Occasionally Jupiter and her Crew receive requests from marine travel publications to host reporters aboard. However, we routinely and contemptuously ignore petitions from elite periodicals like Yacht and Yonder, but recently an appropriately dressed couple named Sarah and David stop by Jupiter while she is tied up at Petersburg, Alaska. They politely inquire about coming aboard to write a lead article about a voyage for the popular magazine, Anchor & Appetite
The crew is stunnned that anyone might be attracted to Jupiter after ten briny weeks and 1800 nautical miles collecting stains on stainless, mildew in scuppers, flaccid fenders, and parasitic marine growth at the waterline. However, the Crew, being a tiny bit more than sick of each other’s company, jump at the opportunity in exchange for a lot of cash.
Money changes hands and the crew promises to post the following hyperbole and fables documenting five days afloat.
Material excerpted with permission of the authors, as published in Anchor & Appetite.
Aboard Jupiter we felt like we were traveling in our own “bubble” as we voyaged along inside passages. Safe, warm, comfortable, fed like royalty.
Our voyage was planned for five days cruising from Petersburg northwest to Sitka with no ports along the way. The term “luxury” fit Jupiter well. Not only is she beautiful in all her bones, but she is also stylish. “JUPITER” is painted on the stern in a striking font of flecked gold. The crew covers the table and seating at the stern with matching soft gold ultrasuede, creating subtle richness and comfort upon boarding. Jupiter’s exterior is exquisitely maintained and spotless, showcasing her classic form in striking navy and white outlined by warm teak trim.
Aboard Jupiter we felt like we were traveling in our own “bubble” as we voyaged along inside passages. Safe, warm, comfortable, fed like royalty.
Inside, the appointments are breathtaking. Everywhere, warm glossy teak lures passengers to stay in the space. The spiral teak and chrome stairway connecting upper and lower decks is a joy to ascend or descend. The same glorious wood outlines the windows, warming views of grey skies and majestic mountains. Neutral patterned carpeting cozies up the space even more. Our bedroom had a nest-like atmosphere, with lovely water-colored duvet and luxurious linens.
Our bathroom was a pleasant surprise. Unlike previous boats we’ve reviewed, it wasn’t just a toilet with a sink above it and a shower wand nearby, but a fully enclosed shower with separate space for a full vanity and toilet area. Literally, all the comforts of home.
We were astonished by the systems engineered into this bubble, and the redundancy. Jupiter fully qualifies as an “off grid” floating sanctuary. No matter what happened in the outside world, we could be safe and comfortable there for a long time, while at the same time, offering a full satellite connection to the outside world through the magic of Starlink.
Anchoring is particularly interesting to our readers. When we entered a cove finding the best place to drop anchor using depth, and distance from other vessels and land, required calculations regarding where to drop and how much chain needs to be let out. This ensured that in a wind the boat would remain a fixed distance downwind from the anchor and with no wind it could float randomly without getting into danger.
The Crew (left) takes us out for an orbit around Jupiter. The authors (right) are avid explorers and regular columnists for Anchor & Appetite and other adventure publications.
One morning we discovered that we were sharing our quiet little cove with Launchpad, the 387′ superyacht rumored to belong to somebody from M*ta (hint: M.Z.). Launchpad’s support vessel, Wingman, anchored nearby, carried the boats, water toys, gear, fuel, pilots and crew. Launchpad mimics Jupiter’s blue and white livery while Wingman follows the restrained flair of Callisto, Jupiter’s 13-foot tender.
Chef performed creatively as she nourished our bodies and doled out love and joy.
Jupiter is gorgeously appointed and functionally self-sufficient and had to be provisioned for our five day journey. This required ultimate masterminding as chef had to plan for every sip, meal and snack for the entire voyage. Purchasing, storing, preparing, eating and cleaning-up requires special consideration on the water. We relished being extra hands while observing and taking part in the symphony of prep and clean-up. Chef performed creatively as she nourished our bodies and doled out love and joy.
Here is a small dreamy remembrance of a sliver of what chef provided:
Breakfast, delivered with alacrity: silver-dollar pancakes, strawberries, caramelized sausages, maple syrup, or the time honored English ceremony of lemon-wedges with sugar to adorn those golden discs of bliss.
Portable granola and cappucinos served as a midday treat. Chef transformed a granola recipe into something elegant, handheld, and impossible to stop eating. Dizzy with rapture over cappuccinos we wondered: Is this Alaska or are we ascending to Yachty Heaven.
Lunch crowned an unlikely monarch: the humble wedge salad. Iceberg, once dismissed as nutritionally void reported aboard Jupiter crisp, composed and unapologetically regal. Zesty blue cheese crumbled like a glacial scree, homemade croutons, thick bacon and honeyed vinaigrette made the closing argument. Iceberg, now redeemed, earned its own bright star in the gastronomic firmament.
Supper featured roast chicken quarters with citrusy spices that kept its counsel. The skin crackled; the kimchi fried rice provided a perfectly intense argument; the mango slices settled matters with cool diplomacy. Heat sweetness and comfort in trim formation.
Like a well made gastrique, these days balance sweetness
with brightness, and comfort with surprise.
This sweet story of a five-day voyage with college friend, David, and his lovely wife, Sarah, using their words and images, was inspired by truth and made digestible through fantasy. The story of our journey together, recently published in Anchor & Appetite, has already inspired copycat reports in Shoal & Tell.
Jupiter’s Crew is doubling the charter fee to forty billion dollars.
The creativity of Jupiter’s crew is alive and well, inspiring the Condras in all our ways.
Home again in Nashville, but a part of me is still at Jupiter’s table in Alaska. One of the greatest souvenirs of travel is inspiration, and my newest goal is to channel Jupiter’s remarkable chef in my own kitchen. Perhaps the finest souvenirs are the ones that find their way back to your own table.
Sarah – thank you for your kind words. We miss your company and your helping hands in the galley. That’s always a recipe for success aboard Jupiter. Keep up the good cooking!