It's hard to believe that it has been almost a year and a half since I bought Slapshot. As I leave the boat again for the States, I have taken some time to reflect on my decision to buy the boat. You may recall that we had to go through a couple of offers on other boats before you found Slapshot. I remember how excited you were that you had found the boat before it really hit the market. The only problem was the boat was based in Antigua and I was a little hesitant to go there. You reassured me and actually made the trip with me to iron out any nervousness or difficulties. I will never forget the sacrifice in time you made to help this transaction along.

The boat was more than I wanted to spend, but you did a wonderful job of negotiating and in the end, I think I got a more than fair deal. You helped line up all of the necessary surveys, closing details and most importantly found someone to help sail it back to the BVI with me. You helped find a place to keep the boat and generally introduced me to everyone that I would need to know. A big thanks to you for all of this, because without you, it clearly never would have happened. Even now, as a pesky problem arises, you always find time in your busy schedule to help guide me in the right direction.

Now, let's talk about the boat. My goal in this purchase was to have a venue that I could use to become closer to my family. Everyone's schedule today is so hectic that it seems impossible to find time to spend with each other. I figured if we were stuck on a boat for a week at a time, it would finally give us all a better chance to develop the family closeness that is so important. Fortunately, my work allows me to come down for one week per month. With cell phones and wireless, many of my clients don't even know where I am. I am proud that I have not missed a weekly trip every month since I bought the boat. A few trips I will come alone just to get caught up on work and do those never ending boat projects. But most trips will include either my wife, my kids, and my kids families. The times we have had together are indescribable. It has brought us closer than ever and we never are at a loss for things to talk about. Everyone is now "fighting" for their next time slot and have come to realize that this becomes a cheap vacation for them. It has become one of the most significant family events we have ever had.

I had a friend ask me how much all of this costs. I started to figure it out and gave him the direct out-of-pocket expenses for the boat mooring, insurance, misc boat costs and all travel and food expenses. When I figured that I was getting 12 weeks of vacation (with family) for less than $2,000 per week, we were both shocked. There just is not a better way to spend your money - family time, fun, relaxation and an occasional adventure. Slapshot has truly been a life changing experience for all of us and I have not regretted my decision to slightly "overspend" at all.

Me, my family and my few lucky friends tip our Caribs to you and thank you for doing everything you did to make this happen. If you ever need a recommendation, please let me know. I am one of your biggest fans.

James M. Bleech, June 1, 2012