fbpx

Another Act of Kindness…

flygirl

Kellie Jo Barley asked us to share something with all of you. For those of you who do not know Kellie Jo, she and her family moved to St. John last year after purchasing Sail Safaris. We wrote about her family’s transition from a farm in Florida where they cultivated peanuts and grass seed to a their new life on the water on St. John. (You can read all about that it here.)

Well yesterday, a bit of tragedy struck the Barley family while one of their boats – Fly Girl – was out on charter. Fly Girl was near Lovongo yesterday morning when a fluke gust of wind caused the 27-foot catamaran to capsize. Fortunately no one was hurt.

Kellie Jo wanted to extend her thanks publicly to everyone who came to their aid. We were happy to help her do that. Here’s what she had to say:

“So thankful for the community of St. John today! The boating community of STJ and STT rallied together to come to our aid with manpower, boats and tons of support! Our family and business are so grateful for prayers and well wishes and overwhelmed by the general support of everyone in and out of the boating community! We are confident Fly Girl will be back in the water in no time with her very loyal crew by her side.

“Special thanks to Scubado, Privateer, Singing Dog Sailing, Noah’s Little Ark, Ocean Runner and Sadie Sea! As well as everyone else who offered help. And the absolute best crew … I just wanted to be able to say thank you to the most amazing community.”

So once again, the sprit of St. John shines through its people. Kudos to all of you.

5 thoughts on “Another Act of Kindness…”

  1. This is what makes our St. John (and St. Thomas) community so very, truly & wonderfully special–the collective support demonstrating, “We are all in this together!” Even as relative newcomers, the Barley’s have actively engaged in our community’s development with efforts to establish a youth sailing club in Cruz Bay, participation in furthering another local youth group, as well as many other volunteer pursuits. With great concern for safety & welfare of our off-island guests as well as involved members of our community, we were only grateful to be available to assist. Thanks back to the Barley’s & their crew of Sail Safaris for helping to make our island home so wonderful! –Captains Stephen & Kelly Sloan, Singing Dog Sailing

  2. We are so glad to hear all is well aboard Fly Girl. We on
    High Pockets enjoy seeing fly girl fly across the waves! We are all community and we welcome any opportunity to be there for one another. Captain Kathleen s/v High Pockets, Red Hook, St Thomas.

  3. I met the Barley family this past November when they volunteered their boat to help raise money for cancer, Cruz Bay Dinghy Fund Raiser. It was a blast and Kellie Jo, Eric, Trey rest of family couldn’t have been more accommodating providing drinks & hospitality to the participants. More than thrilled no one was hurt. I’m on Island now and hope to see them. Happy Easter!

  4. So glad to hear that you all are okay! My heart sank when I read the word “tragedy”! The Fly Girl will come back, and we look forward to another expedition on her! Hugs to you and your family!

    The Carlson Family (Jerry, Beth, Nate and Erin)

Leave a Comment