Sailing on some of the world.s greatest cruising grounds is magical by itself, but when we met up with other Valiant owners, it increased the feeling of camaraderie that you can.t find anywhere in the world! It happened to us first when we arrived in the Tonga Islands, where we and seven other Valiant owners enjoyed some of the best of the best. It wasn't until we arrived back in the Caribbean some eight years later that we ran into another group of Valiant owners.
Cathy and I just completed our 11 year, 2 month circumnavigation of over 34,000 nautical miles when we met CIBONEY with Art and Judy English, ERINBRIE with Greg and Vicki Shea, and GOSI with Tom and Barbara Schaefer, all on board their "new" Valiants. Yes, the camaraderie just seemed to happen and before long, WELKIN and crew were invited to our "Circumnavigation Party" on board ERINBRIE since we had not yet had a celebration of that feat. It was a wonderful party with all of the above-mentioned people, as well as CHESSIE (not a Valiant but a Bob Perry design, Passport 47) with Jack and Beverly on board. Thanks to everyone! The food was excellent! The spirits were flowing! And the cake

you see in the photo was superb! Cathy and I were overwhelmed with the friendship we felt with these people we had only met a couple of days previously, but seemed like we had known them forever.
A few days later, we had all gone off in different directions, which is what happens often in the crazy life we lead, but we will always stay in touch. The Valiant World is indeed a very friendly one and a very small one. We arrive in the USVIs a few days later and the first thing we noticed were two more Valiants! BLUE MOON with Walter and Chris and SILENT PASSAGE with Dick and Bev on board. Small world indeed!
Cathy and I have not yet decided where to go next or what to do, but one thing is for certain, we will fly our Valiant Circumnavigation burgee with pride and will certainly meet more Valiant owners as we continue to sail in the most beautiful waters in the world. Thank you Valiant for playing such an important role in our lives!

   We left San Francisco in October 1988 for Mexico, the South Pacific and New Zealand. The lifestyle was so wonderful that we never even thought about turning back.
   On May 9, 2004, we crossed our outbound track and completed our sail around the world on the wonderful ship ANNIE'S SONG. She took great care of us for 15-1/2 years and 74,000 miles, and continues to do so. When things get a bit snarly, we always know that ANNIE'S SONG will take us on safely. We were moored next to NEW PASSAGE, Valiant 42, in Balboa, Panama. We took some nice pictures of the two of us in front of the Bridge of the Americas, which we will send to you.
   And here we are, enroute from Panama to Hawaii, a loooooong trip -- a slow, light-winded 43-day passage!

   Since completing their circumnavigation, the Yellens have started a new adventure -- exploring the great Pacific Northwest and are planning to eventually sail to Alaska! We wish them safe and happy cruising!

Announcing a New Screen Saver

The Valiant Yachts website now includes a screen saver for those who love to dream about sailing during the work day. The screen saver features a map of the world as the Valiant logo and the 30th Anniversary Seal appear.

Then a series of awesome Valiant photos scroll across the screen from right to left. It's enough to make you set your screen saver on continuous play!