Mermaid of Carriacou

"The Man, the Myth and the Madness"

By Capt. Fatty Goodlander

John's entire life came to be somewhat of an art project in, and of, itself. The Mermaid of Carriacou has no engine, no electronics, no nutt'n. There have been books written about her (see Douglas Pyle's 'Clean Sweet Wind'); and books written aboard her (see John Smith's own 'Letters From Sinking Ships'). Pictures of her have appeared in National Geographic, numerous marine and travel magazines and the island of Grenada even issued a 35-cent stamp in her honor.

And the most amazing, glorious, astounding thing is that Smith and the Mermaid still exist. He actually sails around saying things like "My Boat is Slow but The Sea is Patient...". He appears to still believe that the pure force of Righteous Karma can carry you through.

There aren't many John Smith's around any more. Life in the electronic 90's have shut most of them down. They have "come to their senses!" They've "stopped fool'n around", and have begun to "make something of their lives!" Not John. No way!

Life is still a "tire swing" to John, and he is indeed "still crazy after all these years..."

He's keeping The Dream alive. He has a wooden boat, which usually doesn't leak faster than he can bail it out. The wind is free. A bag of brown rice is still cheap. He doesn't have much else — but he's happy.

And he certainly has no plans to stop.

Keep the faith, John!