It all started about Christmas, 2009
24 February 2012 | Lake Worth, FL
It all began around Christmas time, 2009, in Marathon, Florida. A 56' sailboat cruised into the mooring field with white lights constructed in the shape of a Christmas tree from the top of the mast to the top spreader. Then another larger tree than the first, from the top spreader to the second spreader and yet another even larger tree, from the second spreader to the deck. We were impressed and awed by this boat named Tranquility and every night the entire mooring field could enjoyed the lights seen from the tall mast which lent a festive air for all to enjoy.
We met Cameron, Leighia, and their two children, Maya and Fynn shortly after their impressive entry into Marathon and we commissioned Cameron to correct the wiring of the batteries and the charge controller and subsequently, in 2011, we met up with them in West Palm Beach, FL and Cameron installed our wind generator.
Cameron's and Leighia's company, Trans Marine Pro, promotes reducing carbon keel print by customizing each boat's system with the addition of renewable energy. A wonderful floating electrical shop that comes to you as everything is done from their boat. Cruisers can raft up to Tranquility, or if the job is light in weight, Cameron can dinghy over to do the work while you simply stay put at anchor.
We were so impressed with Cameron's knowledge, honesty, helpfulness, eagerness to save us money while maximizing our energy output along with his prompt and hard work not to mention his fresh and happy spirit (all matched by the entire family) that we all became friends.
This loving and giving family formed "Sailors without Borders" after Haiti was hit with the 7.0 earthquake in January of 2010 and have given much of their time, energy and money to help with donated materials for Haiti. Their mission is not so much about hand-outs but about helping hands. In April of 2010 they left with four tons of supplies including medical supplies, eight 7.2 kw generators, children's clothing, baby formula and canned food.
After their return, they worked hard on their business but their hearts were still with the devastated families in Haiti. Their clients were happy to donate 1% in addition to their overall energy overhaul costs to help with donations to Haiti. To show what this family is made of, they won the major prize in February 2011 at the Latitudes and Attitudes Miami Boat Show bash but sold it the next day to make enough money to return to Haiti with more supplies. On this second trip, they delivered seven tons of cargo including a 1.6kw Solar Array as well as donated computers, school supplies, and shoes for 500 children.
Sadly for us, our friends, the Murrays, are returning to New Zealand for good after twelve years in the U.S. but not without stopping by way of Haiti with their third trip with more supplies. It is heart-warming for me to know that families like this exist but more than that to acknowledge how blessed Corning and I are to have made friends with such a family. If you are touched by their story and want to help, please visit them at:
www.sailorswithoutborders.com