Welcome Aboard

If you are planning to join us on the boat this page will hopefully answer many of the questions you may have. Generally we can offer to meet you at a specific place or on a certain date. Due to weather factors, any necessary repairs, or just getting stuck somewhere we really like means that we can’t plan to be at a specific place on any given date (beyond a week or two in advance). You will need to be flexible.

Links and resources

•The boat ‘user manual’ (this is a bit technical, but may be of interest to some)
•Toilet 101 - there is a copy of this in each head so you don’t have to memorise it :)
•The ‘todo’ list (if you feel like pitching in on some tasks)
•The provisioning list which doesn’t include fresh food, things in the fridge and ‘ready to use’ cupboards. This is probably out of date, however this should give you an idea of the typical food we have onboard - if you like something else, bring it.
•Read some of the voyage logs and pictures to get a feel for what goes on. We will generally not be doing passages with guests who are not experienced sailors unless you make specific request. A passage is an overnight trip; with guests onboard we will generally be day sailing.

Tips

•You will be sharing your cabin/berth with your bag so make sure it is collapsible
•Polyester/nylon clothes dry much easier than cotton (after washing/dinghy rides)
•Polarized sunglasses are great for reducing glare when at sea
•Having the latest newspaper sports page with you will help with staying dry when boarding

FAQ

Q. What will we be doing?

A. Depends, mainly on where we are. If you arrive when we have just sailed the boat on a long passage, Ruth and I will be spending a day or two cleaning up the boat, fixing anything that broke on the passage, doing any required regular maintenance, laundry and re-provisioning. You may have to entertain yourself for a short while (usually not hard in the places we sail), though we will try and do these before you arrive. We will then day sail most days between anchorages, sometimes staying on the boat, sometimes making trips ashore or inshore. Note that for major inshore trips we either have to find a marina or a very secure anchorage. At any time on a trip we may need to stop for a day or two (or more) if the weather or equipment do not cooperate. The best thing to do is read about about the area you will be visiting and tell us what you would like to do - we can then plan accordingly.

Q. Do I need to know how to sail?

A. No, but the more you know about sailing the more fun it will be and the easier it will be to understand any instructions we may give. You do need to be willing to take instructions from us when we are sailing, mainly for your own safety. Don’t worry; we started off in Seattle with few sailing skills.

Q. What clothes do I need to bring?

A. Fewer than you think. This is a sailboat. So there is not storage for spring and summer wardrobes onboard. Unless we are somewhere cold, you will end up wearing only shorts, tee-shirts, swim-wear and a wide brimmed hat. It doesn’t take long to wash a few clothes and get them dry; so, don’t bring 2 changes of clothes for each day. If you are coming from somewhere cold, the travel clothes can double as an extra layer for any cool evenings. Pack very lightly then leave at least half of what you packed. If we are doing any passages, bring a windproof/waterproof layer.

Q. How many pairs of shoes do I need

A. None onboard. Deck shoes are optional; definitely no high heels, pink boots etc. Tennis shoes, deck shoes etc are fine for going ashore in the dinghy. Sea socks/Tevas etc are useful for rocky beaches when swimming ashore.

Q. That nice big rollalong is OK isn’t it?

A. NO NO NO. Only bring luggage that is completely collapsible or you will be sharing a bed with it. Duffle bags etc are fine (without wheels). If you are worried about having to carry too much weight without wheels you have too much stuff. Take it out. Again, no rollalongs of any kind; bathing suits aren’t heavy and we don’t go anywhere that requires much more than a tee-shirt (unless we specifically warn you). A small backpack is OK and can be useful for day trips. In the picture above, the two large boxes are things that Susie and Charlie bought in the last few days to take home; for three weeks onboard they brought a small duffel bag each (and they had their own lifejackets and tethers).

Q. What about toiletries?

A. Don’t bring hair driers, curling irons etc. The only time you may need makeup is if you want to wear some on the flight home. Body wash, shampoo, suntan lotion and toothpaste is all you need (soap and towels are provided onboard) - remember to put them in checked luggage or you will lose them at airport security.

Q. What else do I need?

A. Maybe some books, particularly if you plan to leave them with us :), however we have plenty of books onboard that should meet most reading tastes. You also need the latest sports page from the newspaper, latest Economist and maybe a Cruising World or Latitudes and Attitudes magazine (read it on the flight - it will provide useful information).

Q. Are you sure we don’t need anything else?

A. We will probably have sent you a list of things we are short of (please try and get anything marked as important). If you really like a particular blend of tea or coffee, or some strange coffee additive you should probably bring it. We have life jackets onboard, bed linen etc etc. If you want a nice wine, you might want to bring some--it’s hard to find. Duty free Gin is always welcome :)

Q. Electronics and gadgets

A. iPods are a good idea for the flights and transfers; we can also plug them into the boat sound system so we can hear new music. Feel free to bring cameras however we have a number of cameras onboard including a digital SLR with zoom lenses and will burn a CD of all the pictures for you to take home; so, you don’t need to bring one. You are welcome to bring a laptop as long as it is not used for work (we will try and find internet cafés to check email and you can borrow our laptops if necessary).

Q. How can I be contacted in an emergency?

A. Most places have GSM coverage, so most cellphones will be in range at least once during the trip. We can provide an emergency email address for short text messages that we can check from the boat. Enjoy being out of touch - it is one of the benefits of being here.

Q. Will I get seasick?

A. Maybe; most of us do if the weather is bad enough. In the unlikely event we have to sail in rough weather with guests onboard we can provide medication.

Q. Will it be hot?

A. Depends where we are; we do not have air conditioning and, when underway, we can’t always open any hatches (though we have fans). There is nearly always a breeze on deck.

Q. Will it be cold?

A. Depends where we are; we have a very efficient cabin heater and can enclose the cockpit so you will be fine.

Q. What about bathing?

A. We have an indoor shower and an outdoor shower; both have hot/cold mixer taps. If we are in a marina there will be showers ashore as well. It isn’t compulsory to shower each day (you are on holiday remember), but we recommend at least every 2nd day or after swimming. If, for any reason, we can’t run the water-maker, we will ask you to keep the showers very brief and only to run the water when you have to. Even with the water-maker working, please don’t linger too long or leave taps/showers running unnecessarily...

Q. Is there a toilet onboard?

A. Yes, in fact there are two (real luxury). They are straightforward to use; we have even put toilet instructions in each one. Please observe the no toilet paper to be flushed rule - there are good reasons for it.

Q. Will I have to cook?

A. Most meals will be cooked onboard, though we will often go ashore if there are good alternatives. You will be expected to pitch in to the best of your ability; we try and share the cooking/cleaning up amongst everyone.

Q. What will we be eating?

A. Depends on what we can buy and who is cooking. Iain can cook things other than curries if asked so there will be some variety. The food is generally vegetarian unless we can find fresh fish for the BBQ. If you like fishing, bring a handline. The provisioning list gives you an idea of what we have in the main food storage areas.

Did I mention, no rollalongs?