The Crew

Wil

Wil ~ Full Monty’s Co-Captain, Mechanic & Electrician

Most of Wil’s growing up years were spent in the area of Manteo, North Carolina. When he moved to Washington, North Carolina, he became familiar with “sound sailing” on a San Juan 21, a Mason 44, and a Pearson 36. To him, sailing was boring because it wasn’t fast, and one always had to watch out for crab pots. Then in 1992, he married Jenny. Through her family, Wil was introduced to ocean cruising on a Valiant 40 when he helped crew from North Carolina to the Bahamas. From that point forward, he knew that sailing to lands faraway had become a part of his life. Together, Wil & Jenny purchased their first home, a Downeaster 38, and took off on their first sailing adventure. After sailing north to Connecticut & New York, they departed the US in November 1998, and cruised to the Bahamas, Cuba, Belize, and Mexico. In 1999, when the money ran out, they returned to the US via Texas, sold the boat, bought a car, and drove to California. It took a few months in California to realize they needed to return to North Carolina in order to begin working on the next cruising goal for June 2010.

Jenny

Jenny ~ Full Monty’s Co-Captain, Navigator & Ham Radio Operator

When Jenny was 7-years old, her family headed for the Caribbean on their newly built Westsail 32. She and her sister were both homeschooled during that year of cruising. After returning to life on land, and briefly living in Calgary, Alberta, Jenny grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina. Boating & water sports have always been a part of her life. As a young adult, Jenny crewed for her dad from North Carolina to Rhode Island on their Valiant 40. She also took part with her family on a couple of bareboat charters in the US & British Virgin Islands. Jenny always figured cruising would only happen with her family, and never saw it as something she could do on her own. However in 1995, that all changed when she was stuck in graduate school while Wil sailed to the Bahamas with her parents & sister. When she picked Wil up at the airport, she saw him with a bunch of sailing books & magazines under his arm, and the first thing he said to her was “We’re going sailing!” She jumped for joy! Within 2 years, Wil & Jenny had purchased their first boat and started cruising. The tables turned again for Jenny when they first purchased Full Monty. While Wil was stuck at work, Jenny sailed Full Monty from Sarasota to Fort Lauderdale with her dad as her crew. Now, she’s very excited to be preparing for their next cruising adventure . . . this time with her own kids.

Justine ~ 2012

Justine ~ 2014

Justine ~ Full Monty’s First Mate

Prior to our 2012 departure, Justine was already being prepped for life aboard a sailboat. She had 3 summers of sailing lessons under her belt with the NC Maritime Museum Junior Sailing Program. She did 2 years in the International Optimist Dinghy, and her 3rd year in a Sunfish. She has also gotten to participate aboard a Flying Junior. In 2010, she participated in a Hoop Pole Regatta near Beaufort, North Carolina. By the time we set sail, she was already into her third year of homeschool. In addition to sailing, Justine enjoys reading, playing piano, standup paddle boarding, and swimming. Justine is hoping for a career in one of the ocean sciences, with a particular interest in sharks and manta rays.

Colin ~ 2012

Colin ~ 2014

Colin ~ Full Monty’s Second Mate

Before the start of cruising, Colin had 2 summers of sailing experience with the NC Maritime Museum Junior Sailing Program. He sailed the International Optimist Dinghy during lessons, but was also able to gain some playtime on the Sunfish. Prior to our 2012 departure, Colin was in his third year of homeschool. Along with sailing, Colin enjoys playing guitar, surfing, swimming, most outdoor activities, and playing video games. Colin loves participating in musical jam sessions, finding guitar gigs, and he tends to be late for school when he’s either swimming or paddle boarding with dolphins and manta rays.