Best things happen when you least expect it. This rings certainly true for us today. 

For the last few days, I (Delphine) have left the boat and checked into Saba Rock resort by myself while Arabella was anchored in the next bay. I was desperate for some quiet me time. Since we started sailing, this was the first time I was alone for more than a couple of hours. As soon as I got into the hotel room, I felt a sense of delightful lightness. For 2 days, I went through my two hundred thousand photo library on iCloud to delete unwanted files as my 2TB iCloud storage was getting full. I also downloaded e-books and started reading Kurt Vonnegut’s novel ‘Galapagos’. I took five minute walks around the resort as it is one tiny island. Nothing exciting or special but it’s exactly what I needed. 

Sadly the spa was fully booked for the first two days. On the day before checking out, I finally managed to book a massage and facial. Last time I had a massage was November in Grenada. I was greeted by Danie, a lovely British lady. We chatted for a while about our sailing adventure and she was amazed.  It was a very unique treatment style that she offered. It wasn’t just a massage and facial. She incorporated sound bath and meditation to the treatment. It was divine. 

As soon as I finished, I called up Grant and asked if he wanted to come for a massage as he had just twitched his back the day before. He came and Danie gave him a massage. 

Late in the evening, I received a WhatsApp message from Danie. 

‘Good evening Delphine, it was so lovely to treat you and grant today and hear about your trip. 

Grant told me about your website and i had a look at the turtles blog it’s awesome. I’ve reached out to my friend on Necker to see about arranging an animal tour for the girls, i thought they may enjoy feeding the lemurs. 

Here is her number she said to get in touch, I know your leaving soon but don’t know if you’d be coming back this way after Anegada. 

Safe travels, i will enjoy following your progress’ 

Unbelievable! I immediately messaged Helen. Of course we’d love to go to Necker Island and for the girls to see the animals. Helen replied and asked if we could come at 10am in the morning. Yes yes yes! We just got a private invitation to Richard Brandon’s Necker island!

We brought Arabella to Necker and went on shore. We were greeted by Charlie from the wildlife team. He gave us an amazing tour of the island and the animals. (The girls are now working on a blog about their experience on necker. Will post shortly) We saw ponies, goats, birds, a 70 years old giant tortoise named Empire and his tiny babies. Most exciting was playing with and feeding the lemurs, and seeing hundreds of flamingos. The island was beautiful and natural with lots of walking trails and white sand beaches. 

After a long walk through the property, Charlie took us to a villa and Helen came out to greet us. We were all so grateful that she organized the animals tour for our family. The girls were especially enchanted by the flamingos and lemurs. Few minutes later, Richard Branson came out to greet us! That was totally unexpected. Grant was stunned. Arabella said afterwards that Daddy normally talks so well but he was a bit tongue tied with Richard Branson! Grant shared our family story of sailing around the world during COVID, and that the girls are learning all kinds of water sports like sailing, diving, wakeboarding and kite surfing. Richard Branson is an amazing kite surfer and encouraged the girls to continue kitesurfing despite fear. Grant also confessed that Branson has been his hero since he was young. Grant has read his books and admired his unconventional entrepreneurship and passion for crazy sports and adventures. Richard actually remarked that Grant looked like him when he was young! What an honor to meet Branson in real life and I know how much it meant to Grant. Honestly Grant lives his life and runs his business very much like Branson with boundless energy and passion.

So this was our unexpected little story of Necker Island with Richard Branson. I love the serendipity of how it all happened. Another beautiful memory added to our crazy adventure.