Hello sailor

New Zealand to Australia to Philippines

Experienced skipper looking for one or two reasonably fit crew members.
Depart Tauranga NZ sometime in May 2019, bound for South Queensland, clearing customs in Brisbane.
Cruising up the Great Barrier Reef, visiting many places, returning to Gold Coast City or possibly back to New Zealand around November '19. Alternatively sail North to Philippines via PNG.

I encourage any prospective crew who want to learn about sailing, navigation and the general day to day safe handling of a sailboat to consider this wonderful opportunity.

You may be someone curious about the cruising lifestyle and want to experience it first hand before making up your mind about purchasing your own boat.

You will be enthusiastic, of good habits, well mannered, polite and respectful to all onboard, no smoking or drugs. Capable of paying your own way to and from the boat and sharing some onboard expenses.

If you are eager to increase your knowledge and are realistic about your expectations, please send me a email.
Travelers who just want to "hitch a ride" or only want to cross The Tasman, won't be considered.

Update 10 April 2019
Currently there are only one or two openings left for some tours on the Barrier Reef.


Current location: Tauranga New Zealand.



Sailing is a great way to travel, wind in the sails, gliding through the water, watching dolphins on the bow, having a race with the boat.
This will be adventure like no other and the more you're prepared to put in, the more you'll get out.

Accommodation

The crew have their own twin-share cabin (two single bunks).
Any reasonably fit and healthy non smoking persons are invited to join.
I take on crew, but not passengers, as actual passengers cause major problems with insurance etc.

What to bring

You would need to bring your own snorkel gear, some wet weather gear of sort, LED torch, personal hygene kit, first-aid kit, Water-proof zip lock bags for your valuables, sleeping bag, sewing kit, warm clothing etc. (it gets surprisingly cold while on watch at night, even in the tropics)
Above all bring practical gear.

Notes:
Bare foot and back-packs are the norm.
Do not forget shampoo that lathers in salt water; in general the cheapest shampoo will do a pretty reasonable job.
Soap bars are of no use in salt water.
Bed linen, some snorkeling and fishing gear are on board.
As far as costs go, so far we have been averaging a bit less that US$160 a week per person.
So I'd count on US$160 a week just to be on the safe side, with the costs.
That includes all food and any diesel we use for the boat.
Customs charges are split among all on board.
I'm conservative with the motor, preferring to sail as much as possible.

If you need medication, bring sufficient for at least twice the time you plan to spend on board........
In remote areas, there is no corner-store.

The following depends on our cruising area:

You are responsible for stuff like: tetanus/yellow fever injections (If in doubt consult you medical practitioner) malaria tablets, anti sceptics, paracetamol, vitamin/iron tablets, etc.
The boat carries a comprehensive medical kit, but you will be asked to replace what you use.

And:
SMILE.
Because your life is about to change.......

+++++Remember, there's no corner store+++++

Just some notes

A couple of rules...there's no smoking at all on board at any time....and as a safety precaution there is no alcohol consumption while underway, when at anchor or off the boat this is no problem.
Crewing agreements are standard on most offshore cruising yachts.
The intention of an agreement is to anticipate problems that might occur while on board and thus avoid them.
It is designed to protect both the owner and crew.
It states for example: that you do NOT bring any illegal drugs and or fire-arms on board, nor carry packages for third parties.
You will need to sign this agreement, before we set sail.

Before we clear customs in NZ, you will need an outward bound air travel ticket from our destination country or carry sufficient cash. You also may need an entry-visa.
I have the boat and pay for any maintenance issues etc. as well as my share of food.
You pay for the following.... Your airfare to and from the boat wherever you join/depart the boat.
Your part of the food costs etc, as mentioned above and any immigration costs etc. and for any alcohol you might want to drink.
Any of your own shoreside costs e.g. hotel, drinks, restaurant dinners etc.
You will be expected to be a part of the crew in all respects, taking watches, sailing the boat, turns with cooking and cleaning up day to day stuff....just as you would in a roommate situation on shore, as well as having a great time sailing and snorkeling and eating freshly caught fish and so on.

What you get is return is a chance at an extensive offshore voyage with all the sailing experience and skills involved...and enough sea miles to qualify for almost any Capt's license.

Crew selection is on a first come first serve basis.
Needless to say, privacy on any yacht is at a premium and nudity is not uncommon while washing/showering or sun bathing etc.
This applies to both sexes and can be troublesome if not fully confronted.
If you've got any "hang-ups" about either, ask and clear the air or don't join a yacht.
If you can't live without TV, hot showers and microwaves then this might not be the trip for you.
If some of the above don't suit you, do you think you can adapt?

Destination

Sailing yachts are dependent on wind direction and strength, hence there can be no guarantee that we will reach our intended destination on time or even get there.
Sometimes equipment breaks down and causes unexpected delays.
If time and destination are important to you, maybe you better fly there.
Yachts can not run to schedule and the ultimate destination decision, taking into account: safety of the ship, weather conditions etc., is at the discretion of the skipper.

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you did not do, than by the things you did do.
So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor.
Catch the trade winds in your sails.
Explore. Dream. Discover.....

Mark Twain

Live AIS data in Singapore

The above chart shows live shipping in Singapore.
Putting the mouse on one of the ships, shows their name, speed and course.
Double clicking brings up the ships details with photos.
To zoom in/out click on the + or -
(The chart is updated every 2 minutes or so, with data supplied by www.marinetraffic.com)

We have AIS onboard.

And last but not least

Remember that the boat represents a large investment to the owner - as crew, please treat her with respect.

As romanticized as sailing may be, you will find discomfort, fear and a hankering for terra firma at times.
This will be offset by finding personal strength in challenging your surroundings, overcoming fears and, perhaps, falling hopelessly in love with the sea, it's shores and our fragile, beautiful world....of which we only have one....

No animals or humans were harmed during the making of this website.