Gary and Gayle were bitten by the travel bug at an early age. They met in Mexico in the mid 70s's and settled down in Texas where they pursued their interest in sailing. In 1980 they explored the Gulf of Mexico in a 23' sloop, sailed to Florida, and then to the Bahamas, where they spent six months sailing the Out Islands, walking deserted sandy beaches, hanging out with the locals, and spear fishing for dinner.

After sailing back to Texas, they decided they wanted to continue in this lifestyle, but needed a larger boat. So they sold the first boat, went back to work, and bought a 35' sloop. After the birth of their daughter, Sarah, while living on the boat in Texas, all their friends assumed they would sell the boat and buy a house.

Much to their friends' surprise, when Sarah was 9 months old, Gary and Gayle left Texas for the last time - sailing to Tampa, Florida and on to the Bahamas once again. They lived aboard their boat for the next four years, sailing when they could and working when they had to. Eventually, they outgrew the boat and they decided to enroll Sarah in a regular school system.

When Sarah turned five years old, Gary and Gayle settled on Chesapeake Bay. They sold the boat and moved ashore for four years until they purchased Jolly Mon. Leaving the Chesapeake Bay in 1993, they voyaged south through the islands to the northern coast of South America, eastward through Venezuela, northward through the windward and leeward islands; finally arriving in St. Thomas in the spring of 1995. Once in St. Thomas, Gary and Gayle decided to stay and share their love of sailing and snorkeling with visitors .