You never know what you might see while exploring the San Juan Islands. Sure, you’re likely to see fabulous sunsets, nature trails and the occasional pod of orca whales. You usually wouldn’t associate the islands with movie stars and music legends, but apparently they enjoy the islands just as much as everyone else!

We’d just hunkered down in Echo Bay on Sucia Island when Ron recognized a very distinctive historic wooden sailing yacht in the harbor. I suppose only a true fan such as Ron would recognize the WN Ragland, a 105 year old, 101-foot Baltic trading vessel, as being owned by the one and only NEIL YOUNG. Just at sunset, with the blood moon soon to rise in the east, we were on our way back from checking our crab pot out in the bay. Glancing over at the Ragland we saw a group of people gathered at the stern of the ship. Upon returning to our sailboat, curiosity got the best of me so I trained my binoculars over to their vessel. What I saw was unmistakably a woman in a white dress standing with a man before what could only be described as an officiant. Moments later, they embraced and a cascade of petals showered over the couple.

We fired off a few fuzzy photos, feeling strangely paparazzi-ish. We concluded that we had probably been the only ones to witness the wedding ceremony of the legendary Neil Young and actress Daryl Hannah.

 

We decided that out of respect for the artists and what was obviously a very intimate ceremony, we would not try to publicize what we had witnessed. Over the next few days and weeks, we occasionally skimmed the gossip headlines, but not a peep about the wedding! Finally last Monday we finally started reading headlines “Neil Young and Daryl Hannah reportedly marry.” Only a few of the articles mentioned that they “also got married on Young’s yacht somewhere near the San Juan Islands.” Now that the couple has gone public (and confirmed what we saw) we felt that it was appropriate to share what we had observed. As Neil Young is Ron’s all-time favorite artist, it is all the more exciting to realize that aside from the wedding party themselves, we were probably the only people in the world to witness their nuptials against the striking backdrop of the beautiful San Juan Islands we call home!

Click the link below to hear Ron’s KISM radio podcast!

Neil Young got married in the San Juans

Working Hard to Enhance your San Juan Islands Sailing Experience!

We’ve added  new layer of luxury to Diminuendo for your sleeping comfort. Imagine waking to the smell of freshly brewing coffee. And taking the time to enjoy a morning cup in the comfort and privacy of your own spacious cabin! Because your comfort is our goal, we continuously strive to add new upgrades and innovations to Diminuendo to enhance your overall charter experience. This year we are pleased to announce the addition of custom-cut 7 inch latex mattresses in each of our aft cabins, topped off with luxurious three-inch jell memory foam toppers.  All combined, we feel this will provide a level of comfort found in the finest hotels – or maybe as nice as your bed back home. We’ve also spruced up the cabins this year with new comforters, sheets, and towels, introducing an all new look in jewel tones of gold and navy.

We also had the mast un-stepped over the winter – a process in which the mast is removed with a crane so Ron could install a new wind vane, anemometer, LED anchor light, and upgrades to the wiring.

Last but certainly not least, Diminuendo has been outfitted with a brand new suit of sails (main and genoa) and new running rigging (lines). We put the new sails and rigging to the test on our first charter of the season in March. Captain Ron’s grin would indicate that all meet with his seal of approval!

There are still some great dates open on our calendar, so you’re invited to come and check out the improvements for yourself. We’ll see you aboard!

Winter is still here but today a beam of light pierces the clouds. Spring will soon be here and with it another cruising season for the crew of Diminuendo and their guests.

Like you, Ron and Mari too like to escape to other places for a well deserved vacation. Of course the nature of our business means that our vacations must be taken in winter. Sara from HolidayFactors was kind enough to volunteer some ideas for us to consider for next winter. We wanted to share some of her suggestions:

7 exotic islands you must see by cruising

It is often said that nothing can heal your soul that traveling and it has come quite true for many. In fact, traveling has cured many from depression, anxiety, loneliness and mental illnesses. So, if you are one of those who loves to travel and see the world then you must try visiting islands by cruising. Yes this sounds quite interesting. Cruises are a great way to have a comfortable and luxurious holiday and taking trips to different islands on a cruise will definitely bring you close to the nature.

Here is a list of seven exotic islands you must see by cruising. Enjoy the post!

1. Islands of Tahiti

This is one of the most popular islands in the world. We have watched a lot of Hollywood movies where the exotic beauty of the islands of Tahiti has been shown. Now you can visit this island on a cruise ship. The amazing weather condition makes this island a paradise for surfers and vacationers. While you are visiting the island on a cruise make sure you attend the Tahitian dance festival which happens in July. The Heiva festival of Tahiti attracts thousands of tourists. This festival features the traditional art, crafts, culture, dance and other performances by the natives of the islands. If you are a surfer then you should visit the islands between May and August. A lot of travel agencies offer cruise to the Tahitian Island. All you need to do is book one of them as per your convenience.

2. Lord Howe Island

The Lord Howe Island is one of the most exotic islands that lie in the Tasman Sea just off Australia. So if you are taking a cruise from Sydney or Brisbane then you can reach this island quite easily. There are various travel agencies that operate cruise from Sydney and Brisbane that will take you to the Lord Howe Island. You may spend a day or even stay there for a few days while catching a cruise ship back to Australia. The island is a paradise for bird watchers and there are some rare animals that you also see. If you are planning to stay on the

island then look out for the cottage, lodges or even the treetop houses for accommodations.

3. Tanna, Vanuatu

If you wish to see an active volcano on a remote island then Tanna in Vanuatu is the best place for you to visit. Since this is a remote island it is best to go there by a cruise ship. Mt. Yasur is the most popular attraction of the island. However, you can also enjoy the nature at its best with rainforests, hot springs and the coffee plantations. If you are coming on a cruise ship then you can stay here for a day enjoying the village life as well as the serene and secluded beaches. You will be getting down at the port Lenakel from where you will be taken to the village for accommodation.

4. Ouvea, New Caledonia

The Ouvea Island in New Caledonia is one of the newest hot spots for sunbathers. The beaches are perfect for getting the perfect tan. You can reach this island on a cruise ship. This tiny French territory is situated in the South Pacific. Thus you may take a cruise ship from Indonesia to this remote island. You may need to search for the cruise companies who ply to and from the Ouvea Island.

5. Laucala Island, Fiji

Fiji is one of the best places that you can plan your vacation to and Laucala Island is one of the most luxurious islands of Fiji that is located just off the coast of another island named Taveuni. This tiny island is only 12 square kilometres and has some of the most luxurious residences and restaurants to cater to the tourists. You can take a ship from Fiji to Laucala Island, check out this beautiful and exotic island and come back by the end of the day. Please do try the water sports while you are in this island.

6. Vava’u Islands, Tonga

If you are planning a cruise vacation in the South Pacific, then you should not miss the Vava’u Islands in Tonga. Tonga is a Polynesian country which has clusters of beautiful and exotic islands tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the modern world. It is so remote that you can actually swim with the humpback whales on this island. You can make special arrangements with the tour operators of the island to go for a swim with the whales. Or you may anyway watch them while you are cruising. you can stay on this island for a day or two to enjoy nature’s bounty.

7. Rarotonga, The Cook Islands

The island of Rarotonga is one of the most popular wedding destinations on The Cook Islands. The in the recent times, destination weddings have made this island quite popular and expensive. However if you are taking a cruise in the South Pacific ocean then you can embark on this island for a day and look around for the natural flora and fauna that thrives best here. The island is only 32 square kilometres in size.

Wrapping up!

Now that you have this list of some amazing island destinations, you can plan your cruise holiday accordingly. It is quite evident that you would not be bored and will have a great time enjoying the people, culture, and food of these exotic islands.

Sarah is a senior content curator in HolidayFactors.com, a leading holiday portal in Dubai, UAE

Want in on a little secret? June is arguably the best month for your sailing adventure in the San Juan Islands. Why? Statistically, the average winds in June are around 7 knots, making for pleasant sailing conditions.

You’ll find the temperate climate most comfortable, with daytime temperatures averaging around 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degree Celsius).

Located in the Salish Sea where they lie in  a rain shadow, the San Juans are blessed with around 250 days of sunshine annually. Moist marine air from the Pacific Ocean sheds most of its moisture on the Rainforests of the Olympic Mountains and mountainous Vancouver Island before reaching the San Juans. In fact the San Juans receive only about half the rainfall of Seattle, a mere 90 miles to the south!

With the Summer Solstice falling on June 21st, the days are the longest of the year, even longer than the “high season” months of July, August, and September! This allows ample daylight hours  to enjoy hiking, beachcombing, or kayaking when we arrive at our destination for the day.

Although never crowded, with the summer yachting season yet to begin and many schools still in session, the islands are even more tranquil during the May and June shoulder season than the high season of July, August, and September.

The southern resident population of Orcas (killer whales) may be found in the San Juans any time of year but they are often joined by the transient population by May or June, increasing the likelihood of spotting these magnificent creatures. Humpback, Minke, and occasionally  straggling Gray Whales are also sometimes spotted. You’re also likely to see some adorable baby seals and otters on the shorelines.

Need any more reasons to consider sailing with us in June? How would you like to save some money? Book your charter now and save up to 25%! Click her for details:

https://nwsailing.com/early-booking-special/

Contact us for availability at:

https://nwsailing.com/contact/

We’ll see you aboard!

Gimb’ling Round the Galley!

Here are some examples of your dining selections while exploring the San Juan Island while aboard Diminuendo:

Dinner

Flame Grilled Copper River Sockeye Salmon With French Green Beans And Broccoli “Smashed” Potatoes

Pan Seared Dungeness Crab Cakes With Cajun “dirty” Rice And Asparagus Spears Au Dente

Fresh Clams and Mussels Over Linguini Noodles With White Wine Garlic-Lemon Reduction and Fresh Thai Basil

Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese Crumbles, Plum Tomatoes, Pickled Beets and Crisp Bacon. Balsamic Reduction 

Lunch

BBQ Pulled Pork On Artisan Chibatta Bread With Paprika Spiced Cole Slaw and Maple Baked Beans

Mediterranean Wrap: Pine Nut Hummus, Cucumber, Carrot, Feta Cheese, Back Olives And Crisp Greens wrapped in a Sundried Tomato Tortilla

Red Pepper – Tomato Soup With Italian Meatballs Coucous and Wilted Kale

Ahi Tuna Filet with Spicy Aioli Avocado and Tomato 

Breakfast

“The Captain’s Scramble” Sautéed diced Red Potatoes Smoked Ham and melted Cheddar Cheese

Oatmeal, Assorted cereals fresh fruit, yogurt, pastries and juices