Windjammer's legacy

By Douglas Eads

updated 4:06 p.m. ET June 14, 2005

Why V.I.? For any reason, whether it is business, or a land vacation, the Virgin Islands in the Caribbean offer a surreal scenic canvas and there are activities galore. This trip was my son Todd's medical school graduation present - we were flying to St. Thomas, V.I. to meet the sailing ship S.V. Legacy.

As we descended upon the Cyril E. King International airport what strikes even returning visitors is the variety of the stunning blue watery hues that glisten and sparkle about these emerald island outcroppings. Are the crystal clear waters topaz - aquamarine - or deep azure? - Yes they are, and much more.

This artistic tropic palate is brimming with a sensuously alluring invitation to come bathe and refresh in the opulent beauty. You will surround yourself with pristine natural splendor and the simple serenity that is offered on most of these islands.

Like a series of green sea turtles, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the neighboring British Virgin Islands dot the unbelievably pure and clear surrounding waters. These island gems are just 90 miles southeast from San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The S.V. Legacy was docked at Crown Bay for our arrival, and I had spotted her towering masts before the taxi turned into the docking area. Our late arrival was expected, as a delay in flying made us the last to board. The ship was like an inviting lady from the pages of sailing history. The crew was friendly and welcoming throughout our week aboard.

I had read ads and articles on the Windjammer Barefoot sailing company nearly all of my life, and the lure to sails is one that seems ingrained in our nature - the salty air and the brimming sails seem primal to many who love the sea as I do. In 1947 Captain Mike Burk formed the Windjammer Barefoot concept - and the rest is vacationing history.

Legacy was acquired by the company in 1990. She was formerly a French research ship, and was quickly converted to a traditional tall mast ship accommodating up to 130 passengers on Caribbean venues.

Life Aboard: Long time Windjammer buffs were worried that the larger and more accommodating Legacy would forget the traditional sort of barebones approach to small group sailing that the older ships offered the traditionalists. That ambience had become an icon for those infatuated sailing souls who were Windjammer repeat clients over the years.

But, the Legacy quickly embraced even the long time sailing set. And for you would-be first time sailors on a Windjammer Barefoot cruise, the Legacy is longer, wider and more spacious than the others in the fleet, we were told onboard.

A mammoth amount of deck space makes even a full ship seem roomy. Cabins range from quite compact singles, a quad is offered, some triples, and even a couple of decked-out cabins with entertainment centers. Since most people do not book the suites with television, you may expect larger cabins compared to Windjammer's other ships, but comparing the cabins to large cruise ships - they may seem smaller and more plainly utilitarian. Legacy maintains a small lounge with books and television for other guests.

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