Panama to Tahiti
The vessel is a 47 ft sailing ketch, (48 ft overall) built in France in 1985 of fiberglass, (a Amel 47). It has a fin keel with full skeg and good windward sailing performance. It has 2 refrigerators, freezer, stove, microwave, has ac generators, watermaker. Extensive navigation gear, two chartplotters (cockpit and nav station), AIS, computers, 500 ft of 3/8 all chain rode, 4 anchors, 47 hp Yanmar Diesel engine, easy hydraulic steering, autopilot. All instruments are Raymarine and interphased together, 1 vhf radios, Ham radio, SSB with pactor, and spares for most.
She has extensive solar and wind energy resources and capable of being away from marinas and civilization for long periods of time. I own the boat for 3 yrs. She is built strong and seaworthy, with kind movement through rough seas, while it manuevours very easily in tight harbours.
( November 2018 ~ April 2019 ) :Panama to Tumamotus
But most cruising plans are drawn on sand at low tide. The above are plans subject to changes if needed. Nobody can predict emergencies. I have no deadlines.
My three important pririorities on board the vessel are :
#1 ... SAFETY is applied in everything, from cooking, diving, trimming sails, ( at night nobody is allowed ALONE on deck while underway ). Falling overboard can be a nightmare, or roaming alone in remote places. We are a team, and we act as one.
#2 ... HEALTH in terms of being prepared for : sun exposure, cold, heat, medical, prescriptions, first aid, cooking, storing perishables, and wisdom from eating street food from questionable places.
#3 ... FUN in terms of a happy attitude, jokes, lot's of laughter, going to parties, socializing, happy hours, inviting friends, potlucks, side trips and anything that be considered amusing. NO recreational drugs on the boat permitted at ANY TIME. Boat CONFISCATION AND JAIL is real and not a joke.
Your sailing abilities can be a plus, I consider your cheerful adaptation to the boat environment and conditions, as the most important of all. Your ability and desire to learn, endure, and put-up with the rigours of living on a small sailing vessel is essential. You must look at the upcoming destination with curiosity, anticipation, confidence and a sense of discovery.
You allowed to be afraid, as long as your fears are peppered with smiles.
All duties are shared.
Anything that is fearful to you, is excluded by default.
You will never be asked to do something you are not willing or desiring. This is not the Marines, but a shared, friendly experience.
Your attitude need to be, what JFK said once : "Ask not what the captain can do for you, ask what you can do for your captain"
Plowing the oceans in a vessel can be exhilarating ... at times, dangerous ... as rock climbing. But has been done countless times. However, each time feels like ... the first time. No better place, to build trust in you.
What's expected of the crew aboard this boat
confident swimmer, rarely/unlikely seasick, good listener, good communicator, travel light (little luggage), respectful, clean & tidy, committed, eager to learn & work, fit & healthy, friendly, polite, diligent, positive outlook, organised, discreet, trustworthy, open minded, enthusiastic, easy going, sense of humor, can pay own expenses, ready to party, enjoy cooking, don't
contribution to the food and beverages plus visa or permit costs £20.per/day
Always remember ...
There is no such thing as a perfect crew, a perfect boat, a perfect captain.
But, If you really put your heart into it, soon everything will feel perfect
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