Since 2010, they have cruised from Paraguay to Argentina, Uruguay, the entire East coast of South America, Caribbean Islands, Cuba, Yucatán, the entire East coast of the US and the Chesapeake Bay, Central America (Caribbean side), Panama, Galapagos, Marquesas, Tuamotus, Tahiti and its Islands, Samoa, Fiji, New Zealand, and now New Caledonia.
JP and Marie built DOMINO themselves and they left behind 6 children and 13 grandchildren when they headed out cruising. DOMINO is currently for sale
Read more about their journey on their blog.
Finish this sentence. "Generally when I am provisioning...".
I look for the freshest produce and canned goods with the least additives, enjoying the opportunity to discover local flavors. At the town market, I often ask the ladies how to prepare the produce they sell.
What do you enjoy about cruising that you didn't expect to enjoy?
Doing nothing. I never thought I would enjoy just sitting, meditating, looking at nature, doing nothing at all.
How did you (or did you) gain offshore experience prior to leaving?
Uh... we didn't. Just hopped on the boat and left. 1 day passage, followed by a 2-day passage, and so on.
Share a piece of cruising etiquette
To guests who come and cruise for a while: don't bring roll-away suitcases. Backpacks and soft bags do not scratch the decks and are easier to stow away. To dinner/happy hour guests who kindly bring drinks on board: please, take your rubbish with you as you leave.
- They get on each other's nerves
- They have gone as far west as they dared
- They miss family and land possessions
Favorite: Parties 60, dines 8, sleeps 2.
My least favorite thing? Umm.. no washing machine! Of course, we have the room for it, all the electrical and plumbing, easy ventilation for the washer/dryer combo, but no machine! I think JP uses this as leverage... after 10 years of doing my laundry in an oversized sink, spinning it in a high speed spinner and drying it in the sun, I still hope that some day I won't have to depend on the weather to do my laundry!
What are some of your favorite pieces of gear on your boat and why?
- Refrigerator- I can't imagine cruising without one, and mine is quite large, enough for 6 weeks of fresh produce.
- Bread machine - We're French, therefore eat a lot of bread!
- Our big 6' radar array antenna. We see targets clearly and early... peace of mind.
The Galapagos. There is nothing like it, above or below water. Unique!
What mistakes did you make in your first year of cruising?
Plenty! Racing the Brazilian Coast Guards entering Rio de Janeiro while ignoring the proper entrance channel, as the coast guards had fun pinning us on the rocks is my favorite!
What question do you wish I would have asked you besides the ones I've asked you and how would you answer it?
How do you not get on each other's nerve when you live in confined quarters 24/7?
Headphones, private space, yoga, and a sense of humor!
