Sail to Buck Island with one of St. Croix’s sailing legends aboard Llewellyn’s Charter. Considered a Crucian icon by many, skilled sailor and former Calypso King Llewellyn Westerman has welcomed passengers aboard his trimaran vessel since 1979, taking the idyllic journey between Teague Bay and Buck Island Reef National Monument for a one-of-a-kind experience. What makes Llewellyn’s Charter standout from other Buck Island charters is his six-passenger 37-foot performance trimaran, Charis+. With no motor, Lew (what most call him) and his crew set out on the waters for a fast and exciting voyage. Seeing them in action as they operate a true sailboat complete with raising the sails and gliding through the smooth, sleek Caribbean waters adds an enhanced level of delight to the outing.
A third-generation sailor, Westerman prides himself on his fine tuned navigation skills on the water. “I’ve been on the water since I could remember myself,” said Lew. As a young boy growing up in Nevis, he would organize boat races in the water drain after heavy rains. “We would make makeshift boats made of leaves, sticks and whatever else we could use and race our boats.” He revealed his first sail on the water was on a 12-foot boat. He graduated from that smaller vessel and added a few feet onto his current boat. “For years, I handled Charis+ by myself with no help.” After losing his right leg three years ago due to poor circulation, Westerman didn’t let this stop him from doing what he loves the most – singing and strumming his guitar and sailing.
A lover of poetry from youth, Westerman fell in love with the calypso music he would hear on the radio. “Calypso is poetry with music,” he said. When he arrived on St. Croix in 1960, he befriended a local calypso artist who convinced Westerman to write his own material. Once he started writing his own music, Westerman won his first calypso competition in 1983. He went on to record several albums – many still found at local music stores like Riddims in downtown Christiansted. Guests of Llewellyn’s Charter are often treated to the sweet sounds of his guitar accompanied by his smooth melodic voice. “I love singing for my guests and sharing all the stories of St. Croix. I’ve been here a long time and I could write a volume of books!”
Reserve your spot on this custom-built trimaran sailboat for an unforgettable day of sailing, snorkeling and swimming in the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. Call 340.773.9027.
Article written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty
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