Getting Started

  

Some Background

My name is Mitchell Snaden. I have 4 wonderful adult children and one amazing grandchild who are finding their way in this world. One in South America, one in Scotland and two in Ontario. A year ago I read on FB that a couple who are sailing around the world were looking for people to join them on their adventure. That is what I am about to embark on.

I am a soon to be 70 years old. A younger friend described me as the youngest old person he knows.

In my retirement mornings and afternoons are spent shuttling children to and from school as a bus driver for First Student. My working life was as a radio announcer/dj for radio stations in the Maritimes, Montreal, and different cities in Southern Ontario. I also dabbled and still dabble in acting. Some jobs paid, others unpaid. I play bagpipes and have been doing so for the last 22 years on a competitive basis with The Windsor Police Pipe Band, The London and District Pipe Band and also The Essex and Kent Scottish Pipe Band. 

I have been sailing off and on for close to 30 years. Thames River Yacht Club located in Lighthouse Cove, Ontario is where Moondog, my 43’Morgan sailboat is harboured. I have had the pleasure of taking Moondog to the North Channel around Manitoulin Island a few times. Which has been rated one of the nicest areas in the world to go cruising. Prior to the Morgan I had a 30’ Catalina. A fabulous boat that, along with a couple of buddies, we sailed from Lighthouse Cove to Shediac N.B. An adventure for sure. 

My portion of the sailing journey will be from Phuket Thailand to Sri Lanka, with numerous stops along the way. I will be aboard the SY Imagination with people I have only met using Messenger and FB. 

The trip begins Boxing Day 2024. Departing Toronto and landing in Phuket the next day. Then on New Year’s Day it’s time to meet up with the boat owner, Shawn Dear, and prepare to set sail. On our journey there will be varied crew that I will be introduced to and so will you. Some from Europe, New Zealand and South Africa. It certainly will not be boring. I hope to be able to keep you updated with notes and pictures throughout the coming months. 

Thank you for taking the time to share this trip. Leave comments and suggestions if you’d like. This is my first Blogging experience so suggestions to improve the dialogue will be appreciated.