Why We Care

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We are devastated at the reports coming out of the Bahamas. We are currently preparing boats for a trip down to help and are starting to collect supplies.

Our Connection to the islands:
First of all, my wife was born in Freeport, Bahamas which has all but been destroyed by Hurricane Dorian. We have spent quite a bit of time in the Abacos as a family and have spent years teaching sailing classes there in the off season through the sailing school. We have dear friends who are in great need right now and we are assessing the best way to help.

Mary and I have been leading missions teams for over 25 years and feel strongly about bringing relief to the wonderful people of the Bahamas. We have the boats, some resources, connections with local people and experience sailing to these islands. For such a time as this! Please consider partnering with us as we prepare for the trip.

The Situation:
The power grid is not just down, it is totally wiped out. There will be no power on many of the islands for at least a year. There is also no running water and there will not be for some time. Communications are limited since there is no internet or cell phone infrastructure. Everything is gone.

A close friend that we spoke with today says that 95% of the homes on his island are destroyed. His family barely survived with the clothes on their backs. The grocery and hardware stores were destroyed. He had some food stored for his family but when they saw the need, he started giving it away to those who had none. He and his wife are exhausted from cooking and caring for others on the island.

Desperate people do desperate things. People with food and supplies need to keep them guarded at all times. One Island has even brought in a private security team to protect the relief supplies.

Our Plan:
We are currently prepping two boats to head down to the Abaco Islands. It is important for our team to be self-sufficient so we can be helpful and not use any of the limited resources on the islands. That means having all the water, fuel, food and power to sustain a long-term trip as well as stocking the boats with relief supplies and food. 

Our cruising boats are equipped for youth excursions in the Chesapeake Bay where we can pick up water, fuel and food every few days. Right now, we are upgrading our solar and wind power generating equipment as well as the water system.

The current need is financial as we purchase and install needed equipment. As we get closer to our departure date, we will post supplies that we are collecting. Once there, we will be coordinating trips for those who would like to come and help. Basic cleaning, debris clearing, cooking and food distribution, repairs on homes and churches are some of the work projects for which we will need volunteers.

 If you would like to support our specific trip to the Abacos, you may do so by making a secure donation via PayPal by clicking the PayPal button below.

Captain Jeffrey K Bowen