We are not planning any more trips for 2011, but please write to us if you are interested in sailing in 2012. We also may be able to put you in touch with other yachts looking for crew.

CREW PROFILE

Firstly, you don't need to have any previous sailing experience to come on this trip. We will teach you everything you need to learn, and you can learn as little or as much as you like. To get the most out of the experience, we like to encourage people to take an active role in all aspects of the lifestyle - from sail handling, anchoring and navigating, to catching and preparing fish and baking bread in the morning.

The most important qualities that we are looking for in people are those who are adventurous, fun-loving, and above all, easy-going. When you step on the boat you are entering another reality; a completely different lifestyle full of challenges, possibilites and new experiences. You need to be able to adapt and have an open attitude towards new people and situations and to really enjoy life! And in return we can promise you the adventure of a lifetime!

LIFE ON BOARD

Lifting anchor, hoisting the sails, watching dolphins and turtles swim past, exploring deserted islands, caves and waterfalls, meeting with village chiefs, playing guitar with the locals, swimming, snorkelling, surfing, kitesurfing, hiking, parties and barbeques on the beach, line fishing, spearfishing, having the time to relax, to read, to let your imagination wander as the sun sets - this is all part of what daily life aboard 'Moet' consists of.

Cruising life is a healthy, active and simple life. It can also be exhausting and frustrating at times - some days you'll find yourself battling fierce headwinds or violent squalls, and the weather won't always allow you to go where you want. This is all part of the challenge of sailing, and adds to the adventure.

Your morning bath is a refreshing dive straight from your bunk into the warm tropical waters, full of stunning marine life. The food you eat is fresh from the local gardens; pineapples, papayas, bananas, yams, sweet potatoes, coconuts; or your own catch of the day, supplemented from the ships stores, rice, pasta, etc. We make bread or cakes a couple of times a week, and there may be opportunities to sample the local food on shore and to have barbeques on the beach. With Dylan and a small baby on board, our days tend to start early, but there is often a chance for an afternoon seista!

Sailing days are every few days - we like to hang out in a place awhile before moving on. After breakfast you've pulled up the anchor, hoisted the sails and set the course, with the smell of coffee rising up the companionway. Once sailing, you relax into the groove of the sea; with a book on the forepeak, lounging in the sun playing guitar, or behind the wheel steering a course to the next island.

Arriving after an exhilerating passage to a quiet, tropical anchorage is one of the most satisfying things in the world. The boat stops moving, the sails come down, the anchor rattles to the ground. A new shore to epxlore awaits. Some go to shore, some go for a snorkel or a swim or to fish, others simply relax. After a good days sailing, watching the sun go down over a tranquil lagoon, it is time for dinner, good company and an enjoyable evening. You'll sleep soundly to awaken for another day in paradise.

THE BOAT

'Moet' is a New Zealand designed and built boat and is 39ft in length. She was built in 1976 and although she had a few owners before us we were the first people to take her offshore.

She has room to sleep 6 adults (the 2 boys sleep up front with us) - there are 4 single berths and 1 double. Therefore the maximum crew we can take is 4. 'Moet' is not a luxury yacht; there is no fridge or fresh water shower, but she is comfortable and homely. She has an open plan design; there are no doors or private cabins, so living space is very communal. There is a good sized galley (ships kitchen) with oven / grill / hobs, and a head (ships toilet). There are also 2 small sofas, and plenty of deckspace, which is where we spend much of our time.

CONTACT

If you want to join us for either of these trips, email us: fransandsylvia@hotmail.com We have infrequent email access, but will reply as soon as we can.
Spaces are limited, so be quick!!