By Erin Carey (s/v Roam in the Caribbean)
Is September 2017, right after hurricane Maria struck the Caribbean, Mark and Tracey Duckett sailed from Martinique to the storm ravaged island of Dominica with supplies to help the locals start the recovery process. It was just the beginning of their ongoing efforts to aid those whose lives were forever changed by the hurricanes of 2017.
“We whistled and waved our arms from the dinghy,’ Mark said, “hoping someone would hear our calls. A man paddled out on his board and we explained why we were there. He wasted no time in rallying the troops. As fast as we were unloading hammers and tarpaulins from our boat, guys were on their roofs nailing them into place. The roads were closed due to the burst river bank, boulders blocked the streets. Mud engulfed the town, causing the residents to flee to homes with an upper story. It was almost impossible to get ashore. The waters were dangerous to navigate and we were nervous about hitting something below the surface, but we knew we had to help.”
As one of the first cruisers to arrive on the island of Dominica after the hurricane Mark and Tracey, of Charter the Dream, had their work cut out for them. Delivering aid they had brought from Martinique, they distributed it among those in need before re-loading their Fountain Pajot catamaran in Guadeloupe and returning three more times.
“The island looked like a brown rock, the town looked as though it had been flattened by a bomb, it was devastating,” explained Tracey. Proceeding to the British Virgin Islands, they were faced with equal desolation from hurricane Irma. Knowing they wanted to do something to help the ravaged islands, where more than 90 percent of homes were damaged, the couple founded the Sailing Santa – Kids of the Caribbean Campaign, managing to raise $1,500 in 2017 and provided Christmas gifts for over 200 children.
In 2018, Mark was determined for the Sailing Santa Campaign to be bigger and better. Engaging the help of cruisers and businesses alike, he was able to raise just over $3,500 to purchase 600 gifts. It was evident why this cheeky Englishman with the gift of the gab was so successful at raising funds. His tactic was straightforward, “simply ask.”
That is how I was fortunate enough to meet the man behind the beard. Striking up a conversation at the dinghy dock, Mark soon told me of his venture, and I was eager to help. Unsure of how to best deliver the gifts, Mark was put in touch with an orphanage in Dominica. We both sailed the 35 miles north, where I watched in admiration as Mark and Tracey delivered 250 presents and food supplies to the struggling organization. The next day we sailed a further 20 miles, returning to the village of Dublanc, which was the village they had delivered aid to 15 months earlier.
Mark was dressed in a Santa suit and hat, with a beard and belly to match. His jolly laugh and bright eyes almost made me believe he was the real deal. Sweat dripped from his brow as he and Tracey walked the streets to distribute gifts among the children who had so little. Families came running from damaged homes and ramshackle huts, their eyes wide with disbelief. Handing out toy cars and dolls, hula hoops and puzzles, the children followed him through the streets like the Pied Piper.
“This is my favorite part,” exclaimed Mark, “this is what it’s all about!” Mark went on to explain that the campaign is about more than gifts, it’s about raising morale and creating awareness. It’s about hope, joy and kindness at a time when it’s needed most. It was here that I said my goodbyes to this fun-loving couple and wished them well on their overnight sail to Antigua, where they would buy another round of presents to do it all again in the BVI’s. Once they had left, I reflected on the last few days. It’s true, not all heroes wear capes, this one wears a red suit.
If you would like to donate to the Sailing Santa Campaign please contact Mark on lavezzi40@icloud.com or visit paypal.me/sailingsanta. Mark intends on making 2019 his best year yet and hopes to raise enough money to provide gifts for 1,000 children. He also plans to start a GoFundMe page for a little boy named Sayeed who has cerebral palsy. Sayeed is wheelchair bound in Dublanc and struggles to move around the disheveled village. Mark hopes to raise enough funds to provide him with a new wheelchair, ramp and therapy to make his life a little bit easier. Please reach out if you can help, every little bit makes a difference.
