And still we go … yachts help Bahamas after Dorian

Following are just a few of the yacht and crew stories we heard about. Share your stories at [email protected].

M/Y Short Story, a 116-foot Lazzara, had been hauled out for Hurricane Dorian. But when a favorite yacht destination was damaged, Capt. Jeff LaCombe connected with colleagues to make a trip to help in Abaco, Bahamas.

“We spent the last four months in Hope Town, and we’ve spent summers in the Abacos the last four years,” Capt. LaCombe said.

With a 39-foot tender in tow to shuttle supplies to shore, the yacht traveled with M/Y Exit Strategy, a 105-foot Hargrave. Several other vessels worked with the group, including S/F Lauren J, a 59-foot Spencer, and S/F Insane-o, a 66-foot Viking.

Deckhands Mina Linger and Robert McFarland, as well as Capt. Bryan Carter volunteered, along with Capt. LaCombe’s wife, former Stew Michelle, and their 7-year-old son. The yacht’s full load made for challenges with stabilization and balance for both loading and off-loading by crane.

“We loaded until the exhaust ports were practically underwater,” Capt. LaCombe said. “It was tricky, but we were cautious of sea conditions and we went slow.”

The group of boats hired a security team and worked with Hope Town Volunteer Fire and Rescue when they arrived in the Bahamas.

“I know we can’t save the island ourselves,” Capt. LaCombe said. “They need big groups of aid and help, machinery and money. But it feels good to give immediate help that they need.”

Capt Joscie Adams and co-captain Tony Pedraja spearheaded a trip to the Grand Bahama Yacht Club in Freeport, Grand Bahama, on M/Y Scarlet on Sept. 16. The 103-foot Azimut was loaded with supplies earmarked for the east-end of the island where they were told conditions were bad and supplies short. 

Volunteers were waiting to offload the donations and local pastors organized distributions to those affected by Hurricane Dorian. Among the supplies were individual packages sent to specific families in the area, Capt. Pedraja said.