Welcome Dear Travellers: 19 Apr 09
Life on board is relatively simple. We don’t dress for dinner (well, not every night!) so comfortable & lightweight cotton tropical wear is the key. Shorts & T’s/tank tops and bathers & a sarong are about all you’ll need. Bring runners for an occasional walk to town and more modest clothing (long shorts & a T is fine). You could include something dressier for restaurant visits. The Cap’n swears by trekking pants – the ones with zippered shorts – for mozzie protection. Dresses aren’t really all that suitable when travelling about in a dingy and neither are white clothes. A warm jacket (fleece) and/or a spray jacket make sense if it rains or we have foul weather underway. Dress in layers and think about laundry! Washing takes the form of an occasional (and more often than not expensive) laundromat. If not, then our multipurpose bucket is useful! Iron – what iron? We have sheets but you may like to bring a couple of towels for the beach and shower. (Ed. Note 2014: Thanks to the KIP's we now have lots of towels.)
As to shoes, the Cap’n is serious! You will need a pair of white soled deck shoes – Volleys are fine or Bias sell Burke deck sandals with covered toes that are really comfy & non-slip for about $70. Otherwise, crocs/thongs are great knockabouts (but lack traction in the wet). Don’t forget to bring decent walking shoes…we have no car!
You should bring a hat (a broad brimmed hat; the sun is fierce), sunnies (polaroids), non-greasy sunscreen (no oils), insect repellent and chapsticks etc aside from any regular medications & sea-sickness pills…the GS refuses to share her stash with anyone! A small soft bag of toiletries is useful. Bring a pack of sandwich sized zip-lock bags to store things in to stop them rolling about or getting wet.
You might also like to bring your ipod, binoculars (for bird watching, ho ho!), dvd’s, camera/video, and maybe some reading material. Internet cafes are best if you want to check emails but by all means bring a laptop/tablet if you want. Some marinas do have wi-fi. Don’t forget to include an adaptor for US or European plugs (Officeworks has them); and remember US works on 110v so you may need a transformer too. Europe is 22-240v.
Cruising Timetable. Given our reliance on weather & sailing times, we must ask you to meet us. We will let you know where we are and then you will need to fly in, bus, taxi or train to a convenient location. You may well have to wait for us, so be prepared to find some accommodation if necessary. Weather and visa requirements mean we cannot wait for you…. We also think that a 2 week stay is about right. This way, confined spaces and long days sailing (or motoring) do not become tedious. Having said that, there is usually some flexibility in our schedule to linger in beautiful cays or explore the history of the countries we visit. If you would like to stay in-country longer, we rather like Intrepid for great land-based tours that add an extra dimension to what is often only a coastal exploration with WJ3. (Ed: 2014. They offer a very tempting trip from Croatia to Istanbul.)
Chores. We would expect that you will be able to share in shopping, cooking, cleaning (inside & out) and boat work, including taking a turn at the helm and perhaps a night-watch if necessary.
Safe Boating. Of course, the Cap’n will read the riot act. He expects safe boating rules are always followed. He’s always willing to talk about boats/boating (groan). At sea, especially on night watch you will need to wear a harness and wet-weather gear. We have some to share but it is better to at least have your own robust weatherproof jacket.
Costs. Finally, whilst the Motleys would love to “keep” you on board, we trust you will be willing to share expenses. Food, drink, fuel, laundry and dockage are the usuals. We cook on board to keep costs down, usually eating out once a week, especially in the Caribbean as it’s very expensive. Exploring local markets however is great fun and fresh food is always preferable to tinned. It’s pleasant to anchor out, a quieter option than a marina, but it isn’t always possible. We also enjoy doing the touristy thing; sometimes hiring cars, taking local buses or doing organised tours. You can do your own freewheeling; we don’t have to be together all the time! (Ed. Note: Thanks to an organised BCK, we've decided on a "kitty" system to share all costs during the trip. It worked so well, again with the Kip's, we now warn you to expect it.)
We thought we should put up some Visitors Notes for those who wish to share our adventures…
Life on board is relatively simple. We don’t dress for dinner (well, not every night!) so comfortable & lightweight cotton tropical wear is the key. Shorts & T’s/tank tops and bathers & a sarong are about all you’ll need. Bring runners for an occasional walk to town and more modest clothing (long shorts & a T is fine). You could include something dressier for restaurant visits. The Cap’n swears by trekking pants – the ones with zippered shorts – for mozzie protection. Dresses aren’t really all that suitable when travelling about in a dingy and neither are white clothes. A warm jacket (fleece) and/or a spray jacket make sense if it rains or we have foul weather underway. Dress in layers and think about laundry! Washing takes the form of an occasional (and more often than not expensive) laundromat. If not, then our multipurpose bucket is useful! Iron – what iron? We have sheets but you may like to bring a couple of towels for the beach and shower. (Ed. Note 2014: Thanks to the KIP's we now have lots of towels.)
As to shoes, the Cap’n is serious! You will need a pair of white soled deck shoes – Volleys are fine or Bias sell Burke deck sandals with covered toes that are really comfy & non-slip for about $70. Otherwise, crocs/thongs are great knockabouts (but lack traction in the wet). Don’t forget to bring decent walking shoes…we have no car!
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| BW, the "other" car & a folding bicycle beats swimming/walking |
All of this should be packed into a duffel bag or something that folds down flat. We don’t have room on board to store suitcases of any size. Pack lightly – we will rarely be away from civilisation for any length of time. Also, locker space is sparse. The guest quarters run to a double bed with ensuite and a small hanging locker + 3 clothes lockers. Note that the guest bed and loo doubles as the only useable berth whilst underway, so you may have to vacate during shifts (o'nite passages). I prefer to sleep in one of the chairs, dubbed the “chuck chair”. No explanations necessary.
You should bring a hat (a broad brimmed hat; the sun is fierce), sunnies (polaroids), non-greasy sunscreen (no oils), insect repellent and chapsticks etc aside from any regular medications & sea-sickness pills…the GS refuses to share her stash with anyone! A small soft bag of toiletries is useful. Bring a pack of sandwich sized zip-lock bags to store things in to stop them rolling about or getting wet.
You might also like to bring your ipod, binoculars (for bird watching, ho ho!), dvd’s, camera/video, and maybe some reading material. Internet cafes are best if you want to check emails but by all means bring a laptop/tablet if you want. Some marinas do have wi-fi. Don’t forget to include an adaptor for US or European plugs (Officeworks has them); and remember US works on 110v so you may need a transformer too. Europe is 22-240v.
Cruising Timetable. Given our reliance on weather & sailing times, we must ask you to meet us. We will let you know where we are and then you will need to fly in, bus, taxi or train to a convenient location. You may well have to wait for us, so be prepared to find some accommodation if necessary. Weather and visa requirements mean we cannot wait for you…. We also think that a 2 week stay is about right. This way, confined spaces and long days sailing (or motoring) do not become tedious. Having said that, there is usually some flexibility in our schedule to linger in beautiful cays or explore the history of the countries we visit. If you would like to stay in-country longer, we rather like Intrepid for great land-based tours that add an extra dimension to what is often only a coastal exploration with WJ3. (Ed: 2014. They offer a very tempting trip from Croatia to Istanbul.)
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| There is always something interesting to see as we float along |
Personal Space. It’s limited! Aside from flexing your sense of humour, we ask that you confine your “stuff” to your cabin, keeping shared areas uncluttered and clean. Luckily, we don’t have to share bathrooms....well, only if underway - see loo comment above. Which brings us to the next topic…
Chores. We would expect that you will be able to share in shopping, cooking, cleaning (inside & out) and boat work, including taking a turn at the helm and perhaps a night-watch if necessary.
Safe Boating. Of course, the Cap’n will read the riot act. He expects safe boating rules are always followed. He’s always willing to talk about boats/boating (groan). At sea, especially on night watch you will need to wear a harness and wet-weather gear. We have some to share but it is better to at least have your own robust weatherproof jacket.
Costs. Finally, whilst the Motleys would love to “keep” you on board, we trust you will be willing to share expenses. Food, drink, fuel, laundry and dockage are the usuals. We cook on board to keep costs down, usually eating out once a week, especially in the Caribbean as it’s very expensive. Exploring local markets however is great fun and fresh food is always preferable to tinned. It’s pleasant to anchor out, a quieter option than a marina, but it isn’t always possible. We also enjoy doing the touristy thing; sometimes hiring cars, taking local buses or doing organised tours. You can do your own freewheeling; we don’t have to be together all the time! (Ed. Note: Thanks to an organised BCK, we've decided on a "kitty" system to share all costs during the trip. It worked so well, again with the Kip's, we now warn you to expect it.)
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| Sometimes the locals get a bit cranky... |
The Cap’n & Crew look forward to having some slave labour. Punishment for mutiny is a keel hauling (irrie, me hearties!) and reward for a good day’s work is a toddy of rum for “sundowners” in the cockpit at 6pm. Usually overlooking a watery view unsurpassed in any travel mag.
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