no serious inquires.
We also learned that the government of the British Virgin Islands has enacted a host of new regulations applying to charter yachts, to be enforced starting February 15th. We looked into the new rules, and have found that it would take an additional substantial investment on our part in order to bring our boat into compliance.
Given the fact that we have no revenue stream to offset the expense, and none in the pipeline, we have decided to abandon our plans to enter the charter business.
What to do?
We are nearing the three-year mark on our voyages aboard KINGDOM. Our mutually agreed commitment was for three years before we would decide on a new venture, and here we are. We have enjoyed a first class experience, and trying to curb our appetite for the good life is not very attractive to us; go big or go home is our philosophy...so it's time to come home.
In addition, we miss our families. We feel we are neglecting our kids, grandkids, Susan's father, and our many friends. We had hoped to have more of them visit us aboard, but those visits have been few and far between.
After much discussion and consideration, we have decided to return to the U.S. and offer KINGDOM for sale. We will be moving the boat to Melbourne, Florida, where our favorite boat broker, Jim Guin, has arranged a slip for us in a local marina, where it can conveniently be shown to prospective buyers.
Walt will stay with the boat until it sells. We believe it requires constant attention to maintenance, cleaning and polishing to show well.
Once we are established in Melbourne, Susan will return to Scottsdale and work to re-start her real estate business. She will probably rent a small apartment initially.
After the boat is sold, we will use the proceeds to buy a small home in the Scottsdale area, and we will both be back to stay.
Please know that we have absolutely no regrets. Not about our decision to go to sea, nor about our decision to go ashore. Personally, I was never overly enthusiastic about the idea of running a charter business. Having paying guests in your home is not the same as having invited guests in your home. I think t would feel differently if the boat had been purchased with that purpose in mind, and if it were not our only home.
We have had a wonderful time cruising the Caribbean! We have lived the life many people only dream of living. We could go on doing this for years to come, but it is just not practical without generating more income. We love our boat; we love the cruising community; we love the people of the Caribbean; we even love the challenges we have faced, since we have grown from each of them.
Our fuel tanks are full. The larder is stocked. All we need now is a good weather window, and we will be headed home!
Look for us to come steaming over the horizon one day soon...
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2 comments:
Dear Susan and dear Walter,
it's so sad to read that you are going back so that we will not have the opportunity to meet in Saint Lucia.
Anyway, after a very difficult start, be began the construction of our Villa in Trou Rolland, and we plan to have it finished in August next year.
In the meantime I think you'll have sold your Kingdom; in case you'll miss Marigot, please just tell me, and Sandro and I would be more than happy to have you as our guests at home.
Good luck!
Susanna
You two have had the adventure of a lifetime - I am so happy for you -= the experiences you have had, friends you have made, and memories that will last you the rest of your life. I'm proud of you, and selfishly happy you'll be a little more accessible to those who love you very soon. XOXOXO!
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