Philip Aikman on board Island Trader in the West Indies….(beginning 4/16/2013)
“A wind came from out of the wilderness and took me where I’d never been before.” Lucille Aikman
Island Trader is the name and the builder of my 40 ft. motorsailer that is my home in the West Indies. She is presently moored near Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (DR) at Marina Zar Par.
After refurbishing, I hope to steer her south and begin a journey of exploration down the Antilles archipelago to the Lesser Antilles’ Leeward islands and finally the southerly Windward islands.
This is the culmination of a lifetime sailing. My father, Philip Joseph Aikman, an avid sailor and co-founder of the Spokane Yacht club in Coeur d’Alene Idaho in the 1930′s, instilled in me his love of sailing starting with a 12 ft. cat rig on Newman lake in the 1960′s and later a 30 ft. sloop on lake Coeur d’Alene in the 1970′s. When the opportunity came to buy a well worn and weary 65 ft. schooner in 1990 I leaped… on to 40 ft. ketch and now a 40 ft. motorsailer.
A traditional sailboat would have been my preference, but age and the fact I am single-handing the boat made me choose a boat I could jump out of bad weather into the pilot house helm and, with a 135 hp engine, power my way out of most dangers.
Hey Phil just walked over to your old shop at AHCC and got your link! I have been reading your post and it sounds like a challenge with minor victories but always progress. You are living the dream I have had for years. I will be reading your blog and living through your experiences. It is really hot here 20 degrees above normal, at least you have the ocean. When you get the boat, beautiful by the way, ready enough what direction or country is next on your list?
Hello Pat,
I’m glad you found it. I had a list of all emails of friends and associates at AHCC, but lost it in confusion of stuffing as much as possible in my bags for the trip.
I asked for emails … but I’m not sure if they thought that some violation of DOC policy or something, so pass on the link for anyone who may be interested.
If you have any questions feel free to post them on this Comments page.
I’ll write your email address as well.
Gotta get my first cup of coffee…
Phil
PS. Overlooked your question… When I get all my systems running and paperwork done (still waiting for USCG documentation) – about a month away or more – then I’ll head east to Puerto Rico, then USVI or BVI before heading south down the chain of islands.
There is a Costco and a Home Depot in San Juan and they speak English. Do you have a mailing address? Or a future one for pr?
I have an address while I’m here, but my brother sent something by USPS about 10 days ago and still hasn’t shown up.
San Juan is on the north side of PR – rats!. Heavy weather over there so I’ll scoot along south side. I’ll look to see if some other boaters might go with me on a rental car to go shopping there, if someone knows the country. It would really be nice to see some american products and quality again.
Hi Camille. Yes, that is what I hope – a good adventure.. I expect to find plenty to take pictures of; palm tree lined white sandy beaches, colorful birds, dolphins and tropical fishes.. When I do I’ll put them in with the posts on the My Posts page. By for now,
Your uncle ‘Flip’ (we’ll leave out the ‘great’ part)
This is Camille, you will have quite of a adventure in the West Indies… Cant wait to see your pictrures.
Your neice,
Camille
I’m glad you both found the site.
I made the blog to post my experiences while I travel. I will be in DR for some time while I get the boat restored from a couple years of inactivity. But, that is still two months away. I wanted to get used to this program. When I do start sailing it may be several days or weeks in between locations where I can make internet connection. I’m not only looking forward to the journey, but being able to post online for friends and family to see will be enjoyable too.
In case you didn’t notice, there are extra pages along the top; My Posts (as I begin), Photos (extra),Comments (others may have besides regarding the posts)
Flip, this is certainly an ambitious undertaking. I’m proud of you for being so independent minded and downright brave. I must admit I’m a bit envious. What a great adventure this will be for you. My best to you dear brother. Call me before you dash away eh? Love, sister Sue
Wow this is really cool. I cant wait to see more of your adventures. Will you be able to post to this website from time to time?
Lance
Nancy, you didn’t tell me… Retirement is like going into the ‘promised land’. The sky this morning was bluer, brighter, there were song birds greeting me “Welcome to your new life” My back doesn’t hurt – the ringing in my ears has stopped. I feel energized and hopeful…
Wait, no. There that back pain is.. And, the clouds came in, the birds flew away…
Oh well, I can still feel the ‘freedom’…;)