Two Schucker motorsailers snugly berthed side by side at the Jekyll Harbor Marina, Jekyll Island, Georgia, have a history. At least, the owners do. Thanks to Bobby Garren, who was dining at Zackery’s Riverhouse, the sunset view enjoyed by these two slip mates reminds us of our longstanding friendship.

Captain Paul Truelove and Captain Linda Thompson make True Love their home base while working for The Jekyll Island Dolphin Tour. Michael and Martha Crafton, former live-aboard cruisers, make Sandpiper their winter retreat from Midwestern cold and snow.

Sandpiper made Jekyll Harbor their marina of choice after having stopped here many times during the seven years they were full-time liveaboards. Captains Truelove and Thompson each enjoyed several years of marine employment before re-locating to Jekyll Island. Paul was an instructor for the Annapolis Sailing School as well as the Annapolis School of Seamanship. Linda spent many years as a Yacht Chef on a schooner plying the Caribbean waters as well as Downeast cruising. She also served as a private yacht chef for the same owner, flying to wherever the boat was currently berthed. So, how did these two couples end up side by side on the same type of vessel?

1983 was the beginning of a friendship between Paul and the Crafton’s when they met at the Fourwinds Marina on Lake Monroe, Indiana. Fifteen years of United States Power Squadron classes and involvement helped to solidify their friendship. Fast forward to 2003, the Crafton’s were aided by Paul and Linda when hiding from a hurricane on the Rhode River, south of Annapolis. Then, when Paul and Linda began looking for a liveaboard, a sistership to Sandpiper showed up on the radar. And then, True Love found a home at the Jekyll Harbor Marina. Just a coincidence? Not! When two good friends find the right boat and the right marina, it is just meant to be.🤗