Most dogs get excited about a walk around the neighborhood. Pirate gets excited about a trip to the Caribbean.
The adventurous pup has spent much of her life aboard boats with her owners Roger and Tama Walker, cruising in Florida, Canada and all throughout islands of the Caribbean. Along the way, she’s become something of a celebrity among fellow boaters.
“People know Pirate,” Roger says with a laugh. “We’ll pull into an anchorage, and people will ask about her before they ask about us.”
For Roger and Tama, that’s perfectly fine.
Pirate has become the heart of their boating adventures. Whether she’s swimming in crystal-clear Caribbean waters, greeting visitors at the dock or standing watch from the bow, she rarely misses a chance to be part of the action. “She loves to swim,” Roger says. “If we’re anchored somewhere with calm water, she’s ready to jump in.”
Fortunately, Pirate has become an expert at life aboard. A specially designed pup plank allows her to climb in and out of the water, turning almost any anchorage into her personal playground.
While Pirate may steal the spotlight, Roger and Tama’s boating lifestyle provides the backdrop for her adventures. Roger grew up sailing in Canada and even earned a sailing scholarship that helped pay for college. Years later, he and Tama spent vacation after vacation chartering sailboats throughout the Caribbean before deciding it was time to own boats of their own. That decision eventually led to a retirement unlike most others. Now they own five boats including two sailboats, two tenders and two outboard-powered boats, one of which is a Sea Hunt with a new Yamaha F250.
Today, the couple spends winters in Marco Island, Florida, summers in Canada and nearly three months each year sailing through the Caribbean. Through it all, Pirate has been a constant companion.
“She’s been everywhere with us,” Roger says. “She’s part of every adventure.”
Of course, traveling with a dog requires a little extra planning. Grocery runs, trips to shore and beach excursions all depend on a Yamaha-powered tenders that serves as the family’s connection to land.
“You can’t live on a sailboat without a good tender,” Roger says. “Ours gets used at least twice a day, every day.”
The dependable Yamaha outboards carry supplies, groceries and one very enthusiastic passenger. Pirate eagerly hops aboard whenever there’s a chance to explore a new beach or visit a new harbor.
In many Caribbean destinations, fellow cruisers recognize Pirate immediately. Some remember her from previous seasons. Others simply stop to say hello. Either way, she has become a familiar face throughout the boating community.
For Roger and Tama, life on the water has provided countless unforgettable memories, but many of their favorite moments have involved the four-legged crew member who shares every mile of the journey.
“She’s living her best life,” Roger says.
And judging by the wagging tail, the daily swims and the excitement that comes with every new destination, Pirate would probably agree.
To follow Pirate’s adventures, visit pirateinthecaribbean.blogspot.com.
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The adventurous pup has spent much of her life aboard boats with her owners Roger and Tama Walker, cruising in Florida, Canada and all throughout islands of the Caribbean. Along the way, she’s become something of a celebrity among fellow boaters.
“People know Pirate,” Roger says with a laugh. “We’ll pull into an anchorage, and people will ask about her before they ask about us.”
For Roger and Tama, that’s perfectly fine.
Pirate has become the heart of their boating adventures. Whether she’s swimming in crystal-clear Caribbean waters, greeting visitors at the dock or standing watch from the bow, she rarely misses a chance to be part of the action. “She loves to swim,” Roger says. “If we’re anchored somewhere with calm water, she’s ready to jump in.”
Fortunately, Pirate has become an expert at life aboard. A specially designed pup plank allows her to climb in and out of the water, turning almost any anchorage into her personal playground.
While Pirate may steal the spotlight, Roger and Tama’s boating lifestyle provides the backdrop for her adventures. Roger grew up sailing in Canada and even earned a sailing scholarship that helped pay for college. Years later, he and Tama spent vacation after vacation chartering sailboats throughout the Caribbean before deciding it was time to own boats of their own. That decision eventually led to a retirement unlike most others. Now they own five boats including two sailboats, two tenders and two outboard-powered boats, one of which is a Sea Hunt with a new Yamaha F250.
Today, the couple spends winters in Marco Island, Florida, summers in Canada and nearly three months each year sailing through the Caribbean. Through it all, Pirate has been a constant companion.
“She’s been everywhere with us,” Roger says. “She’s part of every adventure.”
Of course, traveling with a dog requires a little extra planning. Grocery runs, trips to shore and beach excursions all depend on a Yamaha-powered tenders that serves as the family’s connection to land.
“You can’t live on a sailboat without a good tender,” Roger says. “Ours gets used at least twice a day, every day.”
The dependable Yamaha outboards carry supplies, groceries and one very enthusiastic passenger. Pirate eagerly hops aboard whenever there’s a chance to explore a new beach or visit a new harbor.
In many Caribbean destinations, fellow cruisers recognize Pirate immediately. Some remember her from previous seasons. Others simply stop to say hello. Either way, she has become a familiar face throughout the boating community.
For Roger and Tama, life on the water has provided countless unforgettable memories, but many of their favorite moments have involved the four-legged crew member who shares every mile of the journey.
“She’s living her best life,” Roger says.
And judging by the wagging tail, the daily swims and the excitement that comes with every new destination, Pirate would probably agree.
To follow Pirate’s adventures, visit pirateinthecaribbean.blogspot.com.
Back to Blue Life