Fair Sails and Gentle Breezes Mandalay!

If you know Larry and I well, you know how we loved the experience of the Windjammer sailing ships.  We were lucky enough to have gone on the Yankee Clipper last year (June 2007), just prior to the company beginning to cancel their cruises, leaving passengers stranded, and finally - the company's demise.  Between Larry and I, we spent about 25 weeks on these lovely ships.  Such a sad thing for those who loved the casual, fun atmosphere on these beautiful sailing ships, as well as the wonderful crew that were like family and worked so very hard!

The Mandalay, a gorgeous 236 ft long, 3 masted tall ship, is in the process of making the Panama Canal transit on her way to her final destination - the Galapagos Islands.  She was auctioned off from the bankrupt company Windjammer, and purchased by Angermeyer Cruises.  This lucky lady will have an extreme makeover, and hopefully will have a good life cruising the Galapagos Islands.  She was built in 1923 for E.F. Hutton.  Each of these ships have such history!

 So, Mandalay - as you leave Panama, where you have been for almost a year, we will always remember the wonderful times we enjoyed with you and your sister ships.  Please teach the new owners and passengers about hermit crab races, jumping off the top deck into the "pool", the PBLT Party, and Swizzle Time.  As you sail into the sunset of your new home, know that many hearts and souls will be on the back deck enjoying the wonderful sunsets and watching for the green flash!

Look very closely and you can see what looks like a ghost ship - Mandalay under partial sail. Isn't she beautiful! Fair Sails and Gentle Breezes Mandalay!