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Valwai2022 · 27-07-2022, 20:06

Hello, we are retired couple setting sail on a 53Ft Phillip Rhodes steel "blue water" Sloop with 3 cabins, 2 heads, galley, lounge, pilothouse. This beautiful boat has been completely refurbished and updated with the latest navigation, electronics, safety equipment, as well as gorgeous mahogany interiors and teak decks.

Sail trip 1 is a southern sojourn this August 2022 from San Diego following Baja coast, stopping in various cities like Encenada, MX and other MX ports with goal to also spend time in Costa Rica, Panama, Carribbean before sailing to Daytona, Florida. Timeline is depart San Diego August 2022, Baja & Mexico Sept-Oct, Costa Rica in November, Panama City & Canal December, Carribbean hopping Jan-March 2023, reaching Florida in March 2023.

2-3 Crew is wanted for any leg of this route and timeline. Experienced sailors and travellers, with positive communal living experience are welcome. Additional languages, country or cultural knowledge, or family or friends along the way - who could tour or host us while in port, would be a bonus!

Sail Trip 2 is our "Med" Soujourn, planned for May 2023 with an Atlantic crossing starting from Daytona, Florida travelling along the classic route to Bermuda, Azores, Portugal, Spain and then staying in the Mediterranean for approx 6-8 months.

Depart Florida in late May (when the Atlantic weather is stable).
4 weeks to Azores.
1-2 weeks in Azores.

We are looking for 3-4 able crew people for this Atlantic crossing. 2-3 sailors with experience with room for 1-2 novice/rookie. We have no preference regarding age, gender, religion, race, etc, but will seek to balance experience and personalities to form a collegial crew.

We are not in a hurry and will seek calm weather and seas for both trips. We are also laid back, retired folks who are adventurous and open to suggested locations to stop and hang out in. If you have friends or relatives along our route who can host or show us around - even better!!

In the Azores, we will hold over for 1-2 weeks. We will rest and refit and get the boat ready for the crossing to Europe. We will also explore the islands.

Europe

ur first port in Europe will be in Portugal. We are still researching "best ports/marina" to dock at so we can stay and do some land travel while there. We are open to suggestions and recommendations for what would be a great Mediterreanean sail over the 6-8 months or however long we choose to be there (love retirement!). We can also select locations to accommodate crew requests and changes.

Our Boat: "the ValKay" is a 53 ft classic Phillip Rhodes sloop which was commissioned and built for water sailing">blue water sailing in New Zealand. She is a 70,000 pound steel boat. In the past few years, she was completely retrofitted, updated and is sound, safe and heavy. With a new lugger engine, power winches, end boom furler, heating&AC system, watermaker, icemaker, storm drogue, 6 man life raft, starlink satellite internet, etc she is well equipped for short handed sailing and her next adventures. She is coast guard documented, recently surveyed, fully insured.

Accomodations: She has a forward V berth (gently used as a storage/tool room, which sleeps 1, the mid-cabin sleeps 3. These cabins share a head with a shower. There is a watch berth off the salon. The Captain's cabin is in the aft with 2 berths and an ensuite head with a shower. Although she is capable of sleeping 5, we would prefer to have 4 crew onboard except for small distances, when we can host a friends or traveller.
Crew: Ideally we have a total crew of 4 people, with crew getting on and off the boat at different locations and times along the way as we sail.

About Captain Mike: A long-time sailor (University sailing team, 21 years US Navy, owned smaller boats). Recently retired, which allowed the time to launch this sailing chapter. Captain Mike's goal is to eventually sail around the world (His wife says "in segments please"!). An engineer who has designed airplanes, he is well trained in all things mechanical, safety, first aid, etc. Mike is straight and married. His wife will join him on legs of these trips, when she is able to. Mike is traditional, conservative, laid back and easy-going.

We are seeking experienced crew prospects and will run this boat in typical rotation.
Rule #1 is safety & stay on Board, illegal drugs & excessive alcohol will not tolerated. Crew must bring own PFD (personal floatation device).
Rule #2 is bring your skills and ideas for this exciting, fun adventure! If you have language or culture/country knowledge, or other skills such as medical, etc - that would be great!
Rule #3 is Contribute & Communicate. We will do a rotating watch schedule, a rotating galley & clean duty.

Money and cost:
This is a pleasure cruise. Captain pays boat operational expenses. Crew pay for their share of groceries & incidentals and their personal expenses.

Please reach out if you have questions or want to join us on this adventure!
Time is short. If interested and available, please reach out and lets talk.
It is best to reply to email: vangirl28@gmail.com.

Idaho · 28-07-2022, 06:13

Today's wind map at 6:10 am, 28 July.

Are you sure that you should sail south from San Diego in August?

Hurricane season does not end until November.

Valwai2022 · 28-07-2022, 08:41

Thanks for your concern and information Idaho. Good point and we will take it easy and shelter as needed!

valkay · 28-07-2022, 14:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Idaho

Today's wind map at 6:10 am, 28 July.

Are you sure that you should sail south from San Diego in August?

Hurricane season does not end until November.

Hi brother, yep keeping an eye on the weather for sure! It will be a while before the Valkay makes it that far south. Right now we are in California and will soon hop to Ensenada Mexico. The intent is to enjoy port hopping down Mexico and not plan on being in Panama till November.

Moontide · 30-07-2022, 14:01

"The intent is to enjoy port hopping down Mexico and not plan on being in Panama till November"

Might want to double check weather situation. On west coast November 1 is pretty much considered the earliest to be south of Ensenada due to hurricane season. Also, there are very few protected anchorages between Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas. (Turtle Bay, Bahia Santa Maria and Mag Bay have protection but are very large and not considered hurricane holes. Protection options vary as you move down the Mexican and Central American coasts.

If you are new to the cruising scene might want to consider joining the Baja Haha which leaves San Diego end of October. Larger group of boats going from San Diego to Cabo. Have done several and always fun. You will also probably meet other boats doing the same thing you are doing. Info and baja-haha.com (no relationship with them).

If you have the time might want to think about taking longer to get to Panama. Lots of great spots along the coast in Mexico and Central America. There are numerous places to leave a boat if you don't want to be there during the summer months.

Same holds true for crossing the Atlantic. Official hurricane season starts June 1. Although unusual, Bermuda got hit pretty good in May, and a boat was lost during that storm. Most boats leave the Caribbean for Europe in March and April.

The National Hurricane Center (nhc.gov) can give you info on historical hurricane patterns.

Have done the California to Caribbean trip. Took 2-1/2 years and felt that was rushing it.

One thing is assured, it will be a great adventure.

Enjoy,
Bill

Eder · 30-07-2022, 14:57

A nice boat but going South in August might be the end of your dream as others have alluded to.
I 2nd the Bajahaha rally...lots of fun and usually a safe time of year for Mexico bound vessels.