Welcome to my Guestbook!
Welcome to my Guestbook!
Jim
Melissa a.k.a. Captain Afthole - 10/12/00 20:33:47
My Email:fchad@nwhs.com
When did you go on the Fantome: Her Last Full Voyage - Oct. 1998
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Almost two years and I still remember it like it was yesterday. It's Chad's and mine 4 year anniversary on the 19th and we first laid eyes on her the day before that special day. I will always fondly remember the crew, the guests, and the islands... I can only hope we can experience a Windjammer cruise again...
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Nice of you to put this site up. Even now it still hurts to think of this wonderful crew's sad fate. I will always remember them for the joy that they brought, especially Crispin. Can't help but smile when I think of Crispin Salad. Thank you windjamme
crewmen. Rest in Peace.
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We saw her for the first time in 1989 at the pier
in Grenada, and again a few years later in
Grenada when she was going through major
renovation. We also met, in 1989, for the first
time on board the Fantome, "Offsore Eddy." I
became very attached to Eddy over the years. Eddy
loved the Fantome, it was his favorite ship. Eddy
always remmembered me and we became friends,
playing cribbage and enjoying a hot chocolate
together.
We didn't get to apprciate the Fantome fully,
until we went aboard her again at anchor in the
Carenage in Grenada harbor, January 1998. It was
there in the glory of the Caribbean sunlight that
we could see how beautiful a ship she was. We
never knew the Fantome until then. So many who did
sail her know what has been and never will again.
I think of "Offshore Eddy" often and I remember
how much he loved the Fantome. Now when I think of
him and the lost crew members, many of them we
knew from sailing other WJ ships and thought of
them as our friends, I see them sailing forever
together, in a better place aboard a beautiful
sailing ship. Sa
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Fantome was my first Windjammer and it changed
my life! I am so thankful I had the honor of
walking her decks. I plan on doing all seven
and have four to go. The sea reminds us everyday
how small we really are! My thoughts go out to
everyone effected by this great loss of life
and all the history that went down with her.
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It was a shock to me when I learned of the Fantome's demise. She was a beautiful ship. I always thought I would sail on her again. I am a volunteer for Sail Boston 2000 and when the Parade of Sail entered Boston Harbor I kept looking at those magnificent
all ships and envisioned the Fantome sailing right beside them.
God bless her and her brave crew.
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ex-crew member 1985-88
great site
thanks
steve bell
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Name was posted wrong. don't know why
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Part of me died when it happened.
Most relaxing trip i've had.
I spent most of my time onboard, with the crew.
Most Memorable Moment:
One of many times,sharing time with Brasso. Talking with him about working to be 1st Mate, while at the helm, on a calm moonlit night off Guadeloupe.
With"Practice what you Preach" by Mikey Spice on the bar stereo.
I've never been able to listen to that song again without a mixture of pain and happy memories.
Brasso, Colin, Chrispy........ Peace My Friends.
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I was aboard the S/V Fantome in the Winter of 1989, while I was in Port of Spain. She was berthed just astern of us. I was on the R/V Mobil Search, and had to chance to come aboard her. We were in the process of an open house for the locals in Port of S
ain. We invited the Captain, crew and passengers to come aboard. That evening the Captain of Fantome invited my crew over to take part in the festivities. It was truly one of the greatest times I have ever had in the 20 years I've been at sea. The last
Memory I have of her, is that following morning, when she set sail, with crew and passenges on deck, singing Amazing Grace.
God Speed to all of her crew that were lost.
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We are sorry we didn't get a chance to do it again.
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We are sorry we didn't get a chance to do it again.
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The Fantome was my first Windjammer experience and one I'll never forget. I's with much sadness that
I had heard of her deminse. Thoughts to the families of all the crew tht was lost.
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great sailing - old salts for life.
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TRULY AND AMAZING EXPERIENCE. WE'VE TAKEN VACATIONS ELSEWHERE BUT THE WINDJAMMER ONES HAVE DEFINITELY BEEN THE BEST. WE'VE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET THE MOST WONDERFUL PEOPLE AND HAVE CONTINUED TO STAY IN TOUCH WITH THOSE WE HAVE PARTIED HARD WITH. I
TEAR UP EVERYTIME I THINK OF THE FANTOME AND EVEN HAVE TROUBLE READING THE MEMORIAL TRIBUTES. WE LOVED THEM ALL IN OUR HEARTS AND KNOW THEY ARE ANGELS WATCHING US CARRY ON THEIR TRADITIONS. WE WILL CONTINUE TO VACATION WITH WINDJAMMER AND INTRODUCE NEW
RIENDS TO THE EXCITING EXPERIENCE. LONG LIVE WINDJAMMING.........
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A true-in the blood-sailor knows only one prayer:
"Oh God, Your sea is so bit,
and my ship is so small!"
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For all who serve before the Mast, there is but one prayer--"Oh Lord! Your sea is so Big and my ship is so small."
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it was really fun but I pucked alot and this patti tried to kill me by eating my sheos
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My husband and I were on the Fantome the week before we lost her. We were two of the nine people that were booked for the second week. We were part of the group that was evacuated from Belize the day before the ship was lost.
This has been the hardest week for us because of the anniversary date of losing the crew.
We will never be able to go on another Barefoot Cruise knowing that the Windjammer Company sent the Fantome back to sea in a Catagory 5 hurricane. In the Atlantic, only four Ccatagory 5's are record.
The FANTOME CREW AND SHIP should have never been sent back to sea in a Catagory 5 Hurricane. They should have left her in port in Belize and waited out the storm. So what if the ship would have suffered damage, we would have 31 lives today.
The story on Niteline made us sick when Mike Burke, Sr. stated that he died when the ship was lost. Did you notice he never mentioned the crew.
For those that do not know, their is a great article in the current New Yorker magazine.
This is written with heavy hearts for the crew of the Fantome. We will never forget them!!! Also, our thoughts are with the families of the crew everday of our lives.
Thanks Dean for the great site.
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It's been a year since our loss and it still is
difficult to come to grips with the void that has
been left.
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This day is forever implanted in my heart, as my tearful eyes remember the sight of our beloved crew as they waived goodbye to our evacuation boat. Being the last launch to depart, was especially difficult since we shared it with non-essential crew membe
s. My prayer still go out to the families of the crewmembers, as I think the beloved crew who were our guardian angels in life and now in death.
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I was very close with one of the crew members and will miss him dearly. I often laugh when I think of the stupid stunts we used to pull back in school. It's kind of freaky, but two games we would play were lost at sea and haunt the tanker. Sounds childi
h, but none the less it was fun for a couple of college guys to scare the begeezus out of some cadet watch stander in the middle of the night by 'haunting' an old tanker.
I will miss him and I'm sure I speak for all of us who hung out back then when I say he will be sorely missed!!!
'Hey Ona, wanna haunt the tanker tonight?'
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Prior to sailing on the Fantome, my wife, Diane and I were on a couple different cruises including the SS Norway, which found an escape from the scrap yards. It is the longest ocean liner ever built.
We thought we were really having a good time. We got to spend a couple hours at different islands we had never been to.
We decided for our twenty-fifth wedding anniversary we would go on a windjammer cruise. From the very beginning we were excited from various brochures sent to us, especially the formal wear we did not need to haul along.
Finally we found a cruise that was suited to our lifestyle.
We had more fun than than we could have ever envisioned on any big ship, time on ther islands were not limited to just a few hours, but the wholeday.
We left the Fantome with such a sense of pride that we sailed on such a vessel that spanned so many years of history. We planned to return this year. We both felt like a part of our hearts were torn out of us. These were most likely some of those that
artied with us and made our cruise as great as it was. I still replay our final night on board (videotaped). With sails being drawn and amazing grace playing in the background, we knew that this was a truly special vacation. God bless all who were lost
nd also the families left behind. We will take another Windjammer cruise next year. We have to say goodbye to an old friend.
Fred & Diane Fleischman
Dousman, Wisconsin 9-24-99
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Thanks for the info. I was very close to one of the crew, but had lost touch over the last couple of years. Selfishly, it sets my mind at ease that he was no longer among the crew. Yours is the only place that listed the names of the crew. Although our tr
p had a bit of the Keystone Kops to it (we were boarded by the Venezuelan Navy and Coast Guard!!) (OK, just one of each, but STILL...), it was the most wonderful week. I'll never forget the beautiful Fantome, and say a prayer for the lost crewmen and thei
families.
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Thank you for your web site. I had followed the tragic story in the news and through fellow former crew members. Although it is now approaching a year the loss is still very much apparent, especially when reviewing your site.
I had the priviledge of having Guyan March as my Captain aboard the Amazing Grace. He certainly was well liked and greatly respected and a great joke teller. My sister Connie Adams sailed aboard The Fantome as a crew mwmber in 1990-1991. She was very conc
rned about the missing crew members and still thinks of them often.
Our deepest sympathies to the families of the brave crew. Connie and Lisa Adams
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I worked on the wetdock refit in Fall 1991 in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, in addition to sailing with her for some time afterwards. Brasso was the second mate at the time. Pope had been the 2nd engineer (or was it the 3rd?) with me on the Flying Cloud thro
ghout all of 1991 until I was transferred to the Fantome. Good people, poor (management) decisions. And if I'd have been on the dock in Belize, I would have gone to sea with those former shipmates.
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nice website. you guys would be fun to sail with sometime
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This is a wonderful site!!! My youngest son spent 2 weeks on the ship, then stayed and lived in the Virgin Islands for a year or so. I put a link to you site on my web site. This is so interesting and informative. Great Job! Check out my website....i
's just silly and fun. Ann Clark in Texas
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To my surprise, I found the Nightline story to be fair to all parties concerned.
Thanks for maintaining this web site.
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NIGHTLINE STORY WAS BALANCED AND FAIR. I LIVE IN A HURRICANE ZONE, THEY ARE VERY UNPREDICTABLE. PEACE TO THE FAMILIES OF THE FANTOME'S CREW.
THANK YOU FOR KEEPING US UP TO DATE.
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Watched ABC Niteline piece on the Fantome. Other than mispronouncing her name and missing the very important point that it's ultimately the ship's captain's call whether to put to sea or ride out a storm, I thought it was a fairly well balanced story - es
ecially in these days of tabloid trash journalism.
Was that then-Relief Captain Max Radford at the very beginning of the show ("Good morning, everybody!")? It sure looked like him and others who were on board our Fantome journey in February of 1993.
Amazing how much the loss of the Fantome still hurts. Guess this is just one of those things we never quite get over.
Thanks so much for your site and keeping us all posted on news and events since last fall. Peace be with you.
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We were heartsick over the tragedy of the Fantome. I checked your site many times a day hoping for some good news. I appreciate the effort you have put into keeping us all informed.
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On Friday August 13th, ABC's Nightline will air the special on the Fantome. Eric Averm(spelling?)exec. producer, called us to let us know the exact date. We submitted a video of our wedding aboard the fantome, so he called us last night to give us the de
ails. Tune in to see her amazing life.
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It was a Tall Ship Adventure I'll never forget. Taking watches at the helm, sailing the Bahamas at night mostly. The mutiny of the passengers, towing the Capt.and some crew astern in the whale boat (provisioned with cold drinks & radio, etc.),free drinks
for the passengers, all in good fun, after the Capt. & Crew made use walk the gangplank the day before at the King Neptune ritual. Paybacks were fun! Oh for another tall ship and a star to steer her by!
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We were so sorry to hear about the Fantome. We knew the skip Guyan
March from a previous jammer we were on. We truly enjoyed the Fantome;
even more than the others.
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I was extremely sorry to hear of the Fantome's sinking and the loss
of life involved. My time on it and the people I met was one of the best
experiences of my life.
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I believe Guy March was the First Mate on the BAREFOOT ROGUE's last
voyage as part of the Windjammer fleet. It was one of the best and most
memorable vacations I've ever had. It's an experience that would be hard
to repeat--only 16 of us and the crew. omebody at the stowaway dinner before
the cruise said "We'd all better like each other." We did get to go on
all of the "tall ships" in various ports as we brought them supplies, except
for one which was being refurbished. I was devastated when I first eard
of the possible fate of FANTOME, especially when I found out that Guy March
was the Captain.
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SO MANY WONDERFUL PEOPLE WE WON'T SEE FOR A LONG TIME TO COME. BEAUTIFUL
MEMORIES AND PHOTOS AND FRIENDSHIPS.
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Nice job with your Web Page. That's what keeps memories alive!
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I remember reading your comments on the WJ Bulletin board after the
tragedy. It is still hard for us. We all become so close to the crew and
meet such wonderful new friends on our cruises. We have been on 7 WJ's
and still feel it's the best vacation goi g! We wrote one of the letters
that WJ put on their memorial website. I am a watercolor artist and am
working on concepts for a painting that mirrors the way we feel about our
love for WJ and the passing of so many fine young men. Keep us posted,
I woul like to know when the special on ABC is to air. Thanks J&G
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Thank you for putting together a great web page with all the information
on the Fantome. I think it helped us all through a tough time and kept
us up to date with current information. Our prayers are with the crew and
families of the Fantome.
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Thank you for the wonderful information page.
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We were on the Yankee Clipper with Captain March several years ago.
He and the crew were like our family and made our trip a wonderful memory.
Our hearts break for the families.
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Along with our other Jammer friends, we were on the Fantome twice,
the last time being out of Belize in 1997. After 8 Windjammer cruises,
I'm heart broken that the Queen of the fleet is no more. She was a beauty.
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Thank you, again, for keeping us informed via your website. I check
several times a week and really appreciate the information you have provided.
You are performing a great service to "Jammers!" Some of our very best
friends we met on our first trip on the Fantome -- couples from Canada
and New Jersey that we have stayed in very close contact with since 1990.
Losing Fantome has been like losing a family member or close friend. A
part of us is with her wherever she may be. Sheila & Dan Ball
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Okay one more try. I had too many "s's" in our email. Hope to hear
from some of our fellow aftholes. Colleen & Elias
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It's us again. I just wanted to leave our email. Please excuse my misspellings
in the last entry. I am someone who uses spell check often. Colleen &
Elias Shiheiber
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Hello everyone. Elias and I were so upset when we heard. It was a wonderful
honeymoon that we shall never forget. Our "exciting adventure" getting
to the ship doesn't seem as scary as it once had. We hope that the crew
did not suffer. They were an aw some group of people. We feel so badly
for the families. We just can not beleive that we were part of the last
group to sail. We met so many wonderful people and crew. Thank you for
putting together such a wonderful page. We really enjoyed looking at all
the pictures. Mark and Sue, you took some wonderful pictures. Thank you
for emailing them to Elias. Good bye from Las Vegas. If any of you are
in town look us up, we would love to get together and chat. Colleen and
Elias, Fantome Honeymooners
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Hello everyone. elias and I were so upset when we heard. It was a wonderful
honeymon that we shall never forget. Our "exciting adventure" geeting to
the ship doesn't seem as scary as it once had. We hope that the crew did
not suffer. They were an awe ome group of people. We feel so badly for
the families. We just can not beleive that we were part of the last group
to sail. We met so many wonderful people and crew. Thank you for putting
together such a wonderful page. We really enjoyed looking at ll the pictures.
Mark and Sue, you took some wonderful pictures. Thank you for emailing
them to Elias. Good bye from Las Vegas. If any of you are in town look
us up, we would love to get together and chat. Colleen and Elias, Fantome
Honeymooners
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We were booked on Fantome 11/1-11/7 1998 Sailed Poly that week
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We were married by captain Guyan on August 31st 98 aboard the S.V.
Fantome, off the coast of utila. We have had a hard time with this, as
most have. Thanks for the information on your page. I have had a hard time
finding things since WJ took down all t eir links, and the message board.
Thanks, Jeremy & Shannon Price
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I met Capt Guyan when he was a mate on the A/G. Later he was the captain
of the A/G on one of my trips and his mother and father were guests on
that cruise. A wonderful family and very proud of their son. I since saw
him as Captain of other ships when e would meet in Greneda. The older folks
lovingly referred to him as Captain Kidd. He will be missed.
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just had the opportunity to read the guest book and would like to also
say thank you dean for keeping us informed. i remain saddened by the lost
of the crew and the fantome. bawboat
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It is December 19, 1998 and I have stumbled across the news of this
awfulness quite by accident. My brother, Randy, and I spent a month on
her in November of 1971, an experience that changed us forever. I am really
still too dumbfounded to write much, st uck dumber still by the thought
of the horrible awesome power that can wreak that kind of terror and destruction.
To Captain Mike and the families, there is nothing to say, there is only
to pray. Eternal Father, strong to save Whose arm has fought the restless
wave Who bids the mighty ocean deep Her own appointed limits keep O hear
us when we call to thee For those in peril on the sea Another sea, another
ship perhaps, But pain and heartache yet the same. Their hearts will live
on, As she will live on in ours. In loving memory, Cheryl & Randy Fosburgh
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She truly sailed with Amazing Grace. Captain Guyan and crew will be
missed.....
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It is with deep sadness, I send this. The trip I took on the Fantome
was unforgetable. My heart goes out to the crew and employees of Windjammer.
My God be with them. Mike Johnson
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my thoughts and prayers are with all crew,family,and members of the
windjammer company
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I still have not sent any money into the trust fund. No amount of money
seems to be adequate, however I thought a fitting memorial would be to
send in $31 a month for the next year. Perhaps others would like to do
this as well.
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My mother and I took our only trip together on the Fantome five years
ago today. We had the most incredible time. It was a wonderful bonding
experience. I had a daughter, Lillian, in June of this year. Shortly thereafter
Mom and I discussed our dream f taking Lillian on the same majical trip
with us. Lillian would get a chance to see her mother and grandmother at
their best: relaxed, joyful and happily together. When I first heard reports
that Fantome was missing, I immediately called my mom to let her know.
We have followed the unfolding tragedy closely. I can't begin to know the
pain the crew's families have endured. I only know in a small way that
my own family's future has been diminished by this tragedy.
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This was our greatest adventure. We had plans to do another. Our prayers
go out ot the friends and family of the crew.
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Windjammer will never be the same. Our hearts are with the families
of the crew.
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I appreciate being able to keep abreast of developments on your website.
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God Bless & Protect our beloved at Sea, Fantome, Fantome - Oh Memory....
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A large part of me is out there on the water. We sailed the Fantome
once out of Antigua and once out of Playa del Carmen. I just keep thinking
about the night we were anchored off Guadelope on our first sailing and
being literally blow out of my mind by t e calm and clear night. I had
as close to a religious experience that night as I guess anyone can. I
am glad that I sailed the Fantome. I will always remember the experience
until I sail on... Peace to all who have sailed on her. She will be missed.
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Windjammer has given me some the best, make that the very best vacations,
of my life. I have travelled around the Caribbean on the Fantome, including
the Belize/Honduras run and I feel like I have lost my best friends. Hopefully
I will be able to sail again on the other ships in the future but a part
of me lies with the Fantome whereever she may be. My prayers are with the
crew's family members and with Windjammer as well as they seek to de l
with this tremendous loss. Thank you for your site and all the info you
have here.
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Your web site is incredible.
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Dean, thanks so much for your dedicated efforts to keep us all informed.
I always put off sailing on the Fantome in favor of an itinerary which
sounded like better beaches. I sincerely regret the decision. Although
I never sailed her or walked her top deck, we did sail with some of her
crew: Onassis most recently and Brasso a number of years ago on the YC.
I broke out my sailor's cross when I heard the initial reports and I will
keep it on, in faith, unti the ship is found. Godspeed to the crew of this
fine ship.
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Thanks for youe Web page. I visit it every day.
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Thanks for your page, I am checking it every day for updates. We sailed
with Captain Pete and crew only as Jim repaired an engine that they were
unable to fix, on speaking with Dave Penny from WJ a month before hurricane,
everything was running very well on the Fantome. We really learned to love
the crew and ship, don't know what it was like as a tourist passenger,
but what a great bunch of people and what a feeling standing on that deck
viewing the red sunset & sunrise, and the feeling of watching the F
ntome faid as we were escorted in to Belize with the Coastguard in order
to return to Miami. Thanks for your web page and all who love the Fantome
and Crew. When are we going to get a crew list??
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I knew Guyan and Brasso from the Clipper. Thanks to your web site,
I've been able to keep up on the minimal news. I saw the Fantome once in
Trinidad and looked forward to the rennovations. Guess I'll be sailing
it in my dreams too.
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Great sight. Keep up the bright spirits.
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We enjoyed your site. Each time we hear Amazing Grace, we can't help
but think of the wonderful crew and Captain Guyan. We felt like the fantome
crew were family. Our hearts and prayers went to all those lost by hurricane
Mitch. When the sails are hoisted with our next sailing and Amazing Grace
plays in the background, we will always remember the fantome and her crew,
they will never be forgotten.
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I feel as if my heart has been ripped out as I read of the loss of
the graceful Fantome and her crew. What wonderful memories we have of our
voyage on Fantome. I had totally missed the news of the dreadful disaster.
Our hearts and prayers go out to Cap ain Mike and all the Windjammer staff
as well as the families of the Fantome crew. Is there a list of the crew?
Thankyou for providing this site as I have been searching for info since
I heard. Godspeed to all of you and maybe we'll meet sailing on the s as
some day. Kay Gray
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Dr.Dean...Great Web Site...now think about one for the GALLERY... MOM
& DAD T.
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Sailed on the Poly last Jan 19, 1998. Best time of our lives. We've
been following the terrible news about the Fantome and even though we didn't
get the opportunity to sail with her, we still feel somehow connected to
the Windjammer families and their gr ef. Our experiences with Windjammer
will remain in our hearts forever.
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can we get a list of names of those crewmembers who lost their lives
and where they were from?
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Appreciate your coverage of recent events, especially the links to
newspaper articles and press releases (really liked the "Cornered Ship"
one from Miami Herald). A close friend embarked on Fantome on Sept. 25,
but Hurricane Mitch had other plans. She w s devastated.
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CHICKEN - 11/20/98 17:16:00
My Email:THOMAS@THERMACORE.COM
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HI DEAN THIS PAGE IS VERY NICE, I FINALLTY GOT THROUGH ON MY NETSCAPE
BROWSER DAD
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I have really enjoyed your web page. I check it every morning for the
latest on the Fantome. Without the WJ BB it has been difficult to keep
informed of developments in this story. Thanks for providing this much
needed service.
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I am so shocked and sadden that someone could bring race into this.
I Feel for the family and friends of the crew. But we need to remember
a life is a life no matter the color of skin of hair. I have been following
this story from 28 Oct . and have been praying for the crew. God be with
the crew and loveones.
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Although I have been waiting to see a crew list from day 1 and could
not understand why it was a secret, I fear we will not see one for a long
long time. Windjammer has every right to be concerned that such a list
would be pounced on by these attorneys s ing WBC and any others who might
think that is also a good idea. Thanks again Dean for this site and outlet.
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Although I was never on the Fantome, I feel it was an enormous loss.
God bless them all......
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Has anyone heard anything about a crew list? I can't believe it's been
this long and nothing has been released yet.
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Our honeymoon aboard the Fantome was the trip of our life. We are so
sorry to hear of this horrible loss.
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As time goes by, the inevitible reality on the fate of the S/V Fantome
becomes apparrent. The acceptance of her loss is not easy for any of us
who have either sailed upon her or one of her sister ships. She made a
deep impression on those who were only ab e to admire her from ashore,
inspiring their inner souls, wanting to share her romance, to see her sails
fill with air, the wind blow through your hair as she danced forward through
the water to the tune of 'Amazing Grace'. Yes, the Fantome will continue
o sail on in our memories and dreams. God, please don't ever let us forget
her nor her courageous crew. Our hearts and prayers pour out to them, their
families, Windjammer Barefoot Cruises and to all of our fellow 'jammers'
who are struggling with this tr gic reality. We all want answers, but lets
hope that blame isn't randomly thrown around. Hindsight is always 20/20,
and we can't second guess the difficult decision making of WBC and Captain
Guyan March. We leave that for the experts. Let's hope that the pirit of
Fantome sails on, that WBC will keep her dream alive so that we can continue
to experience her magic. Sail on Fantome. You will be missed. Ron Weiss
Cave Creek, Arizona
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If anyone has seen a roster of names of the other crew members that
are missing, please let me know. Both of my trips on the Fantome were the
best vacations I have ever had. The crew was a large part of what makes
a Windjammer cruise so wonderful. I have ots of pictures from my cruises
two years ago, but have now way of knowing if they include crew members
that are missing. If anyone wants to take custody of these pictures and
compile albums for the families, let me know and I will send what I have.
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so saddened of the news - the crew and ship have not been found. sailing
on the phantome was an unforgettable adventure. our thoughts and prayers
go out to the families of the courageous 3l. would like to see the casualty
list be printed.
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I would pay double to go on any Windjammer for a week rather than have
two FREE weeks on any of the so-called Foo-foo cruise liners. I went on
my first Windjammer in the summer 1977 on the Flying Cloud doing the BVI's.
Have been doin' Windjammers since.A ways will.The first time I saw the
wind fill "Fantome's" sail and felt the sounds of 'Amazing Grace' fill
my body and spirit as she moved majestically and gracefully away from the
dock ( and the foo-foo liner next to her)I knew I was forever and eagerly
hooked.
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We are stunned by this sudden and tragic loss. Our honeymoon aboard
the Fantome was without question one of the most enjoyable times of our
lives. As with any public tragedy, we are sorry to see that the inevitable
flood of maggots-- I mean, lawyers-- h ve now come to feed on the pain
of others. Should those who have lost loved ones be compensated? Of course.
It's just so sad to see such reckless, inflammatory, and sometimes racial
accusations being made at a time when everyone is still suffering. We will
always treasure our memories aboard the Fantome. God bless the Captain
and crew. It's just a shame those courageous individuals cannot trade places
with the lawyers.
Comments:
We have been devastated by the news, but still hold some hope. Our
last day in port in Omoa, we were befriended by four little Honduran boys
who accompanied us to a nice little waterfall, where we all went swimming.
We have been so worried for their fat , and then we heard about the Fantome.
Donna was on the Fantome back in, we think, 1985 during its stint in the
Bahamas. She talked with first mate, Brasso, one evening and found out
that he was on the ship then, too. It was such a coincidence. Brasso wove
an anklet on Donna and now it holds an even bigger meaning. Thank you,
Dean, for the updates and this way to share our thoughts and experiences.
If WJ comes up with some event to remember the Fantome, please let us know.
We want to be involved.
Comments:
Dean, thank you for setting up this web site.
Comments:
the Fantome has always felt like "my ship". On our most recent cruise,
I felt like I was back at home. I still pray for her crew's safety. Believe
in a miracle!
Comments:
Hello everybody from the Oct. 17 to 24 trip. I think about you guys
all the time. A very special thanks to Dean for putting my picture on the
webpage for everybody to see. Now my grandparents have the picture on thier
refrigerator. I hope we can all get t gether again to share our memories
about the trip, the Fantome and its crew. Chad
Comments:
Great job on the website Dean! I just now got a chance to browse it.
To all the fellow passengers of the last full cruise of the Fantome, I
know that you all share the pain and loss that we do over this tragedy.
It has been comforting to read Dean's guest book with all of your comments
and memories. I know that I will long remember our delayed "honeymoon"
cruise and the wonderful friends and crew that made it so great. Hopefully
Windjammer will wise up and realize that they need to provide more information
and compassion to the customers that make up their "family"!
Comments:
I first enjoyed Windjammer Cruises when I was just 12 years old. That
is when I first met Capt. Burke. I worked as a crew member during summer
months while in college. Within the past few years, I had the pleasure
of the company being a client. I love the company and everything that sailing
Windjammer provided. I am personally shocked and sad about the Fantome
loss at sea.
Comments:
Feel as part of the Windjammer losing the Fantome was like losing part
of the family. My brother and his wife went on the Fantome 20 years ago
and were also very sad to learn of the fate.
Comments:
Really good site! I will miss Captain Guyan. Was Cathy (the Australian
Divemaster and social director) on board?
Comments:
We were scheduled to board her again this coming Sunday in Aruba for
the 2 week cruise to Grenada, now on Sunday we will be boarding the Mandalay.
For two weeks our prayers and tears have been for the ship and her crew.
We hope being with fellow jammers a sea will finally give us some closure.
We know the first time the sails go up our thoughts will be of the Fantome
and her crew. Steve & marlene
Comments:
I worked for Windjammer for five years, my husband worked for the company
for seven, we knew several of the crew and have been absolutley devestated!
We appreciate all the information you have supplied us with during these
trying times. It is so wonderful to share in these beautiful memories of
the passengers, however please realize that behind these beautiful memories
there is definitely a love-hate relationship that is going on. We know
the real Windjammer, the article I just read bel w is very true. The starting
pay for the crew was next to nothing!! The registration was done in these
third world countries specifically for the purpose of noncompliance! Most
of these men had families they saw only once a year and Windjammer is only
o fering them two months salary and it seems they aren't even considering
the tips these men made (earned!) I hope that some meaning comes from the
loss of life! As much as Windjammer has brought happiness to others including
myself and my husband what is the cost to others?!! I believe that like
many other situations I have witnessed Windjammer sweep under the rug,
they are trying to do the same here! My prayers are with those that are
left behind, the mothers, wives, sons and daughters of the crew. I gree
the Fantame was majestic, taking you back to a bygone era, but what really
made the trip was the tireless efforts of the crew! Please if you want
to give money to the families don't rely on Windjammer to be responsible!!
Comments:
Not enough space to list all of the ways I'm going to miss the ship
and it's crew.
Comments:
I just read the article from the Miami Herald - "31 men and a date
with doom". I think I now have achieved closure. May they rest in peace.
Comments:
my computer was down for two weeks. I was on the last sailing and was
air lifted out of belize. when i first found out, i was really feeling
uncomfortable, it took a day to realize that i was having the same feelings
that i had in viet nam 30 years ago. U MC. I only pray that the crew did
not suffer. and that they at peace
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I was one of the fortunate ones to be able to sail the Fantome before
the remodeling. She was perfect and I couldn't imagine remodeling her.
Then in 1993, upon completion of a 2 week cruise on the Mandalay, the Fantome
was in dock the same time as we were. Naturally, the inevitable party took
place whenever 2 Windjammer Ships were in the same dock. I was given a
tour of the Fantome and she w s even better than before. I told my wife
that when the girls are old enough to fend for themselves, we'd take a
2nd honeymoon on the Fantome. I have taken 4 cruises with Windjammer and
have met so many great people, of whom I still keep in touch with. I pray
daily for the captain and crew of the Fantome. I know there has to be a
"Windjammer heaven" for all us "old salts" to gather and have story time.
I can't imagine a heaven without a taste of the "grog"
Comments:
thank god! finally a good source of info since windjammer dismantled
the bulletin. Like everyone else we can't believe that this has happened
to our beloved fatome. I have given some thought about what can we do to
help the families of the crew.I have als talked some to tina and shannon
in human resources. my idea small as it is. that all of us who have been
on the fatome in the last 6 months to a year who have xtra copies of photos
of crew members doing their jobs, having fun, whatever, that we organize
them and possibly with windjammers help send them to family members who
many times haven't seen their loved one in a year. I know ffrom personal
experiance that when you lose some suddenly it does bring some measure
of comfort to see recent photos of them. Please respond back and tell me
what you think of this idea.
Comments:
By BERT WILKINSON, Associated Press NEW AMSTERDAM, Guyana -- Families
of sailors who went down with a tall ship lost to Hurricane Mitch are suing
its Florida owners, accusing them of sending a low-paid crew on a suicide
mission in a bid to save an uninsured vessel. Officers of Windjammer Barefoot
Cruises Inc. of Miami Beach said it believed it did everything proper and
possible to save the crew and the pride of its fleet, the four-masted,
282-foot Fantome. The company said the 71-year-old ship was self-insured.
At least six suits have been filed across the Caribbean, asking for $1
million for each family, said Nelson Ayala, an investigator for the Miami
law firm Huggett and Scornavacca. "Suits have been filed ... from Honduras
to Antigua Guyana and ... Jamaica, and there are probably going to be many,
many more," he said Tuesday. Windjammer officials said the suits were groundless.
"We believe these are false accusations from a self-serving personal-injury
attorney," sai>
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We are heart-sick about this tragedy as are all of you in the large
jammer family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and relatives
of the crew and the great Windjammer owners and staff in Miami.
Comments:
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Mitch has damaged so much and so many. We all must find some way to
contribute to the recovery of these people and contine to morn the loss
of our friends on the Fantome. Dean, thanks for your efforts on this web
site.
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Great job keeping us informed. With the bulletin board down, I've been
checking your site every day - hoping for what now seems to be the impossible
- that her crew is found alive.
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I've been on 3 cruises & I'm not through yet!
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thank you for this web site - it is a help. Fantome was our first WJ
- and Brasso, who I fear was aboard, our favorite officer of the fleet
since Mick left - and a friend. we sail our own 42' ketch now, headed through
the canal for the sw carribbean next year - we'll remember Fantome as we
sail th se waters.
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I had seen the Fantome in Jan. 96 in St. Barts and loved her then,
In Jan 97 I sailed on her along the Yucatan and thought she was beautiful.
I think now, whenever I hear Amazing Grace I will think of the Fantome
and remember her. I have a lovely video f that trip, including a sail around
the ship with nearly all her sails up. Thanks for keeping us informed.
Comments:
Thank you so much for all your effort keeping so many of us informed.
Your work was and is very much appreciated. We all hoped for a different
ending, but you and others like you have offered an elegant and dignified
tribute to Fantome and her wonderful crew. Thank you. Jan
Comments:
My time on Fantome was the best and worst experience of my life. The
West Indian crew were amazing. Guyan March was a true honorable gentleman.
My prayers are with these men and perhaps women.
Comments:
Never been on a Windjammer Cruise, but am a long time sail boat owner/skipper
who loved the western Carribean. May the sea care well for those she gave
life only to take again.
Comments:
Comments:
I am searching for about six people from Team Afthole. When and if
they read this, they will know who they are. On the night of the costume
contest, the weather went bad and everyone else went down below - except
us. We partied HARD on the deck of the antome together in the pouring rain
and lightening with Crispin and other members of the crew to your Blues
Brother CD. This has been an especially difficult time for me and my husband,
but the memories of that evening in particular are very fresh. The reason
I mention this event on this page is in the hopes that you guys will read
this and contact me at mfryback@ikon.com. I thought that you took pictures
of that evening and I would love to have copies. Coping with this tragedy
has been more than I ca stand, but by reaching out to those that were there
eases the pain. I sure hope I hear from you!
Comments:
I sailed on Fantome in the Caribbean for two weeks, and loved the ship.
I'm so sad that she is gone. The report of the staircases found as debris
does not sound very hopeful. I hope some crew are still alive. I'm so sorry--I
know that every ship on the se is at risk, but I can't be philosophical
yet about this loss.
Comments:
We sailed Mexico (Cancun, Player de Carmen, Cosemel.....) Capt Guyan
was the relief skipper. Wonderful trip...Will always remember the crew
and ship.
Comments:
I am devistated. My heart goes out to the family and friends of the
crew. I also own the launch that belonged to Fantome while she was docked
in Seattle during WWII. Strangely, I feel a sad soul while I am aboard
her.
Comments:
The news of the Fantome & her crew is very sad. I felt like they
were part of my family when I was on board.
Comments:
We spent an evening aboard the S/V Fantome while on the Columbus cruise.The
news of her demise hit me like a brick My wife and I absolutely loved our
cruises and long for the day we can board again. Our prayers go out to
the families and friends of the c ew. The sound of Amazing Grace being
played by bagpipes celebrates the lives of the brave crew of the Fantome.
God Speed.
Comments:
Thanks for providing updates and archive articles. Like everyone in
the WJ family we have been anxious for any news at all. I understand WJ's
position on the bulletin board but I do believe it served as an outlet
for everyone's emotions. Thanks again f r providing information.
Comments:
This is all so hard to swallow, many tears have been shed between my
fellow Jammers and I. God Bless to all of the family members of the crew.
Comments:
My best vacations have been aboard Windjammer Barefoot Cruise ships.
After sailing on the Fantome, she became our favourite. All of us who have
'Jammed know how truly wonderful and unique a holiday cruising the Caribbean
on a lovely sailing vessel is. One of the friends from our group who sailed
on the Fantome died suddenly in January of 1996. Another from our group
imagines that our departed friend is welcoming Guyan, the crew and the
soul of Fantome into heaven with her big smile and "swizzles" all around.
I found this to be a very comforting thought. The loss of Guyan March,
the 30 crew members and the historic and graceful S/V Fantome is a huge
tragedy. My thoughts and prayers go to the friends and family of all who
were lost and all others involved.
Comments:
What a tragedy! We visited wonderful islands, met interesting people,
saw the Southern Cross for the first time, and witnessed the "green flash."
Captain Guyan brought a joy and positive energy to the ship. It was an
idylic sail that seems like a wonde ful dream. Now she is a true "Fantome"
sailing the Caribbean for all times.
Comments:
AS AN "OLD SALTINE" AND VETERAN FROM THIRTEEN WINDJAMMER CRUISES I
WAS TERRIBLY SHAKEN TO HEAR THE NEWS OF FANTOME. MY LAST WINDJAMMER CRUISE
WAS IN THE EARLY 80'S BUT SOME OF MY BEST MEMORIES WERE MADE ON THOSE SHIPS
AS WELL AS WONDERFUL FRIENDSHIPS THA HAVE ENDURED OVER THE YEARS. I SAILED
FANTOME THREE TIMES, ONCE ACTUALLY TAKING THE WHEEL AND STEERING HER OUT
OF NASSAU HARBOR AS THE CAPTAIN GAVE THE COORDINATES. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
ARE WITH THE CREW AND THAT BEAUTIFUL SHIP.
Comments:
AS AN "OLD SALTINE" AND VETERAN FROM THIRTEEN WINDJAMMER CRUISES I
WAS TERRIBLY SHAKEN TO HEAR THE NEWS OF FANTOME. MY LAST WINDJAMMER CRUISE
WAS IN THE EARLY 80'S BUT SOME OF MY BEST MEMORIES WERE MADE ON THOSE SHIPS
AS WELL AS WONDERFUL FRIENDSHIPS THA HAVE ENDURED OVER THE YEARS. I SAILED
FANTOME THREE TIMES, ONCE ACTUALLY TAKING THE WHEEL AND STEERING HER OUT
OF NASSAU HARBOR AS THE CAPTAIN GAVE THE COORDINATES. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
ARE WITH THE CREW AND THAT BEAUTIFUL SHIP.
Comments:
Dean, Debbie and I wanted to thank you for putting the web site together.
Debbie misses her afthole teammates terribly. Cate and Akosua mentioned
that they have been keeping updated by reading your site. Thanks for keeping
us connected. We love the do gie e-mail icon! Debbie wants to know how
you did it.
Comments:
While I never got to sail aboard Fantome, I did get to walk thru her
while we were supplying her with goods from the Grace. On that cruise,
Guyan was captain of the Amazing Grace, and I am glad I got to know him
then. GodSpeed to all, wherever you are.
Comments:
although i have never been on one of the windjammer ships, i have
been dreaming of doing so for a year or so. i send my prayers for the crew
of the Fantome.
Comments:
I was the bartender and worked with Guyan and Sharon Dietrich Paterson(from
the noticeboard) on board Fantome 10-11 years ago It wasn't just working
with them it was living with them, you form a special bond and as those
of you who have been on board for just a week or two you know how it gets
inside of you and stays with you forever. Although 10-11 years have passed
that fresh faced smiling Guyan is as much with me today as then. Being
a fellow Brit we had to stick together. I as Sharon said wish they would
post a crew list. I also knew Brasso and god knows who else. The English
reported 2 Brits on board, does anybody have any idea who the other may
be. And for those who were last/ most recently on board, who was your crew.
Let's all hope that they will find the crew in a liferaft somewhere and
they are alive. Let our thoughts go out to the crew and family and Guyan
Mum Jenny and his two brothers.
Comments:
I am still reeling from shock of leaving the best vacation of my
life, only to find out that many of my new friends are probably dead, along
with the sinking of the beloved Fantome. How does one take the two extremes
into a single reality? I know- " tha 's life ". But it's not often that
we have to experience both the best, and worst, at almost the same moment.
I had a wonderful week diving, taking underwater photos, making new friends,
and generally having the time of my life. I will always hold my m mories
of the Fantome, Captain Guyan March, and his crew close to my heart.
Comments:
I lied about now writing more in the Guest Book. Sorry! Right now
I am having too many swizzles or the equivalent and dealing with some grief.
Remembering Brasso and spouse sewing an awning in port on the Clipper in
Antigua with wine and Maxi Priest, r membering Capt. Guyan looking too
pretty as a prostitute, remembering Annie and Guyan looking so happy in
St. Lucia in January, while I was off talking to other crew. I am trying
to understand Windjammer has a business to run, but I need to know of other
crew.... If anyone knows if Noel, Curtis or Sean Jackson were aboard please
let me know as I am godmother to their nephew Neville. Also please confirm
that Coddy and Chrispen were put ashore as non-essential crew! I am sorry
to waste this space, but I needed to. Please write if you can help me with
this info. Dean, I promise I will stop writing in this guestbook! Also
wondering if Windjammer will ever make another statement or open its bulletin
boards, do they u set future passengers or remember those that make up
their "family" and kept this business going? In memory of S/V Fantome and
the men who sailed her, we raise our glasses and shed our tears. Also to
those in Honduras and Nicaragua...the losses and suffering are unimaginable.
Thank you for listening... -Inga
Comments:
WJ is the best. Their captains and crew are some of the friendliest,
hardest working, and fun people we have known. Our prayers are with the
crew and their families. May they be found safe.
Comments:
the most soul refreshing days of my life have been spent jammin'
the crews and ships have become an irreplaceable part of my life at the
loss of her Crew and the Fantome I am forever diminished Everlasting Peace
to all,
Comments:
Comments:
What a great website. You answer so many questions and guide people
places to help gain understanding, if that's at all possible. Wish I had
your help to design my website (my own recruiting firm). Anyway -- most
importantly, good to see someone who lo ed the ship and crew who is taking
some action. I worked with your skipper, Guyan, and some of the other crew
(tho I wish WBC would publish the crew list so I could know who else was
on board!) and I am absolutely heartsick over the loss of Guyan, who wa
one of the world's best people. I"ll never forget him. And my time as Purser
was one of the formative experiences of my life. This is a big loss. Thanks
for the opportunity to share. Best, Sharon Dietrich Paterson Purser, S/V
Fantome 1987-88
Comments:
Truly sorry to hear the awful news of the Fantome. It's like loosing
your own family, everyone gets so close on these sailings. If you have
been on more than one Windjammer you probably will sail with one of the
crew you have sailed with before. Am continuing to pray for the safe return
of the crew. Sail on! Vickie
Comments:
Fantome was our first, and favorite WJ. I would like to thank the
Afthole for the great job he did with his site during the last week. It
truly was my first stop for information. I am looking forward to Mandy
on 11/29/98, but it will be hard not thinking about those who are no longer
with us...the crew of Fantome, Lee Burke, and the graceful old lady herself,
Fantome. Fair winds and following seas my friends.
Comments:
To "AFTholes" from the "Mooners" Just thought we'd say hello and
tell you what a great job you've done on this website.We had a wonderful
time on the Fantome with you Guys and will allways hold the memories close
to our hearts. I took some wonderful pictures on that trip,if you remember,I
was the one that allways had the camera in my hand(even on my honeymoon!)
Take care & thanks again. Jeff&Diana
Comments:
What a tragedy. My heart goes out to the families of Capt. Guyan
(Good Morning, Captain, SIR), Brasso, Anassis, Stone, Enoch and all the
others who made my Fantome vacation the best I have ever had. Also to the
people at WBC who suffered such a horrific l ss. Chris and I will never
hear "Amazing Grace" in quite the same way again.
Comments:
Thank you so much for providing this website with information on
Fantome. We, being Windjammer fans since 1980, are devastated by this tragedy
and appreciate the time and effort you have taken to keep people informed.
Have enjoyed looking at your photos and reminiscing about all of our past
cruises. Keep up the good work! Sheila and Dan Ball
Comments:
I didn't realize how much of a personal impact this would have on
us. We look for some hint of hope with every newscast and every e-mail.
Thank you for providing this site. It really helps to know that there are
many others out there hoping and praying for our friends on the Fantome.
Comments:
I've been on six Windjammers, three on Fantome, can't get over this
tragedy. I will always remember it's great crew and all the happy moments
aboard with all my shipmates. My prayers to those who loved them.
Comments:
Our first cruise was on the AG with Capt. Guyan March. I'll miss
him terribly. Harriet Williamson
Comments:
The Fantome witnessed her last total solar eclipse February 26,
1998. It was great to have her in the flotilla of 4 Windjammer ships. Her
fine woodwork and hand craftmanship may never be duplicated. God bless
her and the 31.
Comments:
My wife and I were lucky enough to have sailed with and become friends
with Guyan. Here shared our table on my 40th birthday. I bought him a beer
at Bequia's "Gingerbread". We looked at our photos of us together, tonight.
On our two weeks aboard the Mandalay, he was a relief Captain, and seemed
so young. An older crew member said,"He may be young, but he's the best
sailor in the fleet. Whatever happened, we know he did what he knew was
best. And, if there is any chance o survival, we believe the best at making
that possible would be Guyan. Pray for all of them. After all, isn't that
why the song was written?
Comments:
How sad....how sad...for all involved. Sailed on the Polynesia twice,
way back in 1979 and then again in 1981. My son celebarted his monumental
sixteenth birthday aboard the Poly ... they had a big party for him with
champagne.... he got a little tipsy nd went around and kissed every woman
on the boat! Yes, these are vacations that change ones life, aren't they?
All of us who have had the experience, along with all who are associated
with Windjammer Barefoot Cruises are in a state of shock right now. The
worst has apparently happened.... There will be anguish, there will be
denial. But soon, friends, there must come acceptance .......... My prayers
are with all at this sad time.
Comments:
I work for Dockside Marine Electronics in Miami. We do work for
Windjammer and I have worked on equipment that is on Fantome. I have followed
the news since Dennis Newsome told us about Fantome being missing. Although
the news is not good, I am still pr ying for the safety of the crew.
Comments:
Many thanks for the Web site with the latest information about the
Fantome. I have not given up hope and spend much of my days monitoring
your site for more news. My first WJ trip was on the Fantome with Capt.
Guyan; my husband has sailed on many, many Windjammers and shared the wonderful
experience with me on our honeymoon. May we hear some good news about the
Fantome's crew soon...
Comments:
Other info above in earlier post. I promise I won't sign this guestbook
anymore! If you hear of any type of fund set up for the crew's families,
please post that information. Duh, I know you would. Again I thank you
for this site.
Comments:
My sister, who has done the Windjammer trips, on the Polynesia alerted
me to the plight of the Fantome. I have been checking daily on this site
and informed her of your web page. I found it on the Herald page which
I was searching for a business matter. This gripping story is getting no
airspace and there are 31 people missing! Incredible. This is a great tragedy
and will probably be noticed when a movie of the week is made. My condolences
to the next of kin.
Comments:
See earlier post for the above information. I just read that the
Coast Guard suspended their search efforts for Fantome. I do not know if
Windjammer will continue its own efforts. I also have been wondering why
the crew list can not be made available. Even in the beginning, once families
were notified, I do not know why this could not be disclosed.
Comments:
Thanks for the news. It helps to hear something even if it's not
new. Please keep up the good work.
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What a beautiful ship, I came here looking for information on her
fate. Keep praying for all of the crew on board....
Comments:
Dean, first I want to see thank you for your wonderful site. Especially
when the Windjammer Bulletin board was closed, this has been a great source
of information and shared emotions. We sailed with Capt. Guyan several
times on other ships and visited h m on Fantome in January. I tried to
e-mail you from this site but it doesn't seem to work. If you could drop
me a note with your email address I would appreciate it. Was Brasso on
the ship when you were on? I have read that though I had thought he was
n the Legacy last we heard. The last few days have been filled with deep
sadness and concern. We have always tried to get to know the crews and
keep in touch with them on Windjammer and feel they are our friends. Not
knowing what has happened and fearing the worst has been very difficult.
We still try to keep our hopes up that good news will be heard. Thank you
again for this source of official information. -Inga and Dave Scheckel
PS on my photo travel page, the URL of which I have listed is a beautiful
shot of Fantome at sunset at dock in Antigua. It has always been one of
my favorite Windjamme photos.
Comments:
Thanks for your untiring and always up-to-date efforts. When nothing
new shows up in the evening's news and the Windjammer BB gets shut down,
we find ourselves scrambling to link to other sites, desperate for any
bits of information. I understand the rational of the WBC office to limit
the website to "official updates" but we WERE finding comfort in reading
posts from others who are as concerned and devasted as we are. I had hoped
to log on this morning to print up a list of the reli f agencies that someone
provided in a thread, but it was not available. I have since found numerous
other sites to get addresses and phone numbers, however. Again, thanks
for keeping us informed. Adele
Comments:
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Sorry for typo on previous message. We were on the Yankee Clipper
only one time, not 12! Enjoyed reading most of the comments in your guestbook.
Still waiting and hoping for good news,
Comments:
John and I are really impressed with your website! We have been
calling the Windjammer Miami office daily and scouring other sources for
info, but yours is the most complete. The trip was so wonderful and the
people so memorable, new friendships, etc. The crew was more like extended
family than some nameless person that "waited" on you. We can't get them
all out of our minds - in the midst of daily business we find ourselves
thinking of them and praying for them. Thanks again for your work - John
and Cheryl Scott, Texas City, Texas - we were on the second best team,
Jack's Jammers!!
Comments:
Thanks for timely updates. Feel very saddened by the news and watch
anxiously for any hopeful news. Looking forward to our next sailing in
June 99.
Comments:
Having just disembarked from The Amazing grace in Oct., i am well
aware of the aspect of being ccaught in a storm. We trailed behind Hurricane
Georges for most of the entire trip. It was the primary concern of the
captain & crew that we stayed well out of harms way. I commend the
Crew for their concern and extend my deepst sympathy for their lose of
fellow crewmates.Life on a ship isnt glamorous nor financially rewarding,
but there is a sense of respect shared by all aboard a ship at sea.
Comments:
We were planning on taking a trip on the Fantome in the spring of
99
Comments:
Words cannot express my love for this ship and empathy for all during
this tragedy. My sail, a sort of birthday present with a dear friend, completely
changed my life, thanks to the crew, the other wonderful passengers aboard
and, moreover, the connectio I felt with the ship itself. Since then, I
have become an avid racer of Olsen 30's, Mumm 30's, J27's and 180's in
the Dallas area, primarily, as well as throughout Texas and other states.
I have been amazed at the number of sailors from a myriad of clu s who
have enjoyed the opportunity of sailing on the Fantome, which we collectively
agree is the most majestic ship to grace the seas in modern times. It has
been my greatest intent to rejoin the Fantome in another voyage with the
knowledge and experienc -born awe I have gained since last on her decks.
Until that day, my prayers shall remain for the safe return of her crew
and for the ship herself.
Comments:
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It looks like the impossible has happened. Condolences to family
and friends of crew
Comments:
We have been on thirteen, Fantome 5 times. We knew all the crew
well. Love those guys. Pray they survived.
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I have followed the news reports of the missing Crew of the Fantome.
They, and the many thousands of victims of Hurricane Mitch our in my thoughts
and prayers.
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One of the great expierences of my life. The loss of this ship is
lost piece of old world art and history. Due to a very few passengers,
we got to know the crew and dinned with them each day. No better sailors
could be found. A great tragedy.
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THE BEST CRUISE I'VE EVER BEEN ON!
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My prayers are with the crew of the Fantome.
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What is there to say? My feeble prayers seem so inadequate...
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In these past four days of waiting to hear about lost crew and just
what happened to the Fantome, we would like to express our deepest sorrow
at this time to everyone connected to this awful incident. My wife and
I met Capt. Guyan March when we worked on the Grace in 1991. A better Captain
or a better human being you could not find. We sailed again in 1996 on
the Fantome with Guyan for our honeymoon week in May. Once again we were
impressed with this man, and his ability. Sure, my favorite ship is a l
ss, but most of all the crew we learned to Know and love. We still hope
and pray that they will be found. Don't give up hope! Len and Harriet Winit.
Davie, Florida
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I am in shock.............hopefully the ship is still out there
somewhere if the beacon has not been found, but I fear the worst. I still
have not developed my photos. I am so startled by all of this. Nate
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Our prayers go with the members of the Fantome crew and their families.
How fragile our lives are!
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Addition to.
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As I sit here and reminisce of our cruise on the "Fantome" and look
at the many lovely pictures we took of the the islands we visited, the
many laughs we had and the crew of the "Fantome", My wife and I are saddened
at the possible fate of the crew and th t mighty ship. I spent a number
of evenings on the bridge with Capt. Guyan and found him to be a fine man
and capable skipper. May the power of the almighty hold and protect Capt.
Guyan and his crew as we pray for their safe and unscathed return. We lo
k forward now and in the furure to another cruise on the "Fantome", or
any other tall ship with "Windjammer Barefoot Cruises"!
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Hope the ship is located. But, most importantly, hope all the crew
members managed to make their way to safety. Thinking about them...
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We use to sail with a family named the Woodies. Capt. William Woodie
was the captain of the Phantome back in the late sixties or early seventies.
We use to hear sea stories about her. Both my husband and I love the big
ships.... hope to sail on one somed y. I just hate to see one in distress.
We hope for the best..the crew first..the Phantome we hope is still afloat.
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We traveled with six close friends. One of the best vacations ever.
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Just wanted to know the latest. We are hoping and praying for the
crew and the ship. Jeannie Schoewe and Debby Allen
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Unforgettable experience, one we'd hoped to repeat in 1999. About
to leave for week in Bangkok. Should be excited, but all I can think of
is the Fantome and her crew. Thanks so much for your site and the beautiful
photos. Wish I'd taken more when aboard.
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My heart and prayers go out to the crew and their families. God
be with them. I was never lucky enough to sail on the Fantome, But was
planning to next Sept. I have been a fan of barefoot cruising since I discovered
them earlier this year. We need to keep the faith they will come home,they
will!!
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Hello, my name is danny walsh. my mothers name is janeen BURKE walsh.
my grandfathers name is capt. mike burke, the founder of windjammer barefoot
crusises. i just wanted to tell you that i appreceiate what you have done
and we all feel the same as everyone else does. i myself, think that there
is a big possibility that the ship has made it because we have been through
waters like this before and mabye worse with a smaller ship, and we made
it out safe. i just wanted to let you know that we appreceiate what you
did and please have capt. guyan and all the crew in all of your prayers.
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I have known most of the crew aboard Fantome for several years working
along with Guyan on the Grace as his 2nd Mate and others on other ships
including Fantome which was my first start in 1989 for 18months. This is
a tragic loss to all and it is past due that Windjammer be stopped in their
efforts to cut corners and compromise passenger and crew safety. Fantome
is an unfortunate example for the remainder of the fleet. I joined when
I was seventeen and Guyan was the next youngest person in the fleet to
my age and immediatley became my idol. I knew Brasso well through his reputation
of hard work and served with his brother for two years. Pope was an engineering
officer o eight years whom I worked with for two of. I am not here expressing
myself to slander, ridicule or publicly crucify Windjammer for this incident.
But these poor souls were the reason why passengers returned to the Fantome
and other ships because of their tireless efforts to make Windjammer what
pe ple want for a vacation.
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We have not been on the Fantome, but had hoped to be one day.
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Thirty lives is far too high a price to pay for any ship. What motivated
the skipper to chance these lives for the sake of this ship, and more acutely,
would I have done the same? This trajedy has made the answer a clear one
both for me, and, hopefully f r other sailors everywhere.
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We are heartsick over the news of the Fantome. Our prayers for her
crew and the entire -- and very extended -- Windjammer family.
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Praying that Guyan and crew have somehow found safety. Keep the
faith!
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There are 10 of us that have gone on the Windjammer from Port Richey
locally. We are all praying for The Fantome's safe return and we all have
a candle lit for her. Kathy and Bob Clark, Mark and Chris Borrack, Annette
and Gary Kempf, John and Audrey Mis al, and Gerta and Al Scholnfelt.
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After graduating from college, I crewed on Fantome from January
1974 through August of that year. At that time, the ship was operating
in the Bahamas. I have many incredible memories of this experience , not
to mention the fact that I found this to be a onderful proving ground for
me at the early age of 23. I especially remember crewmembers Michael Story,
Mike Ungaro, Bob Singer, Tom (Stanley Steamer) Tribble, Captain Paul Maskell,
First Mate Andrew Kitchen, Yankee, Hickson Abbott and many more. I have
stayed with sailing all my life. The thought of Fantome (at her advanced
age) with her old hydraulic steering gear attempting to navigate 30 foot
swells haunts me. That vessel should not be considered seaworthy enough
to challenge such conditions I hope and pray that all is well with that
crew.
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For many reasons, I feel a kinship to all involved...crew, families,
the people in that area of Central America and to the vessel itself. True
heroism does not go unnoticed. Keep the faith!
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We sailed with Captain Guyen and his crew on the beautiful Fantome
early this year. Truly enjoyed the adventure, the hospitality and the gorgeous
Carribean. My prayers go out with all the others! I have confidence in
the crew's skill and anxiously await news of their safety.
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I need to know more about the last known location. The circumstances
of its last departure.
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Thanks for the update on the Fantome. We pray for her crew.
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We can only hope for the best. I consider the lack of an EPIRB signal
a good sign. As I understand it the EPIRB would go off automatically if
the ship went down. So perhaps they are just unable to make any contact.
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Great web site - thanks for the info on the Fantome - no press out
here on the West Coast so I'm relegated to the computer for my information.
I have sailed with Guyan March for 4 weeks -- my prayers are with him and
the crew. Such a tragic event...
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I took my husband on a "mystery trip" on the Fantome for his 60th
birthday. He loved every minute, steered the ship at night, and installed
a tape of Amazing Grace on bagpipes which he plays on his 27' sailboat
now. We are just sick about the disappeara ce and have been calling the
Coast Guard every few hours since we learned the ship was missing. Thanks
for providing this space for us to share our concern.
Erika Taylor - 11/02/98 17:35:47
My Email:Erika_B_Taylor@Groton.Pfizer.com
When did you go on the Fantome: 12/92, 8/93 & 12/93
Other Windjammer ships you've been on: Polynesia
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Mine was the original love boat story. Fell in love with the mate...and
married him! We live in Mystic, CT now and are very worried about the ship
and all the crew. Thank you for all the news and links. My husband, Malcolm
Taylor, spoke with Stuart Lancome, the previous Captain of Fantome, last
night. He has no other news, but, according to Mal, didn't sound very hopeful.
Both of us are very depressed and sad. I've been browsing all the Fantome
links I could find today, and in some ways it's been good to see how much
the ship meant to so many people -- what ever happens or happened, she
will live on in all our happy memories!
Buck Buchanan - 11/02/98 16:54:08
My Email:bbuck@uswest.net
Other Windjammer ships you've been on: Mandalay
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Recently completed a back to back trip on the Mandalay and became
an Old Salt but more to the point became a member of the WindJammer's family.
Now we pray that the Fantome and all it's crew are found safe and sound
Robin Blake - 11/02/98 16:18:08
My Email:Robinb1963@aol.com
When did you go on the Fantome: n/a
Other Windjammer ships you've been on: none
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Just praying for your beautiful ship & beautiful crew missing
as well as all the others who were touched by "Mitch".