Every day I’m here, I’m in awe of the magical beauty of the San Blas Islands. It truly is paradise for the voyaging sailor.
I say “voyaging” sailor and not “cruising” sailor because they are two very different things.
The voyaging sailor is one who is able to look after his own ship. The “cruising” sailor is one who relies on others for help, 
support, labor, and luxury. I’ve also heard “cruisers” referred to as “throttle trimmers” as every time the wind is below 10 knots the engine is turned on and the throttle trimmed instead of the sails.
Cruising sailors also tend to run in packs, buddy boating, and keeping the same circle of friends as they travel. They stick with their own team (nationality) and have a simple pallet when it 
comes to diet, friendship, experiences, and vision.
I’m not saying one philosophy is better or worse when it comes to sailing, however there are certainly geographic limitations to the San Blas which make it more appealing to the voyaging sailor.
The eastern Caribbean is more suited to the cruising sailor as 
there are many services, and much variety. One doesn’t need to rely on their own wits, and one can easily hire someone to cook for them, bring them a cold beer, or repair their boat. You won’t find much of that here and if you cant take care of yourself you’ll have a hard time of it.
When we are young, society (the matrix) clips our wings and forces a specific path upon us. We forget how to play by the time we are 18 or so and we become responsible adults.
I’m glad there are no hidden cameras around Splendid because Carla and I play like children all day.
Sails are wings and sometimes we just need to fly regardless of what we are told to do.
Voyaging isn’t about having money or security. It’s not about driving the speed limit, coloring within the lines, being responsible, or moral. It’s about living, loving, and soaring as high as your heart takes you. 
I know so, so many of my readers are battling with whether or not they can afford to, or have the time to, take off in a small boat without security.
Well guys, sometimes you just got to say “fuck it” and realize shit happens. You might lose your boat on a reef or starve to death (not likely by a jungle or a reef). You might get cancer and not have health insurance, you might also drown in the eye of a hurricane or be shot by pirates. What’s the alternative? Dying of heart disease from too many big gulps and fast food, a car accident, or being hit by a bus never realizing your dreams? I suppose if you like the daily grind you don’t read my blog.
I say live first and die when it’s your time, but I’m just that guy. There are no rules to our lives and we should determine our path by our innate sense of right & wrong and what makes us, and the people we love happy. I always tell people who are looking for their path to write their own obituary, it puts things into perspective. If you were to die today, what have you accomplished in your life?
Mark & Heather were fantastic charter guests and I know they went home with a positive experience. They traveled throughout Panama on their travels and told us they didn’t feel their vacation started until they got to Splendid. Thanks for being such great guests, we really enjoyed having you aboard.
Peace, Love, and Coconuts.
Sail far and live slowly.
– alex