The Penne family -- Joel, Donna, 11-year-old Jayne and Emma the dog, live on their family yacht, A Bientot . It is much more than a pleasure vessel to this family from Virginia who have decided to give up their conventional lifestyle and cruise for three years while home schooling their daughter.

Currently they are anchored off in St. George's Harbour, but they will be departing very soon for the Azores and later, Spain.

Last year, Joel quit his job as a registered nurse in a hospital operating room to do some operating of his own. The boat's captain, he was busy equipping the family vessel with sophisticated equipment such as GPS, 2 VHFs, a single sideband radio, weather fax, depth sounder, and personal computer system. Getting a boat ready for a three-year adventure takes a lot of energy and intelligent planning.

"Our vessel is a 37-foot ketch, a Dickerson, and we have owned her about 11 years,'' he said. "We bought her in Trappe, Maryland near Annapolis. She has a nice design, centre cockpit, with fore and aft berths, a salon, galley, head and navigation station.'' First mate Donna has a gift for computers and worked until December in a professional capacity. She gets work as a computer specialist here and there in their travels. She said: "It is very reassuring to have a medical person aboard for this experience and Joel is very knowledgeable. His skills give us confidence.'' In January of this year the family set out on their adventure. They travelled south on the Intracoastal Waterway to Florida and from Florida they sailed to the Abacos of the Bahamas where they spent a wonderful winter.

Both parents are thrilled they can spend quality time with their only child and assist with her schooling.

"We are trying to do the best we can for our daughter. Middle school is a troublesome education period. We give Jayne guidance with her studies and we mail her work, including exams, back to the States, '' explained Mrs. Penne.

Mr. Penne said: "This family reunion we have is wonderful. We are meeting other people all the time and learning about different cultures. We try to stay in one place long enough to get to know the culture. This is part of Jayne's educational process too.'' They sailed from the Bahamas to Bermuda and reported the crossing was uneventful and beautiful.

St. George's has been home to them since June 4 and they love Bermuda, particularly St. George's.

"We find Bermuda most fascinating! It is so civilised and we have received so much hospitality,'' said Mrs. Penne. "The grocery store is so nice, the buses are great. We enjoy family walks up to Fort St. Catherine and Tobacco Bay. The restaurants are superb. Jayne likes all the history associated with this end.'' "St. George's is smaller and has a slower pace. Hamilton was like a big city to me. I like a quieter place,'' added Jayne, cuddling her Chihuahua, Emma.

The family was quick to mention the helpful ladies at the Visitor's Service Bureau. "They have helped us with marine orders and bus schedules and they are wonderful,'' said Mrs. Penne.

When asked about the worst aspects of boat living, Mr. Penne said he hates having to make repairs in exotic places.

"I would sometimes rather be off having a cool drink than sweating over a repair, but that's the way of a boat, she keeps you busy.'' Mrs. Penne says she misses her feelings from achievement from work.

Jayne added that when she plays her piano keyboard she has to sit cross-legged and her legs fall asleep. And Emma had no complaints.

"We took a bus to Dockyard yesterday and came back along the South Shore.

Wow, that was spectacular! We would like to stay longer in Bermuda but the weather patterns project safe sailing over the next few weeks so we are going to sail away again,'' Mr. Penne said.

Photos by Beverley Causey-Smith Yachties: The Penne family are cruising on their 37-foot family yacht for three years. From left: Jayne with her tiny Emma, Donna, and Joel Penne. Their yacht, A Bientot is in the background in St. George's Harbour to the left of Jayne.

Child sailor: Jayne Penne, age 11, with her pet dog Emma. Emma doesn't take up much space on the family yacht and is a constant companion for Jayne.

SAILING SLG