March 13, 2025 – A New Beginning Under a Lunar Eclipse
The Backstory: How It All Started
In February 2025, I sold my car rental company in Curaçao and set my sights on a new adventure. Little did I know, fate had other plans—and they involved a neglected sailboat named Bowalie.
The Bait-and-Switch Boat Hunt
My journey began when I found an ad for a “ready-to-sail” Jeanneau 40 in Bonaire. The seller assured me it was in great condition, so I booked a flight, cash in hand, ready to buy.
Reality check:
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Almost every system was broken or missing
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The “sea-ready” boat couldn’t have sailed to the next dock
Frustrated and ready to head home, I discovered there were no return flights for three days.
Fate Intervenes at the Boatyard
While killing time on a scooter, I stumbled upon Bowalie—a tired charter boat tied up at a construction site. I barely had time to inspect her, but something clicked. After quick negotiations (and under the spell of a lunar eclipse on March 13), I became her new owner.
The Rescue Mission Begins
By March 17, I was back in Bonaire with keys in hand, facing the harsh truth:
🔧 Engine? Dead.
🚽 Toilet? Clogged beyond repair.
⛵ Sails? Needed all new running rigging.
Through sheer determination (and a lifesaving trip to Budget Marine), I:
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Resurrected the engine with the inspirational thought given by God.
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Installed a new toilet pump
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Replaced the genoa sheets and furler line (my emergency propulsion plan)
Bureaucracy & Best Wraps in Bonaire
Even registering the boat became an adventure—special thanks to the Harbor Master for bending the rules! Between paperwork sessions, I discovered a magical food truck serving Tuna Sashimi Wraps so good they almost made the struggles worth it. (Almost.)
Escape from Bonaire
Finally, on March 25, with documents stamped and systems barely functional, Bowalie and I were cleared to make a run for Curaçao…
Want to know if we survived the crossing?
👉 Check the next post!
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