Precious Memories on "Fantome"

by Mary Ellen ... Boise, Idaho

My family and I went on the Fantome last New Years. Unlike some people I became good friends with not only the officers but also with the General crew. I have had a rough couple of weeks after learning about the loss of the Fantome and its crew.

Few people where I live understand what this is about, they think because I take cruises I am spoiled and this ship really doesn't mean much . . . it is just another boat, with more people lost due to the hurricane. I have too many memories of the crew to let that go, though.

Fedor's, the second mate, room was under construction while we were on board. So, Fedor got the privilege of living in a room across the hall my family and I. We got to be good friends with this Newfy. I remember the time I asked Fedor to show me his tan line and so he showed me his Teva tan.

I remember New Years night on St. Barts and dancing away with the crew. Rain or shine we just wanted to have fun. I remember when my uncle and I were flying a kite. We got this brilliant idea to tie glow sticks to the kite and fly it off the stern of the ship. Guyan went and found out of date glow sticks taken of the life vests that we could use.

Most of all, though, I remember Joel, the first mate. Joel was such an interesting fellows. He was not the most open of person at first. His sense of humor was quite dry, but you warmed up to it and learned to love it. I remember the later evening games of the Name Game with Joel and many, many others. After the games we would wander up to get the evening snack. Quite often we would joke around after the popcorn would fly overboard due to the wind. Joel became a good friend after a week. I felt bad we couldn't convince Joel to come ashore for New Years.

It will be hard to get on a WindJammer ship again without thinking of these poor, poor men.