Today I spent some time with Kirk Gilbert, the captain of s/y Shiwara. What a surprise was waiting for me when I learned that he was a fellow surfer from Southern California. His passion for surfing and diving was realized by sailing down the coast of California, Mexico and Central America. He found work all along the way, and when he gathered enough funds to take off again in search of that perfect wave he was gone. During these adventure connected to the sea, he met the love of his life, Tiffany. She also loved the sea and he talked her into sailing to Australia and New Zealand to explore that part of the world’s diving and surfing opportunities. While in New Zealand, Tiffany informed him that she was pregnant. That was a defining moment for Kirk, because he decided that a bit more stability in his life was required now that he was to become a father. Because they both loved the tropical life they decided to head to the Caribbean and make a go of it. They showed up on Tortola in 2003 with Kirk looking for a dive instructor’s job, which he found at Hodges Creek.
Captain Kirk is as happy as can be with the life that has unfolded for him and his family. He sails SHIWARA – a custom built 63 foot monohull built by Herbulot in France, as a captain-only crew. He has his Yachtmaster Offshore captain’s license and is a PADI SCUBA instructor. Plus, as an expert surfer, Kirk knows all the spots around the BVI for the perfect wave. In his spare time he also shapes custom surfboards for Cane Garden Bay Surfboards. As a captain-only charter, Kirk guides his guest as to provisioning services and even suggested menus because you also need to FEED HIM as part of the deal. Because of his love for all things connected to the sea, there is typically a line and lure trolling behind SHIWARA which produces tuna, mahi-mahi, and wahoo for fresh fish dinners. I have no doubt that Kirk will create a Caribbean experience that guests will never forget. Kirk is delighted to join the daily fun with you, or he will gladly fade into the background of your adventure if privacy is what you are seeking.
OK, back to his wife, Tiffany and daughter, Kaya. Because he is a captain-only charter his guests are always curious about his family. Their home is a 43’ troller moored at Hodges Creek. Often times his guests will ask if they can stop by his floating home and meet his family. He always accommodates them to the delight of everyone. Tiffany and Kaya often times even meet the boat at one of the white sand beaches for a picnic with the guests. When talking about the “six degrees of separation”, I met Tiffany and Kaya at the docks yesterday during the lunch break and learned that one of her friends in the Moms & Kid Club is Sofie and her daughter – wife and former 1st Mate/Chef with Jean-Pierre on Dream Catcher II. I have sailed with them on Dream Catcher II many years ago and we have continued to be dear friends. Small world, aye?
To be comfortable, SHIWARA has a maximum capacity for six guests for the large double staterooms all with their own bathrooms and showers. She has wide-open deck space with the classic monohull experience that the traditional sailing community loves and requires. Since his guests will be doing the daily cooking the galley is first rate for any gourmet’s needs. The main salon has comfortable seating for eight around the dining table. And for those who love entertainment that does not involve the Caribbean waters, she is loaded with an excellent sound system, large-screen TV and a DVD player in the main salon. And, each stateroom is air conditioned to make sure that every night includes blissful sleep.
Enough about this beautiful yacht. I can’t wait to get back to SWIWARA today for a few more tips on the best surfing spots in the Caribbean. Until next time…your Caribbean lifestyle reporter remains on duty!
