Obituary for Sinbad
Author: Shirlz
We were rowing ashore at Scotland Bay near Chaguaramus in Trinidad when a series of very steep waves – probably produced by the wake of a powerful speedboat far off outside the bay, caused us to nearly capsize. While I was struggling to keep the dinghy from rolling, Sinbad jumped out and frantically swam ashore. By the time I was able to land the dinghy he had disappeared into the jungle. I walked the overgrown paths that crisscross the area for five days, calling his name. Always hoping that he would suddenly appear – but he was nowhere to be found. Irretrievably lost in the dense and wild jungle. I was anchored close to the tiny beach where we had landed and when not walking and searching for him, could keep an eye on the shore, hoping that he would come back on his own as he normally does. But no. A fellow cruiser who has spent a lot of time in Scotland Bay had heard strange screaming, yowling sounds one morning and seemed to think that it could have been my poor cat meeting his fate at the hands of some predator. I hope it was quick.
September 13th, 2013 at 03:50
I am so sorry – big HUGZ.
The memories will keep him close to your heart forever.
I will be back in Cape Town December to be re-united with my furry friends, will be thinking of you.
Kris
September 13th, 2013 at 09:57
Shirlz,
This is really sad news, he did however live a very adventurous life!
Our thoughts are with you!
Lots of love from Pete, Sarah and the girls.
September 14th, 2013 at 15:12
A heart breaking story and one that brings us to tears. So sad.
Big hugs from all 3 of us here
mbt
September 15th, 2013 at 14:15
Oh no! Shirley this is sad. xxx
September 15th, 2013 at 20:55
Ahoy Carter! 15 September 2013
Oh mon, that is sad news.
But what a good run he had. I could happily do a reincarnation as Sinbad. He was my friend from the first time I came alongside the Speedwell at Bequia in 2004, when he investigated my weird little dinghy like a sailor who knew boats. And if you weren’t in the cockpit, he was always at the rail to greet me. I came to hail, “Ahoy Sinbad!” as I sailed up to Speedwell knowing that the watch cat would let you know you had company. And what a nice balance he struck between friendly and cool as a cat, indicative of a good companion to share so small a boat. I saw how close the two of you were.
My condolences.
Yo, Sinbad! Respect, mon, serious!
Hutch
Ambia
September 20th, 2013 at 15:41
Oh, Shirley, I’m so sorry to read about Sinbad. He was such a fine cat and so much part of Speedwell. Your life will be different without your loving companion. Who would have ever thought that little scrap of tenacious life in Port Owen would live such a wonderful and full life? We will all miss reading your stories about him.
Annie
September 30th, 2013 at 13:16
Dear Shirley
We were so sorry to hear that our cousin Sinbad has gone. Although as a rule we don’t really like cats, he was an old “salty dog” and we admired him for his adventures.
Lots of love
Maxwell and Wellington
Border Collies
November 21st, 2013 at 07:50
Very sorry to hear about Sinbad. What a terrible and unfortunate loss. Best wishes
Paul
December 24th, 2013 at 18:03
Hello Shirley,
Just found your site via Vertue, the junk rig is very interesting. Our Vertue No 167 has the same long cabin but with the standard sloop rig. We are cruising Tasmania, Australia for the next 15 months Hope you have a great Christmas and New Year. Regards Thelma and Bruce sy Tui of Opua