Speakeasy, Over The Horizon

The Voyages of Mark & Deanna Roozendaal

24 November 2016 | 26 41.15'S:153 7.72'E, Mooloolaba, Australia
13 November 2016 | 25 54.12'S:153 01.72'E, Tin Can Bay, Australia
12 November 2016 | 25 31.69'S:152 57.91'E, Fraser Island, Australia
31 October 2016 | 24 45.38'S:152 23.72'E, Bundaberg, Australia
30 October 2016 | 23 52'S:153 55'E, On Passage - Noumea, New Caledonia to Bundaberg, Australia
29 October 2016 | 23 28'S:156 47'E, On Passage - Noumea, New Caledonia to Bundaberg, Australia
28 October 2016 | 22 57'S:159 54'E, On Passage - Noumea, New Caledonia to Bundaberg, Australia
27 October 2016 | 22 40'S:163 13'E, On Passage - Noumea to Australia
26 October 2016 | 22 22'S:166 10'E, On Passage - Noumea to Australia
18 October 2016 | 22 16.60'S:166 26.40'E, Noumea, New Caledonia
17 October 2016 | 21 37'S:168 13'E, between Vanuatu and New Caledonia
14 October 2016 | 19 31.57'S:169 26.66'E, Port Resolution, Tanna I, Vanuatu
14 October 2016 | 19 31.57'S:169 26.66'E, Port Resolution, Tanna I, Vanuatu
14 October 2016 | 19 31.90'S:169 26.98'E, Mt. Yasur, Tanna I, Vanuatu
12 October 2016 | 19 31.58'S:169 29.65'E, Port Resolution, Vanuatu
09 October 2016 | 20 14.36'S:169 46.63'E, Aneityum, Vanuatu
03 October 2016 | 20 14.36'S:169 46.63'E, Aneityum, Vanuatu
02 October 2016 | 19 39'S:172 03'E, On Passage from Fiji to Vanuatu
01 October 2016 | 18 43'S:174 16'E, On Passage from Fiji to Vanuatu
27 September 2016 | 17 40.88'S:177 23.16'E, Vuda Marina, Fiji

Catalyst

27 January 2016 | Bahia Tenacatita, Mexico
Deanna
I received my first cancer diagnosis approximately five years ago - stage one malignant melanoma - the life-threatening form of skin cancer. I was lucky - my sister in law noticed the spot on my shoulder when we vacationed together. The cancer was caught early and surgery happened quickly, without radiation and chemotherapy. I thought the "all clear" phone call from my surgeon would be the happiest day of my life. Instead, it was a catalyst for several years of self-questioning and change, resulting in the life I now savor aboard Speakeasy.

After cancer, I felt my compact, safe and often unsatisfying life start to unwind and unravel. It was as if the foundation under me had shaken and given way. Everything was in question - my job, my home, my relationships, my lifestyle, my pastimes, my choices, my past, and my future. All went under the microscope and, at times, it was downright gut wrenching. Sometimes I was in control and other times I was not. Ultimately, I questioned my life and my being. What do I want from my one precious life? How do I want to live out my days?

After cancer, a plethora of changes took place in my life, some rapidly and some gradually. After almost twenty years as a college educator and administrator, I took a secondment and then a full time position as a fundraiser, leaving behind a good salary, a secure pension and a generous benefits package. A week after permanently leaving my college career, Mark and I moved into a tenth floor condominium in downtown Victoria - a dramatic change from living a decade in a large home in a rural community. Surprisingly, city life gave me more time to myself and to be active and healthy. Moreover, I thrived in a new work environment and in the community, connecting with people from diverse backgrounds, and with varied interests, skills and passions. Also, Mark and I enjoyed more activities together, with the abundant options within the downtown core. Eventually, we adopted a cat and purchased our catamaran in preparation for our next sailing adventure.

Six months before we were to move full-time onboard Speakeasy, my physician found another melanoma. This second time, the cancer barely shook me. After surgery, the most important question I had for my dermatologist was "can I still go sailing?" "Of course," my doctor said, "as long as you cover up in the sun, do your monthly skin checks and see a dermatologist regularly." Phew! The large brimmed hat and long sleeve protective shirts that I wear everyday in the sun are a small price that I pay for my adventure at sea.

Reflecting back on the last five years, I feel fortunate that my physical journey with cancer was an easy one. Certainly, the personal, emotional and spiritual process that took place afterward, for me, was more challenging, and although I wouldn't want to repeat it, I am deeply thankful for it. Cancer was a catalyst. I stepped up and made changes in myself, for myself, and in how I live my life. Perhaps without these changes, I'd be sitting here on Speakeasy just as I am now. However, I know that I feel my aliveness more fully now, and every moment is just a little bit sweeter. Lucky me!
Comments
Vessel Name: Speakeasy
Vessel Make/Model: 2007 Manta IV 42' Catamaran
Hailing Port: Victoria, BC, Canada
Crew: Mark & Deanna Roozendaal
About:
In 2005 we were lucky enough to be able to take a one year sabbatical where we sailed from Victoria BC to Mexico and Hawaii in our Catalina 42. We had a fantastic time! As soon as we returned home, we started dreaming about our next trip. [...]
Social:
Speakeasy's Photos - (Main)
3 Photos
Created 1 March 2016
For our newest pictures, please look on the right hand side of our page under FAVOURITES and click on "2015+ Photo Gallery". This will take you to Flickr where we now store all of our photos.
No Photos
Created 19 April 2015
Yelapa is a small village on the South shore of Banderas Bay, near Puerto Vallarta. Unless you own a hummer, is only accessible by boat which gives it a nice laid back vibe
10 Photos
Created 20 March 2015
Our furthest South point this year.
13 Photos
Created 20 March 2015
Manzanillo is a huge commercial port between Puerto Vallarta and Zihuatanejo. Not that much tourism here which makes it a very authentic Mexican city
5 Photos
Created 20 March 2015
Pictures from Tenacatita and a few other anchorages in the area.
17 Photos
Created 20 March 2015
A few pictures from our Christmas visit to Barra & Melaque
11 Photos
Created 19 January 2015
A quick visit to the small fishing village of Chamela
5 Photos
Created 28 December 2014
Isla Isabella is an island about 20 miles offshore Mexico, between Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta. it is a nesting ground for a number of sea birds and has been the subject of several documentaries. The birds and lizards on the island have no fear of humans.
26 Photos
Created 16 December 2014
13 Photos
Created 16 December 2014
9 Photos
Created 16 December 2014
From Bahia Santa Maria to Cabo San Lucas
15 Photos
Created 14 November 2014
Sailing from Turtle Bay to Bahia Santa Maria, Mexico
12 Photos
Created 14 November 2014
We participated in the rally again this year. Here are a few pics from the pre-start party, the start, and the first leg to Turtle Bay, Mexico. Credit to Dave Tolman for most of the pictures.
25 Photos
Created 12 November 2014
We spend the better part of a week first in Catalina Harbor and then in the opposite side of the isthmus in Two Harbors
7 Photos
Created 17 October 2014
Our time in the big city
4 Photos
Created 17 October 2014
A few pics from our brief stop in this richie rich tourist town
4 Photos
Created 17 October 2014
Morro Bay, California
15 Photos
Created 2 October 2014
11 Photos
Created 25 September 2014
Big waves at Morro Bay from a low pressure system that rolled through North of us
10 Photos
Created 25 September 2014
7 Photos
Created 25 September 2014
Our side trip to the Delta and Sacramento from the San Francisco Bay
27 Photos
Created 9 September 2014
20 Photos
Created 21 August 2014
27 Photos
Created 21 July 2014
Prior to our departure, we hauled out at Canoe Cove, BC, Canada.
13 Photos
Created 26 June 2014
"Speakeasy" is a 2007 Manta 42 MKIV Catamaran. We purchased her in 2013 from the original owners. Manta's come fairly well equipped from the factory for offshore cruising. We will be adding the rest of the necessary equipment.
23 Photos
Created 10 February 2013
1 Photo | 2 Sub-Albums
Created 15 May 2011
1 Photo | 15 Sub-Albums
Created 1 December 2006
1 Photo | 9 Sub-Albums
Created 1 December 2006
1 Photo | 2 Sub-Albums
Created 1 December 2006
25 Photos
Created 1 December 2006
1 Photo | 5 Sub-Albums
Created 1 December 2006

Speakeasy - Manta 42 Catamaran

Who: Mark & Deanna Roozendaal
Port: Victoria, BC, Canada

Where are Mark & Deanna?