Hello Sailor, welcome on board......

Offshore voyaging, for the last couple of years, has been out of the question due to COVID-19 and the closure of virtually all South Pacific ports of entree.
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We'll will have a look at departure to Queensland again in April/May 2023.
Please send me an email, if you are interested in joining.

Biosecurity information for yachts worlwide.

Currently the boat is in Tauranga NZ.

Some details about the boat

The boat is a 38' Van de stadt, a steel monohull, cutter rig.
She has a full yankee headsail as well as a stayail, storm jib, spinnaker and spare sails.
She is called Pendragon, has US registry.
For navigation a laptop based chartplotter system is in use.
There is built in redundancy in several of the systems including, paper charts sextant and
air tables, 2 backup IBM laptops, 2 fixed and 2 handheld GPS, 3 VHF radios.
2 navigation tablets 10" with AIS reception.
A SSB/Ham radio for long distance communications, with AIS and weather fax reception.
Local WiFi network.
AIS Transceiver and 2 x 406MHz Epirbs.
She has a heavy duty AWA autopilot which takes the load off the watch captain.

To view AIS in action(View live)

we have all the safety gear (life-raft, life jackets, flares etc.) required for a voyage through any open ocean around the world.
** We carry 600 liters diesel, 750 liters water + a water-maker, 2 x 20 liters of water on deck in containers for emergencies.
** For power generation, in addition to 2 alternators, we have 320W of solar panels and a 300W wind generator.
3 large capacity house and engine start batteries.
Over the years I have sailed in excess of 34,000 NM offshore.

Accommodation

The crew have their own twin-share cabin (two single bunks).
Any reasonasbly 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 need to have proof that you are fully vaccinated for Covid-19 and it's derivatives and have a recent PCR test certificate.
You would need to bring your own snorkel gear, some wet weather gear of sorts, LED torch,
personal hygene and 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, do 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, we have been averaging a bit less that US$240 a week per person.
So I'd count on US$240 a week just to be on the safe side.
Your contribution includes: food, coffee/tea, diesel consumption.
Customs, immigration, quarantine and health check charges are split equally among all on board.

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

You will be expected to be a part of the crew in all respects, taking watches, navigation, sailing the boat, turns with cooking and cleaning up day to day stuff....just as you would in a room-mate situation on shore, as well as having a great time sailing, snorkeling and eating freshly caught fish and so on.
I'm conservative with the engine, 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: Covid-19/Dengue/Tetanus/Yellow fever injections (If in doubt consult you medical practitioner)
Malaria tablets, antiseptics, paracetamol, vitamin/iron tablets, Covid-19 test certificate and consequences etc.
The boat carries a comprehensive medical kit, but you will be asked to compensate the skipper for 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 strictly NO alcohol or drug consumption while underway, when off the boat this is not a 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, 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/transportation to and from the boat wherever you join/depart.
Your part of the food costs etc, as mentioned above plus any immigration costs etc. and for any soft drinks you might want to consume. Any of your own shoreside costs e.g. hotel, drinks, dinners etc.

** A boat is not a democracy. You have to be prepared to follow directions of the captain without discussion. You can have your say about it later.

Here are the four infallible rules I learned from an old Salt:
1. NEVER be late for your watch. Never. Seriously. Never.
2. Keep all your stuff in one place - your bunk - don't leave books, socks etc. all over the place.
In a small space like a boat, it would drive everyone mad.
3. Don't be selfish. If you're making a cup of coffee or a sandwich, ask if anyone else would like one as well. ( Yes, It's about crew morale, but it's also about maximizing resources) - If you're turning on the propane or opening the fridge, you might as well be heating the kettle or making sandies for 3 people, rather than just one).
4. Respect the sea and don't throw aything that is not biodegedable over the side.


**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?