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St. Thomas V.I. to Newport RI

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ruachwrights
Captain

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USA
258 Posts

Initially Posted - 04/25/2010 : 11:48:49

Crewing a 45' Yawl with my wife from St. Thomas to Newport RI via Bermuda. Air fair is gratis

. We'll be leaving on May 27. Crew includes my wife, an 82 year old friend, certified captain and possibly friend's daughter. Boat has water maker, wind generator, gps, harnesses. Hope for life raft, and emergency sat. beacon, foulies for deck crew. Voyage should take about 12 days? Any insight?
http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs438.snc3/25194_1408470382006_1539841389_1012798_45731_n.jpg/img]

Once again having difficulty importing photos...

97 Catalina 250 TR/ WK
Hull #301
Attleboro, MA

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John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 04/25/2010 : 12:10:36

Personal EPIRBs? I understand they can be rented.

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ruachwrights
Captain

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USA
258 Posts

Response Posted - 04/25/2010 : 12:43:52

Here it is!

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Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 04/26/2010 : 13:04:24

I'd want to know about the certified captain - experience, references, etc. Who is the backup if the captain gets hurt or sick? What equipment is on the boat and does it all work? How healthy is that 82 year old? Has that daughter ever been out on the ocean? That sort of thing.

Sorry if the questions seem at all negative. The voyage could be a great adventure but 12 days on the ocean is serious stuff. I'd want to feel very good about the boat, the captain and the crew..

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Don B
Captain

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USA
317 Posts

Response Posted - 04/27/2010 : 08:40:07

In addition to the above, closely inspect the standing and running gear, as well as the power plant (oil leaking everywhere?).

Prior to departure, request a sea trial...gives you a chance to see how ship and crew behave.

And trust your gut...if spidey senses are tingling, pass on the trip.

Edited by - Don B on 04/27/2010 08:44:58

ruachwrights
Captain

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USA
258 Posts

Response Posted - 04/27/2010 : 12:16:01

Indeed... The boat gets sailed from Barrington RI to the VI every winter and is fitted out for blue water. I am a little concerned about the crew. My wife and I are going to be the young fit ones. Good motivation for getting back into shape anyway. I have no intention of orphaning my three children and will hop right back on that plane if it looks too dangerous. Sea trial may be a good idea.

Otherwise this may be a blue water voyage opportunity of a lifetime.

Vern

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Don B
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USA
317 Posts

Response Posted - 04/27/2010 : 12:41:46

Have you discussed the watch schedule? Most probably the Captain will always be on call, that leaves 4 people to cover the schedule. What concerns you about the crew? Are you confident with the gentleman or the daughter, at the helm alone, at 3:00 AM while you are fast asleep in your bunk down below?

I'm sure the more experienced on this board can provide better insight...

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ruachwrights
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USA
258 Posts

Response Posted - 04/29/2010 : 12:01:25

I am pretty down today. After finding a nanny, talking to lawyers about wills, and getting my passport processed, rescheduling the church Annual Meeting, the great sailing trip from St. Thomas to Newport via Bermuda has been canceled. The captain the owner of the yawl hired wants to choose his own crew. Feel like a great big yo-yo. Oh well- would have missed my kids.

Vern

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triley
Captain

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USA
251 Posts

Response Posted - 05/04/2010 : 20:12:35

Too bad it got called off. Twelve days might have been too much for you though, considering everything you talked about doing before you went. I wouldn't demand a sea trial with the idea of turning around and going home. A boat is what it is. Good to make sure everything is ship-shape and bristol fashion, but it won't be.

Much better to know what you are doing. The skipper is not going to broach a lot of second guessing, and he/she wants a crew who can sail by a star off the spreader or by the feel of the swell and an occasional look at the compass, and no breaking a snake's back.

Were you sharing cooking duty, and can you tell the difference between a porpoise and a whale's back?

Might be a good idea to try a day or two at sea by yourselves first. Night sailing is so beautiful, but you have to learn to love it.

There'll be another shot at it, I am sure. If you want to make a try at offshore sailing, you might do a passage making course. The Maryland School of Sailing has one, as do the Blue Water Sailing School and others. They cost, but they give you the confidence that you need, and you learn a lot!

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