Croatia to China to New Zealand

[lyndon.nz]

Hello all, another mad kiwi here, the thread title tells of our latest dream.

My wife and I have lived in mainland China where we sailed predominately in the yellow sea. ( anyone need help with sailing in and out of China we maybe able to help) we established a sailing club in 2005 in the city of Weihai. We had lots of local participationit is awesome to see people for the first time standing at the helm. With the help of lots of Eroupean teenage volunteers we have taught over 500 kids to sail, great fun.

In 2008 I bought a 44' orc built in 1979 from Ishigaki in Japan and sailed her just over 1000nt miles to Weihai China , a very technical boat with over 18 winches ( lots happening when you sail her and I loved the experience) She is now used by a group of Chinese for coastal sailing and the occasional trip over to Korea.

We are looking for an ex lease boats in Croatia that we would like to buy as a family and sail back to NZ with a small detour to China... Lots of issues here!

Not in the least: I have no boating competency papers,( typical kiwi... have just gone and done it)
I have two kids who will come with us except for the most dangerous legs, Pirates once we pass through the Suez, Pirates when we make our way up to China ?, mad crazy shipping channels around south China, hurricane seasons in both hemispheres, big stretchs of open water ( I like that part)

So if there is anybody out there who would like to offer their advise go right ahead!
We would love to hear from some one who may he purchased a boat from Croatia and has sailed out of these waters.

thanks for Living!

Lyndon and Crew

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1r-mJ...layer_embedded

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Good to have you here.
kind regards,

[SaucySailoress]

What an amazing introduction - sailing on your boat looks like a lot of fun!

[s/v Moondancer]

Since you have already sailed in China...take the safer route and the kids can go all the way.

Gibraltar, Cape Verdes, Caribbean, Panama, NZ.

I can't imagine going through Suez is a viable option in the foreseeable future.

[boatman61]

Hi Lyndon... Greetings and welcome...
Sounds like a mad plan to me for sure mate...
I can't figure why your going that route... to me Croatia, Gib, Carib, Panama, China, NZ seems much more feasable... sure it about 5k miles further but the favourable winds and currents will make up/cancel out the time factor.
You'll still have to pass through a canal but a peaceful one and reduce the piracy factor by 90%...
Unless your just out to prove your a Will Shatner fan who "Boldly goes...."
Whatever... I wish you luck..

[lyndon.nz]

all good advice, love Will shatner but Panama seams safer and as you say I have sailed the Chinse water so time for some where new. Though I would love to sail with my Chinese friends again, guess they will just have to come join me.

[roger.waite]

Another vote for Panama Canal. You can wait for the reversal of the monsoons, but huge areas around Somalia are now at risk. Why bother?

You should get through, but IMO its too tense for far too many miles.

[VirtualVagabond]

Smart decision.
I couldn't believe you were seriously considering the Somali pirate gauntlet.

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by VirtualVagabond

Smart decision.
I couldn't believe you were seriously considering the Somali pirate gauntlet.

+1

However, Panama hmm, what a great opportunity to see the rest of the world.

You mentioned the lack of certificates, well since you have the sailing experience including running a yacht why not take the the RYA yachtmaster exam say in Gib on the way? A YM isn't just about sailing but managing a yacht at sea. A weeks prep course followed by the exam would give you a world wide recognised qualification.

RYA Training | Courses & Training | RYA

Pete

[lyndon.nz]

Well have just passed my ICC and my radio operators Cert, bank has signed of on finace, insurance is pre aproved now just to chose a boat...

does anyone know of a good boat surveyor in split?