Brigantine Romance
Maritime - Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Brigantine Romance Employees
Brigantine Romance Details
The Brigantine Romance started her life in the Ring Anderson Shipyard, designed for the Greenland trade. In 1965 she was purchased to be used in Mitchener's movie Hawaii. Rerigged by Commander Alan Villiers, she became a faithful re-creation of an 1800's vessel. After her stint in the movie, she was laid up, awaiting a new owner. Captain & Mrs. Kimberly were looking for a vessel to call home. When they found out about the brigantine in Hawaii, it did not take long to make the deal. They had found a vessel that would serve them and their guests well for many years.Over the years, the 90' Romance (110' overall) completed two world circumnavigations and at least five separate trips to the South Pacific. They spent twenty plus years carrying guests in the Virgin Islands and on Down-Island trips. Capt. Kimberly, who holds the unique distinction of dual Master's papers, Master of Sail and Master of Steam, ran a tight ship, teaching his crew the art of marlinspike seamanship and a love of square-rigged sailing ships. Many of his crew went on to become Masters in their own right, sailing aboard some of the greatest sailing ships on the sea today. If you do a search for the Romance on the net, you'll meet some of these amazing people.Mrs. Kimberly, Gloria, was always at Skipper's side, dividing her time between sail handling, ship maintenance and caring for crew and guests. From a galley not much larger than a closet, came a steady flow of great meals. She shopped the local markets and provided meals that were both delicious and hearty. Throughout her travels, she continued to take notes and draw the amazing things they saw in over 25 years of exploration. She is now in the process of writing a book on the Romance, an odyssey of years of travel aboard a very special ship. The story of her and Skipper, the way they met and their wedding in the South Pacific itself seems like the stuff of dreams.....but all true.
