There’s something special moored at Hummingbird Marina right now — a striking wooden schooner with roots deep in Belizean soil and craftsmanship. The yacht Chance Along, a vessel unlike any other, was hand-built in Punta Gorda, Belize, by Christine and Kirby Salisbury, and it now rests peacefully in our marina while undergoing some routine repairs.
This isn’t just a boat — it’s a story carved from Belizean hardwood, weathered by sea journeys, and brought to life by dreamers who dared to build it themselves. The tale of Chance Along is beautifully documented in the book Chance Along: A Wind Worth Waiting For, which recounts its construction, setbacks, and eventual success — a true testament to persistence and passion.
Built by hand using local materials, Chance Along has cruised the Belizean coastline for years, experiencing both the challenges of rough seas and the calm beauty of tropical waters. The boat has a soul — one shaped by the vision of its builders and the winds that have filled its sails.
Today, Chance Along is in the careful hands of its current custodian, Donny who is overseeing maintenance and preservation work right here at Hummingbird Marina. Donny has graciously shared footage of the vessel being moved around the yard — a rare behind-the-scenes look at a piece of Belize’s maritime heritage still in motion.
What makes this story even more meaningful is that the Salisbury family — authors of Chance Along — didn’t stop at one story. They went on to publish two other books that continue exploring life, nature, and uncertainty: Mark of the Macaw: Historical Novel of Belize and TREEHOUSE PERSPECTIVES: Embracing Uncertainty. These are stories told by people who don’t just float on the surface of Belize — they’ve built their lives, literally and figuratively, within it.
We invite everyone to come by the marina and see this remarkable schooner for themselves. It’s not every day that a handcrafted Belizean yacht — complete with a published history — drops anchor in your backyard.
📍 Hummingbird Marina
Mile 21 Placencia Road, Placencia, Belize, C.A.
📞 +501-780-3333
📲 WhatsApp: +501-670-0708
