s/v Marjorie is named for my sister Marjorie, who passed away of cancer at the age of 8. I was 2 at the time and have no memory of her. I’m told she took care of me. I can only hope s/v Marjorie will do the same, but I shall have to take care of Marjorie in return.
In 2023 I met Chris at Maine Yacht Center as we both were assisting Ronnie Simpson get the Open 50 ready for the Global Solo Challenge. An experienced carpenter and General Contractor, Chris had little to no sailing experience but was burning to get some sea time. We instantly connected, and he joined me for two weeks as we flew into Halifax to pick up Marjorie in Cheticamp to deliver her to Maine. Chris was a remarkably agreeable shipmate, and we planned a refit during the trip. He told me: “get her just the way you want her, then just enjoy the coming years.” Sounded like good advice, so I took it.
Chris was unable to see all the plans we made come to fruition. Cancer took him away from us. A severe loss for his family and I. It’s not easy for me to run across people I truly bond with. Chris was one of the very few.