Museum of Maritime Pets

Annabelle, a 2-year old Chihuahua from Italy, was our last Ambassador at Sea prior to the onset of the Covid 19 pandemic.   She had assumed her duties in June of 2019 after Bailey's retirement ceremony.  Sadly, Annabelle passed away while ashore in 2020.

Annabelle and her two crewmates, Border Collies April and Blue, lived with their humans on S/V Titanium near Barcelona, Spain.  They sailed the western Mediterranean until recreational sailing came to a stand-still last year.  Annabelle's first duty as Ambassador was to meet and greet the other furry sailors at the marina.  

Bailey Boat Cat, a seal-point Siamese living aboard S/V Nocturne just outside of Rome, served as our first Ambassador at Sea for several years.  Bailey is an author, explorer and philosopher whose musings can be found in his best-selling book, Bailey Boat Cat: Adventures of a Feline Afloat.  Bailey cruised the Mediterranean with co-skippers Louise and James and was joined three years ago by new crew members, April, Blue and Annabelle.  These new recruits were border collies and a chihuahua! 

Bailey's blogs about his sailing adventures and friends, including many nautical challenges that he and his humans faced, became the source for his book.  He was a spokescat for ocean conservancy, safe boating practices and tips for sailing with your pet. 

His model performance as a maritime pet led us to appoint him as our Ambassador at Sea, with the blessings of his humans, of course!

Bailey's dispatches are recapped in a following section.  He was an exemplary emissary and trend-setter!

Bailey's dispatches from the sea range over a wide subject matter.  We have included our favorites here:

Bailey often comments on the refuse encountered while underway.  Pollution and safety are issues that not all boaters take as seriously as S/V Nocturne's crew do!  In one case, their propeller was tangled in plastic bags and rope, causing a stalled voyage and some repairs.

Seafaring Companions:

While on anchor or in port, Bailey has met many other seafaring pets from around the world, and to keep him company on the boat, he has new pup April, and two Russian hamsters. 

Piloting and Standing Watch:

Bailey takes his skipper duties seriously, and while he yields the wheel to his crewmates, he maintains constant vigilance from all angles. 

Navigation:

Bailey loves course charting, too!

Wildlife at Sea:

Bailey loves meeting new species, whether land or sea-based.  Here are some of his favorites.

Safety:

Bailey and his co-skippers often encounter dangerous or risky behaviors and conditions on shore or at sea.  He is a strong advocate of safe boating practices and proper boat and dock upkeep!

Sea Travel Necessities:

A valid passport and current veterinary records are required at new ports of call. Practical philosophy also helps make voyages pleasant, safe and memorable!

Favorite reasons why I sail: