SSL 283 ~ St Martin - First glimpse since HURRICANE IRMA

First glimpses of our trip to St Martin (SXM) to survey the recovery efforts and progress since Hurricane IRMA devastated the islands in September of 2017. This is just a sample of the footage and interviews we have collected during our travels the past few weeks to give you a near real-time glimpse of what we have been working on.
Much of the last couple weeks has also been spent working on a major project with 4 new partners here in SXM (St Maarten), that is a major upgrade to 'Sophisticated Lady' that will serve us well in our upcoming travels... can you guess what it is?
Look forward to your comments below!
Cheers,
Captain Rick
Follow our current travels on our new Instagram at:
/ sailingsophisticatedlady
For booking arrangements in SXM, Carlos and Jackie can be found at:
www.CaribbeanWeeks.com
Find our friend Rodger's website for Paradise Found Real Estate at:
www.ParadiseFoundSXM.com
Visit our latest Patron, Rick Boyd's website for his Irish Pub at:
www.HarpAndCelt.com and be sure to stop by for a drink if you're in the Orlando area!
FKG Marine Rigging and Hydraulics in St Martin:
www.FKGMarine.com
Outdoor World is the Yamaha dealer in St Martin:
www.OutdoorWorldANU.com
Topper and Melanie's website for Topper's RHUM:
www.ToppersRhum.com
Want info about our drones? Contact our friend Frank at:
www.CarolinaDronz.com
Interested in learning some new sailing skills?
www.LTDsailing.com
SSL Videos now made possible by YOU!
If You'd like to join Team SSL and help support future videos:
/ ambientreallife
New Vimeo on Demand Channel with extended versions of select SSL Videos!
www.vimeo.com/ondemand/SSL2016
Like the videos and want to buy us a drink? Thanks in advance!
www.paypal.me/AmbientRealLife
Live SSL BoatCam, updates new photo from on deck during daylight!
www.AmbientRealLife.com/webcam
New SSL Gear Available soon at:
www.AmbientRealLife.com/shop
ARL Logo Animated by Brenden Moore - goo.gl/QNZrio
More Videos at www.AmbientRealLife.com

[@gouldnj]

As a Navy Sailor of 21 years, the idea of the sailing life really appeals to me and I see you as living a dream. After losing my leg in Afghanistan and going broke on medical care, the dream of ever owning a sail boat is now gone, but this video of the aftermath makes me wish I could be there with someone like you to lend a hand and hear the stories.

[@ruthtruthinireland]

My uncle used to live way up the hill on Point Blanche, his name was Pat Murphy (Norman). I remember visiting him for a whole summer back in the day when I was turning 18.... That was 38 years ago!

[@thierryjoe8366]

It warms my heart To see someone is reporting what's going on post Irma... I am born french st-Martiner who survived thru this devastation #thankyou Rick

[@rajuncajun121]

It’s been quite the sailing adventure the last few weeks sailing onboard the Sophisticated Lady with Captain Rick Moore, Brenden Moore and the newest crew member, Padjen Pumpernickel, a Master PADI Diver and Master Freestyle Diver and not only is she beautiful, she is one of the nicest people that you could meet. The best part is making three new friends and being part of the team even though it was ever so briefly. I sit here tonight onboard the Sophisticated Lady somewhere in the Caribbean and I’m very thankful for being able to go on this adventure of a lifetime and spend these past 3 weeks with you guys. Most importantly I thank my wife, Lisa Boyd for supporting me with this dream while she stayed home and kept our World Cup fans happy by showing every single World Cup game live at our Irish pub and Restaurant in Orlando. Rock On Guys and again Thank You! Cheers Mates Rick Boyd - Orlando Florida

[@SailingSophisticatedLady]

Great to have you aboard Rick... safe travels and we'll see you again I'm sure! :)

[@phantomshadow3358]

He said it all on how the news handles disasters. But the realest know how we can all pull together and make a difference. Keep up the good work Rick and crew keeping us all informed.

[@aruskabell-marlin5369]

Thank you for displaying Sint Maarten in such a beautiful way.

[@karolinas8168]

i was here with my family just days before the hurricane hit. my dad had to stay behind and he survived this hurricane. he told us all about it and showed us pictures he took and it was nice to see this update video and see how the island is somewhat recovering

[@14Marathons]

Thanks Rick and Brenden for the great video. Good to see Brenden back again. Excellent, and very informative on the devastation and rebuilding efforts and progress. Thanks again, as I always look forward to your videos.

[@texaswader]

I live on the Gulf Coast of Texas so I know about hurricanes and know what they can do. That destruction of St Martin is horrible. We in our area are still rebuilding from hurricane Harvey. Some won't rebuild either because they're tired of hurricanes or because it's just not financially possible for them. Thank for posting this Rick.

[@donnaspuppyplayandadventur9397]

Visited St Martin back in 2014. It's absolutely beautiful there and so stunning it felt like we were inside a picture. But, I have to say the locals were horrible. We rented beach chairs and they tried to kick us out to rent them again. The guy yelled at us because we wouldn't leave when the rental was for all day. We watched him bully others out and then re-rent it. That and another bad situation told us we'll never go back there. It's unfortunate, and hopefully they've changed their ways if tourism is to ever come back.

[@neillee5835]

That clear water is incredible

[@Dsturm324]

My wife and I visited the island in April 2018 and you can still see the devastation and it is sad. Eventually it will come back. Especially with tourists and with Royal Caribbean and other cruise lines visiting the island. Still a beautiful island.

[@bill4nier]

Awesome update. Looking forward to more on the rebuilding process. Thanks for sharing!

[@ignatiusjohn_]

Your son is really talented not just behind the sticks. Nice edit of his flight footage as well. 🖖🏼🤖🧠

[@Zinctwentyone]

Sure looks beautiful, the vessel is looking super clean also. Great to see you guys.

[@JenniferWerlajohnson]

Thank you for the glimpse into my favorite little island!

[@MichaelMaarten]

I am on the Island for almost 4 months now and I can happily say that there is a lot of movement going on to rebuild the island. Coming from a hospitality background, I can clearly see returning guests coming back! #SXMSTRONG

[@RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors]

It is amazing what a storm can do. As a carpenter in Iowa , I can relate. I've been on rebuild sights after tornado storms have demolished towns. Breathtaking Great video 👍

[@davidbennett1374]

Thanks for the view. & update

[@rstout1225]

Having just been to be BVI a week ago, you can really see how the destruction from Irma is still there on the islands. What amazes me is just the spirit of the everyone on the islands, they are great people, and I can't wait to be back there. All of these islands are still beautiful, go and visit them!!!

[@mikecrittenden464]

Beautiful new crew member that's awesome

[@keviemac]

Thanks mate, very interesting, lovely to be reminded of "Island Spirit", similar world over.

[@chuckmaurice3646]

I like what you have done to the sail boat and the upgrades you made, those will make the differences in handling of the craft totally, Thank you Rick another outstanding Video.

[@scotthert2155]

WOW! Rick the images are saddening. I'm glad to hear things are getting back to normal. However, it looks like a slow process. I wish I could travel there and help out. Thank you for sharing this and getting the word out about the damage.

[@umajunkcollector]

I tell you what Rick, looks like you'll be posting quite a lot of vids to keep up. AND THEY'RE FANTASTIK, MUCH ENJOYED AND APPRECIATED!

[@davidc6510]

Brendan - what a chip of talent off the old Dad. great job!

[@jessereedpaintingsvmatador7009]

Right on.. great video man , cheers and fairwinds !

[@dalesandretzky3945]

I'm currently collecting as many sailing KZbin sites as I can. Because your coverage of events and places to go that most of us will never ever see is a great inspiration for our beautiful planet AQUA. There is a lot of retired Baby Boomers now, who are living on the edge with their stipends from the government. I live off the grid by choice, because I can't afford to live in a normal manner and pay for the power. Having lived on the water for decades, and having been a commercial gillnet fisherman for salmon, it is pretty much closed to how I am living now. I have my own well, my own septic system, and I live in a place where I can interact with the Bears. With all the videos that you all do, the world will learn to see the truth which is priceless. If you ever feel down with the workload, try to remember that what you are doing cannot be provided by any medical or any kind of winning the lottery. Because this is not about money, this is about the tribe of water people that have existed all over Planet AQUA, forever. Some people climb mountains, to find themselves, some people swim across channels to believe in themselves, and some people share their lives what's the great amount of Honor to the people that lives throughout the world. You folks that are doing these videos, are the new classroom for the children of the world. And maybe someday, will never have a reason for any more war amongst ourselves. And the children of the whole wide world are watching

[@Itsaboutthewaterlife]

Dang: well said.

[@seklistangdronista1742]

When I saw this vedio I remember the time when we are also a victim of typhoon YOLANDA in Leyte , Philippines and I was also one the survivor, I think you and your country has given a big help to us, thank you SIR we are now stand again. Thanks for your beautiful vedio ..

[@jonathanalexander4806]

Great job better than the news indeed I was born in sxm and I appreciate this video thank you

[@EmmaDee]

This breaks my heart for all of you lovely people. We endure tornadoes here that scare the crap out of me but this is unbelievable. It’s absolutely terrible to think of anyone looting. It is very interesting and I never thought about salvaging of boats. I just hope things are continuing to improve for you guys.

[@rodgerboutelle1520]

Great video Rick & Brendan !! From all of us Hurricane Irma survivors here on St. Maarten , your support is much appreciated !! Fair winds my Friends....

[@daleoakes1695]

Hey Rodger, I'm just finally seeing video Jun 2020. What a surprise to see your Smiling face!!! You've always been a Good Ambassador for SXM!!! Hope all's going well, Take Care!

[@ksingleton101]

Wow, really impressed Brenden! Keep up the awesome work, I'm sure you will end up with a fantastic job before long! Love your video footage!

[@MsCrazyandhappy]

I visited the island this May and a lot of it was already back up and running. Still a crazy difference of what it was before...

[@roelwieggers4181]

I was also at that antenna at 5:30. 4 months before the storm. Mindboggeling to see what has changed.

[@pilotguychris7217]

Finally no more dragging that dinging around! LOL well done!

[@mark466]

Again, love your videos! Hope all are well! Mark & Nolan

[@theendisnear3108]

My Beautiful Birth Island of Sxm🇫🇷🇸🇽 #ThankYouForPostingCaptainRick

[@gloppy101]

Was in St Maarten in May and yes, lots of damage. But the good news is that they are rebuilding and it's a great place to visit with friendly people, delicious food, warm/clean water and beaches, and great weather. Go visit and help them with your tourist dollars to rebuild. We will be back soon!

[@davidc6510]

awesome story of the aftermath of a hurricane. Thanks Rick.

[@zeefoxx]

First time seeing the mega yachts that sank or got damaged in SXM, thanks for sharing.

[@jeanbenoiton7395]

With today's technology that gives you several days warning who would leave a 45 million $ yacht there ??

[@neilupham7295]

I live on St John in the US Virgin Islands and I can totally relate to what's happening there. We were also wiped out by Irma and we too came together and helped each other after the storms. Our island is coming back together and one of our large resorts will be opening at the end of January. We lost about a third of all our homes but many of our short term rental homes are renting while even more are being repaired. Maybe you can swing by sometime to help us show the world that we are ready for the tourists.

[@donaldchase6163]

Your son is really skilled with those drones. Both in building and in flying them. I loved that shot where he nearly gave you a haircut. What a master of the controls he must be and so fast. I'm supper impressed.

[@donb4386]

That young man has some skills! Terrific new crew members. And thanks for reminding us of the devastation the region suffered last year. I've experienced a natural disaster before, nothing of the magnitude seen in St. Martin, but I will say sometimes tragic events bring out our best. I'll never forget the volunteers who stepped up to help us in our time of need.

[@markuskelvin3384]

i know Im asking the wrong place but does anybody know a tool to get back into an Instagram account..? I was dumb forgot the login password. I would love any help you can give me!

[@leonelahmir749]

@Markus Kelvin instablaster ;)

[@markuskelvin3384]

@Leonel Ahmir thanks so much for your reply. I found the site thru google and Im in the hacking process atm. I see it takes a while so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@Mr05sti]

Pageant* is gorgeous, straight dream girl!.. So cool she loves free diving! Cant wait to see more of her!

[@darrellroeters4951]

Naked.

[@jerryforeman4543]

Roger is a great friend! He has a great life story!

[@billwhalen4903]

It was nice to see that Topper & family weathered the storm.

[@Bantie1]

WONDERFUL PHOTOGRAPHY BRANDON! Absolutely Loved it!

[@uptone12111]

I will probably never go sailing so I really appreciate the hard work you put into these great vlogs!

[@antonolan]

Great Video, this Video is up there with the best of the best on KZbin! Very informative! Keep it going...

[@billlawmarshall5197]

Hey Rick I have been watching your videos for a few months and I really enjoy watching you guys You do a good job with your videos and you do good things too. I hope we do not have to worry about any Hurricanes here in the US and in the Caribbean this year. Hope you and your crew have a fun and a safe voyage to the BVI'S and Bonaire. Keep up the good work

[@ichtus27]

Wauw that drone flying en really funny your reaction that moment. Not fun what happend of the storms but wauw all the other stuff. What a full or filled movie this was... Freaking wauw..

[@arthurbrown3208]

I was part of the crew that put the roof on the Sea Palace! I loved it there!

[@sanjayhiro]

Awesome report!!!! Thanks

[@ToddMoore1]

Good to see Captain Picard is doing well..... make it so #1

[@johnkaveski7953]

he did a great job on it rick well done son

[@claudiaphillips6890]

My home😭😭😭I can never look at videos without crying

[@daleoakes1695]

Hey Claudia...Me too! Hope all's well with you & your family💛

[@judefrazier4727]

Hey Branden👍🏻 great to see you again

[@newratitudetv7201]

Great video ! I love that place, was there 10 years ago. Safe travels :)

[@ksingleton101]

About time you get that dinghy on board!

[@brunoguldhammer5951]

Ohøj Thanks keep it all good side up ! next wave laters !

[@vincelouden1339]

Great to see a fellow Texan with ya'll. Rad video, getting better and better!! Can WAIT to see some under water footage!!

[@mikehines9726]

Hi Rick ..Thanks for the drone shots of the Mast Going up on PREMIER GRAND CRU at FKG.! Great perspective you don't see without the drone. It was a pleasure meeting up with you & crew..maybe see you down south later. Fair Winds...Mike

[@paulandgail3212]

We are going to Orlando..in 2 weeks..will stop at The Harp and Celt :). Great clip again Rick!

[@coopw101]

cool your building a jet powered sail boat ... great vid. Peace and be safe out there.

[@petermathewvanaardt74]

good one! what a beautiful lady diver!

[@debrasalt3598]

Brendan Rocks! Super smart young man!

[@SailingSophisticatedLady]

I'm sure he'll appreciate that, thanks Debra! :)

[@Raychristofer]

Good job on this follow up. Well shot and edited. Respect

[@baldemarleal4387]

as always, great videos and shots

[@JSilva-tl9nj]

Welcome back to SeXiM Rick please stay or come back and make more vids we miss you.

[@debrasalt3598]

I think Sascha is one of the most inspiring women on the internet.You Go Sascha!

[@sammyvh11]

Bring her back

[@noelligh]

Great episode very informative thanks.

[@BOARDMAN16456]

I really can't believe the mess of the place after IRMA, and them massive boats that are destroyed are GUT RENCHING, Especially that silver one, 45 mil, Wow,. RESPECT,. "🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿SCO"

[@howardwhite9773]

17:00 - no, papa ain't proud of son ;) Well done, Brenden.

[@stevendelcarlo3294]

That was really good footage of the test of those swim fins

[@kevinboulware3517]

"the press loves..." rolling my eyes...

[@johnrflinn]

Good people in St Martins. No looting mobs. Restores my faith in humanity.

[@gogs1468]

Jeez, the devastation is horrific, amazing how people can still have the will to re-build. However, great video.

[@debrasalt3598]

I went through this in '95 (Luis) and it did take a while but not as long as Irma has.Insurance companies and property owners bail after a second devastating Hurricane.People have had to leave since their job no longer existed nor did their apt./home/boat.My home has been through Luis of '95 and Irma 2017.It's not all sunshine and rainbows.

[@jerry85g7]

We are a strong people.

[@Deerwood1985]

Very good video,very interesting, thank you.

[@iceman5866]

great video rick.

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Rick, This was an awesome vlog! Great work. Also, your son's drone is freaking crazy. Dang that's fast and nimble. Very cool. Cheers!

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Also, welcome to Pageant!

[@willwarden2603]

Great job Captain very informative.😎

[@phantomshadow3358]

Get used to that from the kids but it's a good thing. It means you taught them well. That drone Footage was very inspiring. I have been wanting to get one for a while just can't seem to commit. I really want to shoot footage while I'm fishing. And maybe someday start a KZbin channel myself. Is he hasn't already he should look into the races I have seen on TV with the drones awesome.

[@hurstma59]

I just returned from spending 3 weeks in St. Maarten. He mentioned that looting was minimal. I talked with one jewelry store owner in downtown Philipsburg who said they lost over a million dollars in inventory from looters. Locks were cut off the hurricane shutter, glass cases were busted and if it wasn’t in a safe, it was stolen.

[@Hillbilly-Bob]

5:55 Cat 6 hurricane? That was very cool of Royal C to do that! Spot on analysis of "news" reports and reporters.

[@nothanks9205]

She's a beauty, a freediving beast and wicked smart as well. I love how the ocean attracts the absolute best of the best people out there.

[@thekingkieify]

I'm from SM. And it's crazy to see what happened being away far away

[@pilotguychris7217]

Nice work with the Drone Brendan you have honed your pilot skills well!

[@tommycattap]

It has been a long time since I was there. It is a completely different place now.

[@Steve_in_NJ]

I had to cancel my December 2017 SXM vacation due to Irma & Maria. Can't wait to get another chance to visit SXM after 17 years! It's a catch-22 because there's not enough timeshare rooms or hotels and the Island needs the tourism dollars so hopefully, the cruise ship business will help fill in some of the gap until there's more rebuilt units available.

[@coffeefish]

Great interviews Capt.

[@MrWade31685]

Great episode! New subscriber. Brenden has an amazing talent. Really great camera work and editing.

[@flowerpixie76]

Awesome video as always! Brendan is really great at what he does as well! Where is Sascha? Glad to see the people of St. Martin rebuilding! 🌼

[@petermyers479]

Welcome back.

[@ve4mm]

Don't you remember the Canadian TV Show "Inside Paradise" a few years ago. About SXM. On the Travel Channel. Your chef buddy Dino. He was on the show. We stayed in Jeff Boyd's rental condo Aqualina on Simpson Bay in Dec 2015. Right on the beach. Gated. Indoor parking. Amazing. Call them and get another show about SXM after the hurricane and you can be on the show too. You obviously know Jeff. His wife told me she was happy when the cameras were gone. He has 2 kids now. A son and daughter and the girl was just a baby when we saw them. Real cute Kids. He was renting the condo beside the one we were in. (His rental condo)

[@mobiltec]

Awesome video Rick. Six weeks with the Delos Crew and you guys are still alive? Whew!

[@Randy_Gustafson]

Looks like someone has had a little ‘Peter McKinnon’ influence while away from the boat. Job well done with the whip transitions and b-roll segments.

[@8028rsj]

Hey Rick, wow you move fast. All the way in SXM, wasn't it just the other day we were liming in Carricou with Delos ! Love the video and the hint of some of the mods you've done to the boat. Looking forward to the episodes on you new dinghy lifting system. Cheers: SV Stella Maris

[@marcochen6816]

That was the problem a lot of the smaller stores that was not damage got broken into and got loot and insurance wasn’t going to pay much for small businesses, large business was not harmed by much because they’re in sure and part of a corporation they reopen in less than a month smaller business took half a year to almost a year and some are still not open

[@plstrom]

wow !