[Willie Mac]

Chuscal - 1972

Day off in Golfito. Barbecue and entertainment courtesy of the local lassies, refreshments provided by the Ch Steward and Emma's Bar. Unforgettable days.

[Pat McCardle]

And a good time was had by ALL

[exsailor]

Same sand was still there in 1977, but the 'castaways' had gone and the life-guard 'dolly' was the daughter of the local United Brands American plantation manager. Like you said, unforgettable days.

[Bob Murdoch]

When I was in Golfito in 1958, we did not get any days off on the beach. One night in Kingston, then round the coast picking up bananas followed by passengers, then back to UK
Lovely ship though

[R58484956]

A rather belated welcome to the site Bob enjoy it and all it has to offer.

[Ron Stringer]

Originally Posted by Bob Murdoch

When I was in Golfito in 1958, we did not get any days off on the beach. One night in Kingston, then round the coast picking up bananas followed by passengers, then back to UK
Lovely ship though

Bob,

The thread refers to the port of Golfito in Costa Rica, and not E & F's "ss Golfito" (my first ship in 1960). The smaller 12-passenger skin boats often went to Golfito to load bananas but I don't believe that either of the larger 99-passenger vessels (Golfito and Camito) ever went there.

Ron

[KevinR]

I sailed regularly to Golfito with Fyffe's Manzanares and Musa, and had great times there! I remember the bar at the dock gate, where the jukebox was fitted with a steel mesh protection, and you had to stick your hands through a small opening to put money in and pick a tune. And Emma's bar, of course. Remember "Tom's Island" where all the hippies lived? I'd love to go back, but it would have to be as a tourist next time and would not be quite the same!!!!!! I als remember a bar/dance place up the hill, I think it was called the Picnic Bar (?)

[Andyroo]

Hi Kevin r
Remember well all those times especially Tom's island. No noise only jungle sounds, drinking of beer & the smell of tropical tobacco, "happy days".

[exsailor]

Originally Posted by Ron Stringer

Bob,

The thread refers to the port of Golfito in Costa Rica, and not E & F's "ss Golfito" (my first ship in 1960). The smaller 12-passenger skin boats often went to Golfito to load bananas but I don't believe that either of the larger 99-passenger vessels (Golfito and Camito) ever went there.

Ron

Think "Golfito" may have called at her name-sake port on her maiden voyage. I believe she was accorded 'freedom of the town', and that a certificate hung in the passengers entrance area.

[Ian Highfield]

Hi Kevin R & Andyroo,

Golfito as a working port of call has been virtually closed for years , ever since United Brands pulled out .
The " Club Latino" to the left right outside the dock gates burned to the ground last year .
"Emmas Bar , the Mustang and Banana bars on the strip are derelict yet still stand ( now taken over by crack heads).
The "Pinic Bar" up on the hillside is just a pile of rubble would make a nice site for a hotel as that is the new industry here in Costa Rica Tourism.
Tom from Toms Island piece fully crossed the line 5 or 6 years back but his old boat is still beached there .
How many others of you have memories of this wonderful wild place ? I would like to hear your stories .

Regards .

[Ian Highfield]

Sorry I forgot to add to that there is a huge marina project on the drawing board for the Port of Golfito.
Planning permission stages at this moment in time , but I cant see them turning it down as it will produce much needed revenue for the local economy .

[dondoncarp]

Originally Posted by Ian Highfield

Hi Kevin R & Andyroo,

Golfito as a working port of call has been virtually closed for years , ever since United Brands pulled out .
The " Club Latino" to the left right outside the dock gates burned to the ground last year .
"Emmas Bar , the Mustang and Banana bars on the strip are derelict yet still stand ( now taken over by crack heads).
The "Pinic Bar" up on the hillside is just a pile of rubble would make a nice site for a hotel as that is the new industry here in Costa Rica Tourism.
Tom from Toms Island piece fully crossed the line 5 or 6 years back but his old boat is still beached there .
How many others of you have memories of this wonderful wild place ? I would like to hear your stories .

Regards .

I was there in late 83,along the strip in a second floor bar when a local girl brought in an iguana and went about killing it.One of the ABs then proceeded to punch the girl,the iguana ran off and there was a lynch mob after the AB,no more shore leave for him.........have to say the place was my fav place on earth......still things never stand still

[Scottseng]

Golfito was a great run ashore, on a par with Cortes. We used to have some great football matches on the pitch on the opposite side of the road from the pier. If my memory serves me correctly the local priest arranged the games against locals, and refereed when another ship was the opposition, and the games always under floodlights. Cup Final feeling, then it was over to Club Latino for whatever took your fancy.
Were any of you there when they building a concrete boat on Toms Island? I never saw it afloat.

[PAULD]

Was there in 73/74 on the m class boats maz, mat,man. Had some realy good rimes there
Will have to go back on holiday sometime

[LawrenceH]

Willy,

My father worked on the Golfito for some time and I would be really intrested in looking at your photographs from that period! His name was Eric Hardy.

Thank you

[Willie Mac]

Originally Posted by LawrenceH

Willy,

My father worked on the Golfito for some time and I would be really interested in looking at your photographs from that period! His name was Eric Hardy.

Thank you

Hi Lawrence

The photos I've posted are of the port of Golfito, Costa Rica, taken when I was there in 1972 on the "Chuscal". I don't have any photos of the actual ship which was called the "Golfito". Sorry.

Willie Mac

[joller6]

Wonder if anyone may recall this chap on the Golfito in 1961

Oscar Lavagna not sure what he was but think may have been in Catering?
Cheers
joller6

[R815614]

Joller6.Just found site that chap was he called also vince if so sailed with him on Telde in late 65 and early 66 also turrialba late 66 early 67.He missed ship in Nola and never returned.

[2nd cook/baker vince swan]

Originally Posted by PAULD

Was there in 73/74 on the m class boats maz, mat,man. Had some realy good rimes there
Will have to go back on holiday sometime

do you remember a young cook vince swann went to toms but ended up in jail with a yank that was me it was about that time?

[Terry Worsley]

I was in the Golfito on her maiden voyage December 1949 - January 1950. A great ship and a good trip. Whilst at sea approaching Trinidad there was an oil spillage whilst tranferring fuel oil which resulted in a large black stain on the ship's side and across the deck. Something I have never ever seen before or since - the ship was stopped and AB'S were put over the side to clean off the mess. The stain on the deck was a different matter and proved to be quite stubborn. We arrived in Trinidad on Christmas morning and were treated to a carol service by schoolchildren on the quayside.A gang from ashore were employed with holy stones in an attempt to clean up the deck. Our stay in Golfito was very pleasant especially the reception which was laid on. How I wish I could re-live those balmy days! Terry Worsley

[NicoRos]

I spotted this ship in Kingston in 1974 - believed she was laid up.
At that time she had the UFCO colours on the funnel.

[joller6]

Originally Posted by Ron Stringer

Bob,

The thread refers to the port of Golfito in Costa Rica, and not E & F's "ss Golfito" (my first ship in 1960). The smaller 12-passenger skin boats often went to Golfito to load bananas but I don't believe that either of the larger 99-passenger vessels (Golfito and Camito) ever went there.

Ron

Hi Ron,
Just reading this post and wonder if you remember a chap by the name of Oscar Lavagna who was also on the Golfiti at that time for sure as i have his Discharge papers!
He was a very good friend of mine and my late Brother!
If you have any info at all on him i woulkd be much oblidged.
Cheers
joller6

[Old Janner]

Golfito was one of the best Banana ports, I was there in 76,77,78 and 79.
Used to do regular runs from Golfito to Willmington, four days loading in Golfito, arrive Wilmington on a Sunday afternoon, four days unloading, four days at sea back to Golfito, was a very heavy run. Our Lady frinds in Wilmington used to meet us with their cars on the Sunday, four hectic nights, four nights of peace and quiet at sea, then four nights in Golfito, our ladies had no cars there, but were regulars. Emmas bar was the bar most favoured by our crew. Picinic Bar was a nice change, different faces !!!
Armulles was also a good run, in Panama but close to Golfito, One time when we had to wait for our cargo, I took a lift from a friend and drove up to Golfito, it was nice to see the look on the Customs guys faces when I walked into the Bar, where is the ship they asked? also had to go and rescue my lady from another bar as she was not expecting our ship. Good times.
Spence.

[Ron Stringer]

Originally Posted by joller6

Hi Ron,
Just reading this post and wonder if you remember a chap by the name of Oscar Lavagna who was also on the Golfiti at that time for sure as i have his Discharge papers!

Joller,

Apologies. I don't remember the name and as a first trip 3rd (the most junior) Sparks, my socialising was very limited. To be honest, apart from the other R/Os, the Old Man and the Chief Fridge engineer, Hughie, I can't remember a single name from my 7 months on her (June 1960 to February 1961).

What was Oscar's job on board? That might give me a clue and help me go back almost 50 years.

[Jim S]

Originally Posted by joller6

Hi Ron,
Just reading this post and wonder if you remember a chap by the name of Oscar Lavagna who was also on the Golfiti at that time for sure as i have his Discharge papers!
He was a very good friend of mine and my late Brother!
If you have any info at all on him i woulkd be much oblidged.
Cheers
joller6

Ron,
Terry Worsley is correct in that Golfito the ship did visit Golfito the town on her maiden voyage and at a ceremony was given the freedom of the town
A commemoritive scroll was displayed in the main foyer at the purser's office/reception.
You are correct in that Camito never visited.
In her design there were some differences from Camito (to satisfy American regulations) as it was an intention that she carry US passengers from the American coast to Central America.
This never materialised.