Some deaths are harder to accept than others and Kristy’s death is absolutely unbelievable to me!
To be frank, this is a completely selfish post, for me to try to put into words the incredible sadness, pure shock, and feelings of grief…none remotely close to those who were closest to her, widower Dan Chua who was not on the boat, or her family…but this is my humble attempt to find some closure… miles away…feeling helpless and utterly heartbroken.
When we arrived in Hell-Ville to clear into Madagascar, one of the priority tasks is to get a local SIM card. After doing so, Trevor hands me my phone and says to me… “don’t check Messenger…”. I am curious but hesitate as he rarely ‘warns’ me of anything. A few moments later, curiosity caught the cat and I opened my phone which was making lots of noises to be updated. The next thing I saw made me speechless!
Some of you might of heard or read about the dive boat off the coast of Santa Barbara that had exploded over this last Labor day weekend. On that boat was our friend Kristy Finstad.
https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/03/us/california-dive-boat-who-was-on-board/index.html
We met Kristy and Dan in La Cruz, Mexico as we all were preparing to cross the Pacific Ocean back in May/April of 2017. Since then, we became fast friends, along with others, and have kept in touch since then. We may not of know Kristy for decades but friendships made while cruising on a sailboat is hard to explain to those who are not at sea. It’s not to say others friendships lack the same qualities or are less important…it’s more to do with the level of connection made in a very short period of time. Things get deep fast and personalities shine through brighter…or darker…we tend to see and share ourselves with less distraction, more raw. I don’t pretend to be Kristy’s best friend or her favorite pal and we didn’t know each other for long time….but the impact and impressions, as a couple Dan and Kristy, has left on me feels sometimes like we have know each other much longer than we technically did.
All things Kristy!!!!
It was just a year ago Kristy and Dan were staying with us a board “Hotel Slow Flight” in Opua, New Zealand and less than that when we got to see her smiling face over a FB messenger call after they sold SV Te Poe Rava in Australia and just got back to California.
Damn…I am going to miss you so much and your incredible hugs, your sensitive nature, and the world will be less bright from your absence!
We untied Te Poe Rava’s lines to head for French Polynesia in La Cruz, Mexico 
Kristy’s father’s company that Dan and her took over years ago…. 
Kristy and Dan certified Trevor, and 5 others, for their Open Water divers certificate in Huahine, French Polynesia. Both are incredible teachers, so patient and understanding. 
In Mopelia, French Polynesia, Dan and Kristy took passengers to the island and they were invited to a big party….just shows how giving they are with their resources. 
Mopelia, French Polynesia we dove the outer reef, snorkeled reefs, had beach fires, and of course had to feed the sharks with Dan’s catch of the day. 
Musket Cove Fiji…so many beers shared…….. 
…with morning yoga classes…. 
with such an amazing group of people! 
Hiking the Routeburn track on the southern island of New Zealand with this awesome troop…Kristy and Dan and SV Me Too… 
…the girls had a great time taking up the rear together….had some great talks about “girl stuff”…and moments of laughter that made me pee myself! 
Routeburn Track…playing hide and seek…. 
A little rest after the hike…puzzles and couch time….Kristy and I had a good cry together here as she was getting ready to acclimate back to land life soon. 
Girls night a board Slow Flight in Opua New Zealand…I think one night Kristy puked in our head…Love that girl!
Maybe because I wasn’t able to say goodbye and instead I am left with the feeling that I should of called sooner or replied to that last FB post she added….it doesn’t matter now…does it!
Dan Chua, and family, I can’t imagine the amount of grief you are experiencing and no words will capture how the hundreds and thousands of people Kristy has touched over her life, want to be there for you. We are and will be here for you when you are ready….
Thank you for this beautiful beautiful post. I loved listening to Finny’s video and seeing her beautiful spirit and hearing her talk about her love for the sea and the natural world. So many heavy hearts will miss her. What a bright light.
Kimi (and Trevor) – so sorry for your loss. Kristy looks like she was an incredible life force making a difference in our damaged world. Thank you for sharing your photos and her videos.
The words posted here are perfect ❤️ Kristy climbed right in to my heart the first time we met . Many dives later she felt like a sister I will always treasure the time we spent together and think of her swimming in her ocean . My heart goes out to Dan and her family 💔
Kimi, we don’t know each other, but reading your words about Kristy…so much truth. You should know that before she left she told me how much she longed for a community- her community. It seems that she found exactly that while living on the water and meeting like-minded and authentic spirits such as yourself. She wouldn’t/couldn’t exist any other way (in my opinion). I’m so sorry for your loss. Kristy RIP 🌈