Chasing Bubbles: The Boat's Unique Journey

The documentary Chasing Bubbles follows the story of Alex Rust, a farm boy from Indiana who left his home and stable life behind in search of adventure. Rust taught himself to sail, bought a boat, and set off on a sailing trip through the Caribbean. The film, produced by amateur filmmakers, offers a mix of original footage from Rust's journey and interview-like sessions with his friends and ex-girlfriend, who share their memories of him. It captures the exhilarating and touching story of Rust's transformation from a landlubber to a keen sailor and the highs and lows of his sailing adventures.

The story of Captain Alex Rust

Captain Alex Rust was a farm boy from Indiana, United States, who left his home, family, and friends behind to seek adventure. He bought a boat, taught himself to sail, and set off on a journey to sail the Caribbean. He eventually upgraded to a new boat, the S/V Bubbles, a 39' Fast Passage 39, which he sailed around the world with his beloved crew.

Alex's friends describe him as a man who embraced life and devoured all that nature had to offer. He was enthusiastic, rousing, and caring, always spreading positive energy to those around him. He was a candle that burned brightly, and his spirit aboard the S/V Bubbles was contagious.

The S/V Bubbles is more than just a boat; it represents an idea and a journey. It captures the magic and unlocks the child within each of us. After its journey with Captain Alex Rust, the boat changed hands several times before being bought back by the Chasing Bubbles Foundation in 2022. It has since been restored to its original glory with the help of volunteers and donors.

Today, people can charter the S/V Bubbles and learn to sail aboard this iconic vessel, continuing the legacy of Captain Alex Rust and his inspiring journey around the world.

Tragedy at sea

Tragedy struck during the filming of the documentary *Chasing Bubbles*, which follows the story of Alex Rust, a farm boy from Indiana in the United States, and his crew as they sailed around the world. Rust's journey began when he decided to sail the Caribbean, buying a boat, teaching himself how to sail, and setting off on his voyage.

During the documentary, Rust and his crew faced numerous challenges, including breakdowns, near misses, and accidents. Despite these obstacles, Rust was described as a positive and enthusiastic individual who embraced life and nature's glory. He gathered people around him who helped him and accompanied him on his journey.

However, the film takes a tragic turn as it becomes apparent that Rust would not survive his journey. The documentary includes original footage filmed by the crew during their sailing trip through the Caribbean waters and interview-like sessions with Rust's friends and loved ones, who share their memories of him and the impact he had on their lives.

The film ends with the tragic fate of Rust, leaving a powerful message about seizing the day and making the most of one's life. It serves as a reminder to pursue one's passions and not to waste time on regrets.

Although the documentary *Chasing Bubbles* chronicles a tragic ending, it also celebrates the spirit of adventure and the joy of the journey. It captures the magic and freedom of sailing the open seas and the enduring impact of Rust's courage and determination.

The Caribbean sailing trip

The story of Alex Rust and S/V Bubbles is documented in "Chasing Bubbles", a documentary produced by his family and loved ones. It captures the exhilarating and tragic story of Alex, a farm boy from Indiana who left his safe life behind in search of adventure. Alex taught himself to sail, bought a boat, and set off on a journey through the Caribbean, summoning a crew of great people along the way.

S/V Bubbles, at 39 feet 6 inches in length, offers a spacious, efficient, and manageable sailing experience. It features a private cabin on the port side, a forward-facing navigation desk on the starboard side, and a traditional U-shaped galley providing a secure work area. The vessel has been restored and is now available for charter, offering unique sailing experiences in partnership with the Virgin Island Sailing School.

Friends and crew

SV Bubbles, a 1983 39' Fast Passage 39, was the vessel that carried Alex Rust and his crew around the world to more places than most sailboats have been. The boat underwent a complete restoration with the help of volunteers, fans, dreamers, and donors before being rechristened in 2022.

The documentary includes original footage filmed by the Bubbles crew during their sailing trip through the Caribbean waters, as well as interview-like sessions with Alex's friends. His friends and ex-girlfriend shared stories and painted a vivid picture of who Alex was as a person—a man who was caring, open, always positive, and full of life and energy. They spoke of how Alex gathered people around him, summoning a crew of great people who shared in his adventures.

The film also captures the highs and lows of the journey, the breakdowns, near misses, and accidents, and the friends Alex made along the way. It is a story of adventure, tragedy, and the magic of the open sea, as told by those who shared in the experience.

Restoration and sailing experiences

The Chasing Bubbles Foundation, with the help of volunteers, fans, dreamers, and donors, was able to restore S/V Bubbles to her original glory. The vessel is now available for charter and sailing experiences in partnership with the Virgin Island Sailing School, the only ASA Certified Sailing School based in the USVI.

S/V Bubbles, a 39' Fast Passage, is an iconic vessel that carried Captain Alex Rust and his crew around the world to more places than most sailboats have seen. After completing circumnavigation in 2012, she went through several owners before the Chasing Bubbles Foundation located her in the USVIs in 2021 and purchased her back on June 14, 2022, which was also Alex's birthday.

The restoration process involved the refurbishment of the cabins, including refinishing the Mahogany walls, doors, and cabinets, as well as the Teak and Holly sole. Various new features were installed, including a Force 10 stove, refrigeration, head, salon, and bunk cushions. The bow pulpit, stern rail, Garmin chart plotter, cockpit table, cockpit shower, deck wash, monitor wind vane, solar panels, batteries, bimini with sides, cockpit cushions, macerator, heat exchanger, fuel injectors, impeller, automatic bilge pump, cutlass bearing, and propeller shaft were also added or upgraded.

Sailing experiences aboard S/V Bubbles offer a unique opportunity to learn to sail or simply enjoy the magic of this iconic vessel. With a length of 39 feet 6 inches, a beam of 11 feet 2 inches, and a draft of 5 feet 6 inches, the Fast Passage 39 is spacious, efficient, and manageable, making it an instant favourite for voyagers. The sunken deckhouse option provides a private cabin with ample storage, while the forward-facing navigation desk on the starboard side offers quick access to the cockpit or galley. The traditional U-shaped galley provides a secure work area, and the salon features two settees that can be set up as a double/queen or two twin beds to accommodate different needs.

S/V Bubbles is equipped with fans, GFci outlets, and reading lights throughout for added comfort. On deck, you'll find a sun-protective bimini, Lewmar winches, and a full suite of Garmin electronics. In addition to her mainsail and jib, she also carries a staysail that hanks onto a removable forestay.

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