By Jennifer

Over the last weekend in April we all boarded a cramped Spirit flight to Fort Lauderdale where we would close on our new boat, a 1985 ’42 Brewer 12.8. Kevin could have gone and handled it, but I thought this was too pivotal a moment not to have everybody together and everybody on the same page as we get ready to go on this first phase of our trip. I’m so glad we did.

Because if we didn’t, I wouldn’t have met Frank and Joanne.

Frank and Joanne. They were the original and only owners of the boat they fondly called Fantasy Island. Of course, like any child growing up in the ’70s, Kevin and I naturally assumed they named it after ABC’s cheeky television series “Fantasy Island.” Yes, you know the one with Mr. Roarke and Tattoo? We even spent a Saturday night downloading and watching old episodes off the Internet with the kids showing them what it must be all about. Well, Frank and Joanne did not grow up in the ’70s and, no, it was not named after the mystical island that made guests’ inner dreams come true. Frank and Joanne bought the boat from a boat show and hurriedly needed to name it for insurance purposes. They chose Fantasy Island, named for an island in the U.K.

They sailed everywhere on their Fantasy Island for 27 years. They lived the life and loved every minute of it. I know this because Frank was ever so distraught when it came to finally departing with it that weekend.

“Joanne’s having a really hard time,” he said. “I hope this was not the glue that held the marriage together. Let me know if you change your mind.”

His face spoke volumes. Sadness, remorse, fighting to let go. And, yes, I felt wretched watching him and his wife struggle with this because, on the flip side, this was our joyous moment. Right?? All I can say is: Thank you Frank and Joanne. Thank you for the hospitality you obviously were accustomed to cruising on Fantasy Island. And thank you for showing us the snippets of your time cruising and for showing us what this boat is made of.