My first sixteen months on VAL were solo. Then I picked up two yacht hitch hikers (Canario and Chris) in Tahiti and gave them a lift to New Zealand. Apart from sharing the chores and spreading the costs, their presence really added to the quality of life on board. (I could sleep properly)
So now I take on Guests. If you would like to spend time on VAL then drop me a line.
POINTERS FOR GUESTS
Weather
The pictures and dream are idyllic but sailing is very dangerous. The weather is unpredictable and unyielding. The golden rule with cruising is to be prepared. Which means be completely self sufficient at all times. Expect the worst and you'll normally be pleasantly surprised. Some friends of mine arrived in Durban from Mauritius in November 2010, their face book comment was “the sail was quite a good sail, we only had one storm and only the main sail ripped”
Foot print
The Carbon foot print of VAL is very low. Electricity is generated by solar panels and a wind generator. Running of the engine is kept to a minimum this is a sailing boat after all. After two months sailing the first leg of the Pacific, I walked ashore with only four small super market bags waste. It’s not done on purpose it just happens that way.
Life Aboard
Ninety nine percent of the time it is easy sailing on the VAL, that is if you are happy living in cramped conditions with strangers for long periods of time. Proper cloths washing facilities might be weeks away! But that won’t worry you as the freshly caught fish is BBQ’d on the stern deck at sunset.
It a very simple life, much time is spent meeting other live-a-boards and locals, evenings are spent on other boats or exploring what has to be offered ashore. Daytime walks, snorkeling, caving, reading on board or snoozing in a hammock between to coconut trees!
The objective is to have safe and enjoyable cruising in remote parts of the world in a relaxed, affordable and informal atmosphere. All crew share duties, cook meals, take or participate in watches including night watches, keep the boat in “ship shape” etc. Crew with little or no sailing experience who are willing to muck in and learn are welcome.
Normally there are no more than three crew. At the moment there is one cabin with a double and two singles and two further single cabins; Although comfortable this is not a luxury cruise!
MEDICAL
You should ask your doctor for advice on necessary precautions to take depending on the region. Make sure he gives you some antibiotics if coming to the tropics. There is a very basic medical box on board. But there is no medical expertise. In the event that you need to go to hospital this may require a day sail (or longer) to a town and then a flight. Make sure you have provided for this possibility – talk to an insurance broker. There will be long periods of time where it is not possible to visit a decent shop, last week I went shopping with friends who had not been in a super market for 2 years although that is a bit extreme. My longest period with out access to a super market was 3 months so bring a well stocked wash bag. It’s very important that you let me know if you are taking any medication or have any allergies etc.
LEGAL STUFF
It is your responsibility to have a valid visa and comply with all the legal requirements to enter the country of next port. No illegal drugs or fire arms allowed on board. It is maritime traditional, but not a legal requirement to fly the national flag of the crew on the port flag halyard. So why not bring your national flag not bigger than say 15cm X 7cm.
CLOTHING
For the tropics deck shoes or sandals are worn ashore, bare feet on board. Shorts and tea shirts are the norm during day. Some times jeans and a light jumper is worm on a chilly evening. Long sleeve shirts keep mosquitoes away. A decent pair of walking shoes, small rucksack and water bottle is a good idea for days out or walks.
There are goggles snorkels and flippers and spear guns on board.
Specific heavy weather sailing clothing is a good idea but not necessary in the tropics. You might get wet while making a sail change but are unlikely to get cold for very long as the wheel house is fully enclosed. Don’t bring more than one medium sized bag of clothing there will be no room. And please no hard cases that don’t fold away. A fully water proof bag for your valuables in the dingy is an excellent idea.
SAFETY EQUIPTMENT
VAL is an extremely safe and sturdy boat and carries a 6 Man life raft, EPIRB, SSB long range radio, VHF short range Radio, 2 Hand held VHF radios, Life jackets, Flares, Life lines, 3 dinghies two outboard motors, Radar; The Captain has a commercial captains licence and over 40 years sailing experience.
COMMUNICATIONS
Most cruisers buy a local prepaid mobile phone card and use it in an unlocked mobile phone, then use skype for long distance. You are welcome to bring your own laptop. But there are long periods when we will be out of reception range, there is both 12 volt and 240 volt (UK sockets) on VAL
COSTS
A contribution to the running cost of the boat makes the captain a happy chappie!
What to expect
As a member of the crew you will become a full part of the crew sharing duties, keeping watches, cooking or what ever is needed to be done on board. If you don’t have any prior sailing experience don’t worry, I’ll teach you what you need to know. Just don’t expect to be invited to cross an ocean before you are ready! Your personality is more important than your sailing experience. It’s really important to be courteous and mindful of others in a confined space. But the main thing is to relax and enjoy, de-stress and breathe the sea life.
Every "live aboard" that I have spoken with agrees that living aboard has had a substantial and positive impact on their lives. But it’s not for everybody. All "live aboards" have similar characteristics; a positive attitude; independent in thought and actions, non materialistic, happy and friendly, very handy at DIY. Generally speaking, a scruffy looking bunch of nomads. But a tight network providing support for each other when needed.
Once you’ve lived aboard, if you get the bug, there is no way back. Your life will change for ever.
You have been warned!
