General Cruising Q & A

You mentioned in a recent article you used a pocket camera on the docks. I am an amateur photographer and interested in which camera you carry as you walk the dock and what camera equipment you use to take the other beautiful pictures as you cruise. What did you use to take the whale and Baja pictures? I would also like to say I enjoy your website and appreciate you maintaining it. Dan

Hi Dan:

The walking around camera is an Olympus SW720: http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1225
It is waterproof to five feet (or so they claim - we've tested it to a couple of feet). It is a nice camera, but only has an LCD which is sometimes hard to use.

Our big cameras are Canon SLR digitals. We use both a 20D and 30D, and shoot in RAW format for most images. We are using L series lenses - a 70-200 and 24-70 - both F2.8. We just started using the L series. They are very bulky, heavy and costly. But also very quick to focus and very, very sharp throughout most of their zooming range. We found that with a single body we were always changing lenses and had continual problems keeping the processor clean.

I think shooting in RAW, where there is no processing done in the camera, and then controlling what happens to the image ourselves is the key. We have just started using Adobe Light Room for RAW processing - very powerful and so far not too hard to use. The photos from Mexico were done using Adobe CS3 and its RAW processor (beta release).

Regards- Steve

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I'm retiring and thinking of sailing. I'm a Alaskan sailor all my life...but im thinking of US- VI or South Florida. I've fished all my life off boats that make so much noise you can't think. A catamarn sounds like my kind of boat. What do you think? Can a guy figure on living free at $30,000 a year? I have no bills and no wife nor kids. At 56 it's time to get a tan. Any commments? - Jim

Hi Jim: I agree - time to get a tan.

The cost of cruising is very much a function of how you do it. First the variables. If you anchor out (we think this much more pleasant than being in a marina), do the majority of your own maintenance, and keep the consumption of liquor to moderate proportions, the 30K/year will leave you with a big cushion. Depending on the condition of your boat, and how you maintain it, this cushion should still allow for the odd major overhaul of whatever has gone wrong.

You will find Mexico and Central America less costly than the Caribbean. And in the Caribbean, the closer to South America you get, the less it will cost.

As to the boat, we are not big fans of cats. The condo versions offer a lot of space, but are very slow, and not very good at crossing oceans (in our opinion). My preference would be a longer monohull, with better performance, good ocean going characteristics, at the same price. But there is that space issue.

On the other hand, if you are going to be content in the Caribbean, a cat could do just fine (but the South Pacific is awfully nice!).

Good Luck with your plans - Steve

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Good afternoon. This may be totally off the wall. But, would there be much of a use for a small metal lathe in a cruising situation? For making spare parts for my boat or better yet, making parts for other boats and getting paid for it? Thanks for any insight you will provide. David

Hi David: We've often thought of carrying a lathe and a drill press. However, unless you are building your boat as you go, the lathe will not get enough use to make it worth the space and weight. You might use it once or twice a year to make a part for yourself or a neighboring boat, but then you could probably figure out a way to work around the problem until you found a machine shop ashore. So, I would say do without. - Steve

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Hi, We would like to sail from Florida to Cancun next February. (We have a 47' Hunter). We would then like to do approx. four eight-to-ten-day trips, using Cancun as a base. We also need to leave the boat at the beginning of March for 2 weeks. Can you recommend where we might look for reputable marinas? All I have found on the web so far is Scuba centres. Also are there any books on cruising in the area? Rgds, Richard

Hi Richard: I would join Seven Seas Cruising Assoc. (www.ssca.org) and then you've got access to their extensive database and very handy monthly bulletin. - Steve

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Hello, Great site.

I will be joining some from friends that are cruising in the Galapagos next week. Can you tell me if there will be a problem cruising, hiking or diving without a guide ?

Thanks, Richard

Hi Richard - rules change all the time, but for most areas, and almost always on boats outside of certain designated areas, you will need some form of guide. - Steve

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We want to leave from San Fransciso (we are based in Sausalito) and sail to Japan, then spend a year visiting the islands of Japan. Aside from Jimmy C's Cruising Routes, do you know of any articles/people that might be a good source of info?

Most of what I see on the Net is from Japan to the USA.

No, we don't have a fast vessel; I have read of your philosophy and I agree with it in principle, but we love our boat - a Shannon 43 ketch, with mizzen staysail rigging - but what advice/ resources might you pass along? Many thanks, David and Kathryn S.

Hi David & Kathryn: I would suggest checking with SSCA - there is bound to be something in the back bulletins. Also, one of the SetSail cruising correspondents, Al and Beth Liggett, might be able to offer some suggestions on information as they have cruised Japan in the past. Good Luck - Steve Dashew

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Hi - I am looking to set up for some long-term cruising but am a total novice, even at 50! I currently live in Madeira but have worked around the world in the IT industry for IBM, including South Africa, USA and Europe, so am totally comfortable in most places.

The questions: 1. Given the recent weakness of the dollar I would imagine the USA is a good place to buy a used boat (as opposed, say, to Europe). Is this perception correct?

2. If it is, where is the best place/s in the USA to buy, from the point of view of choice in the purchase and the setting up to cruise? (I am also assuming the USA is the best place to set up given access to technology etc.)

3. How long will it take me to do the courses that will take me from novice (all I have is an EU Local Skipper license with no sailboat experience) to ocean-ready?

4. Where is the best place to do these courses, from the point of view of quality, professionalism and enjoyment?

5. The one cost item I have no idea of is insurance for the yacht. Is there a rough guide to this (eg. annual cost per $'000)?

6. What is the best investment I can make now in terms of getting prepared? (Books, Internet research, ???)

Really appreciate if you can help me. I know that some of the questions are probably not directly answerable, but if you could point me in the right direction.

Thanks and Regards, John

Hi John:

Lots of questions--no easy answers. Here's what I would suggest:

1-Have a careful look at SetSail--both articles from our cruising correspondents and Q and A areas, as these have a lot of information on getting started cruising, what to learn, what you need, etc.

2-The US is a good currency play for used boats, and a very efficient market. There are always excellent deals available on the brokerage market. The key is to be clear about what you want, look at a lot of boats, and take your time.

3-As far as courses go, there are many options. I'd suggest checking the UK, since that is close to where you are. Look at Yachting World and Yachting Monthly--both have ads for companies offering training. Once you have the basics down, it would be really good to sign on with somebody offering real world training in passaging. There are lots of boats doing this--and being offshore in a small boat will do more to solidify your thinking about what works and what doesn't, and what you want in your own boat, than anything else you can do.

4-At the risk of touting our own products, take a look at our four books--lots of information on them on SetSail. They are designed to get you cruising.

Good Luck - Steve

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Hi Linda and Steve

Thanks for a great book, we have the second edition which I brought in 1998.

I need your help?

My wife,Tina (40) and I (45) have little offshore sailing experience although we have three boats in the past, a 22, 26 and a 32 footer.

We are now thinking of going cruising for a year or more. This would entail the selling of our business , which we started 15 years ago, and the house. We have had about 25 days leave in 15 years and not more than a week at one time. We are just tried of the grind and need a change desperately.

We have 5 kids, 3, 14, 15, 19 and 21 years old of which 4 want to come with us so any boat under 45 feet is going to be tight.

My plan is to buy a boat in the States, spend three months, or as long as it takes, honing our offshore skills and then sailing the Pacific, through New Zealand then back to South Africa. The boats that we have considered are a Beneteau Oceanis 440 or Cal 46 (although most Cals are old and we have never seen one in the flesh). The budget for the boat is $90,000 with a max of $110,000 and $10,000 for improvements or gear. We cannot buy in SA because of stock and pricing problems. Simply there just aren't any decent boats locally except overpriced Cats. Also found a strange boat on the Internet, a Macgregor 65 cruising version, long and narrow, but has a beam ratio that you recommend in your book. We have only viewed a Beneteau 440 at a local sailing school which Tina likes, I am not so sure. I spoke to one of the instructors and he stated that he would take her anywhere anytime?!

We also do not want to make trips to the States, as time won't permit this, and it is costly.

1. What boat would you recommend within our budget? What are your feelings on the ones we have considered?

2. We have planed on a monthly cruising budget of $1,000, is this enough? Currently land based budget is about $5000 per month, $900 an school fees alone!!!

3. We plan to keep $25,000 for emergencies.

4. My wife and kids have duel passports UK and SA and I have SA only, where should we make "home base" from a registration point of view?

5. What about boat insurance?

Wish that we could afford one of your boats, even an old one.

Regards, Barry

Hi Barry:

Lots of good, tough questions. I'll try some brief answers.

1-I am assuming you are light on offshore experience. The main thing is to be prudent, don't let schedule dictate when you go, and put a lot of effort into learning how to handle the boat in various conditions under sail and power.

2-Regarding boat types, I am not familiar enough with the current market to give you good advice. Except, if you are planning to head back to South America that probably means the Indian Ocean, and making the trip from Mauritius to Durban--and then down the coast to Cape Town. In spite of what your sailing instructor told you, I would not be happy in a modern light displacement, high volume (charter influenced) design like the Benateau. They are not designed or built for the conditions you will probably encounter at the end of your trip.

I would stay with a late CCA or early IOR design, or a good cruising design by someone who knows heavy weather. Angelo Lavranos, formerly of Cape Town, designed some very seaworthy boats in the 40-foot range.

3-Re: budget, if you live at anchor (which is more pleasant), do your own maintenance, and eat what the locals do (more fun) the $1000/month should do. But stay away from high priced marinas!

4-Re: the flag on your vessel, I don't really have a feel for this. But consider the EU tax situation if you fly a British or European flag. This may not apply if you don't end up in Europe or the UK.

5-There are lots of good boats out there in your price range. The main thing is to be patient, and watch for the right deal. This means a boat which has been well outfitted for offshore work, has the good structure, and a reasonable sail inventory. You will not have as nice an interior as the new boats, but I would trade structure, and extra waterline length--which comes with the older boat--for the volume of the modern charter design. You will be more comfortable offshore, and the boat will handle better in a blow.

Good Luck--Steve

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Dear Setsail, Would you know of a class we could take to be competent crew members of a sailing boat? We will be sailing with friends this June and would like to pick up a sailing course before going. We are in the Chicago and Michigan City, Indiana vicinity. Thanks, Cindy and Paul

Hi Cindy and Paul:

Check out http://www.ussailing.org/training/ on the US Sailing website.

Steve

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Dear Steve, I approach you as a new cruiser seeking contact with other young cruisers, particularly women. I am 34 years old and while I have enjoyed the contact with the many retirees we've met and have learned greatly from their age and wisdom, I feel somewhat isolated by my comparative youth.

I have found it quite challenging adjusting to this new lifestyle and feel the books I'd read didn't prepare me for the emotional challenges I would be facing. I would greatly appreciate any direction you could offer with regards to contacting others in a similar position.

My partner and I are hoping to return to the UK eventually, we are currently sailing the Sea of Cortez. Sincerely, Gemma L

Hi Gemma: 34 doesn't sound so young--that's the age we were when we started cruising, albeit a few years ago...

My first suggestion would be to join Seven Seas Cruising Association. Many thousands of like minded individuals (I think the URL is www.SSCA.org. There are SSCA cruising stations scattered around the world and these usually have one or two get-togethers each year--which is a good place to meet a variety of people. Also, if you are heading for the Sea of Cortez, read Latitude 38 for their cruiser parties and maybe think about joining the BaHaHa rally. Good Luck - Steve

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Hello,

I need a word of advice: Would you feel comfortable leaving a boat unattended for a month in St. Lucia Rodney Bay Marina or you would prefer moving it to Guadeloupe or Antigua? Thanks for your help, Giorgio

Hi Giorgio: We've only left our own boat hauled out on Virgin Gorda in the British West Indies (twice). The yard is quite secure and we had no problems.

We've spent time in all of the other spots you mention, but I don't know about leaving the boat. It would depend on the boat, who is looking after it, etc. Wherever you leave it, I would remove any roller furling sails, and prepare the boat as if for a hurricane. Heavy dock lines, good chafing gear, and have someone you can trust who checks periodically to make sure bilges are dry, etc.

Our preference has always been to dry store our boats, even when we're just leaving for six or eight weeks. It is often less costly than leaving the boat in the water, and the risks are less. - Steve

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Hey, I really love your site. I'm heading out from Portland, Oregon through the Panama Canal to Europe. Do you know how I can locate cruisers who might have used charts? I have the Bellingham Chart resource but I want to help returning people "recycle" their recent charts... Any direction? Thanks, Jim

Hi Jim: Your best bet is the Seven Seas Cruising Association--we have their URL in our Cruising Links section. You can join for a modest fee, they have a great bulletin, and there are always people looking to sell/swap charts. Steve

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Hello Steve,

This question may sound like I'm biting off more than I can chew, however my wife and I are fully committed to doing it anyway. The house is on the market and we've promised ourselves that we'll give it at least one year before we make our minds up whether to keep sailing or return to landlubbers.

I am 41 year old, have almost no sailing experience other than going out on our local bay (Morton bay--Brisbane Australia) with friends on their mid 20ft day-sailers. This is where we (my wife and I ) intend to live aboard and learn to sail until I feel confident enough to coastal sail the 400 miles up to the Whitsunday Island group, and then offshore to the South Pacific Islands and beyond when we're ready!

Just so you understand my reasoning in learning to sail this way, as opposed to getting a small kneel boat first, I wish to live aboard now, I have always found it easier and quicker for ME to learn by jumping in with both feet. I don't learn easily in a structured environment, ie: sailing school, I enjoy a challenge. I quite often have people say to me after they get to know me "is there anything that you can't do!" Some examples--I've built my own house from start to finish using no other trades except electrician, it is being sold as I write this for over half a million dollars (this is our cruising kitty) or rebuilding the Isuzu turbo diesel in my 4x4 campervan in remote central Australia when it split the skirting on a piston, I'd never worked on a diesel before.

I have just retired from 17 years as a professional motorcycle racer. This has taught me to trust my own judgment, recognise the difference between fear and danger, anticipate consequences and problems before they happen and never to let anxiety or fear cloud your judgment. As strange as it seems I think these qualities should be a good base from which to jump into the world of cruising. Oh and I grew up on a remote outback cattle station, so being isolated and self reliant is second nature to me.

Ok, now you're probably thinking this guys got a couple of kangaroo's loose in the top paddock.

Here's what I am thinking:
Spending a total of about $150,000 AUS (this will leave us with 2 rental houses debt free for income )
A steel, aluminum or cold moulded wood boat (no doubt I'll run aground while I'm learning) with a good size engine to pull us off a lee shore while learning too.
34-38 ft ( although my 24 year old cousin who has been the youngest captain ever to do the Sydney to Hobart races including the 1998 storm when he was just 19, says get a 40+ ft boat as it won't be any harder to learn to sail than the smaller boat and be much better to live aboard)

After reading your sensational OFFSHORE CRUISING ENCYCLOPEDIA, on page 1123 HIO AVAE a Santana 37, I would be very interested on what you would think of this for our first boat?

I guess my biggest question is, should I buy a smaller coastal cruiser and then in a couple of years buy a bigger offshore blue water boat or put up with the inconveniences of a bigger blue water boat while we learn coastal cruising ( I am assuming that it would take at least a year to learn to sail any new boat to its full potential, so selling a coastal cruiser in couple of years then learning a new bigger blue water boat may be counter productive?

Should it be a more traditional design with heavy displacement, full keel etc. which will cope more easily with my mistakes while I'm learning or a boat with a fin keel canoe shaped hull that you favour?

I will probably have my cousin help in choosing from a short list of half-dozen boats the final boat, as he will have a better understanding of a good layout for systems on deck and living under deck.

Regards Peter

Hi There: Sounds like an ambitious plan, but one which is doable. My suggestions:

1-Get a small racing dinghy, maybe start with an Optimist or Laser (whatever is being raced close to where you live) and get into dinghy racing. You will learn more about sailing in a summer of dinghy racing than years of cruising around the local islands.

2-Buy the biggest boat you can afford. Waterline is more important than fancy fit out, finish, or complex systems in terms of cruising comfort and security.

3-The Santana 37 to which you refer is a very nice cruising boat, and a good value. It is fast for its size, and you can pick up these, or similar era GRP boats quite reasonably in price. The options in metal are more limited.

4-There are lots of short, roomy modern designs. They look great at the dock, and have more space in which to spread out. But at sea they are much slower and dangerous in heavy weather. Try and stay away from these boats for cruising in your area of the world, where you have to deal with the Tasman--a tough bit of water! They will be more costly in any event.

Good Luck - Steve

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I am currently reading your book Surviving the Storm. In the personal safety gear section you do not mention or opine on the harness PFD combination. What are your thoughts on this product? Dwayne C

Hi Dwayne: In the last couple of years these combo harness/floatation devices have come a long way. Just make sure to pick one which is comfortable for you to wear, and which gives you a chance of being retrieved if you find yourself overboard and attached--not all work the same. Steve

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Regarding turnbuckles, Mike wants a stainless body (open or closed) over a bronze threaded bolt. Alan Blunt says that Navtec is the only company that offers this but it is unnecessarily expensive (Alan seems to be recommending chrome plated bronze body turnbuckles). Which turnbuckles do you recommend for both my standing and running rigging?

Alan is correct. Navtec have very expensive gear and there us nothing wrong with an all bronze turnbuckle. However, make sure it is an open body NOT a closed body design.

Regarding furling systems, Michael insists that I use the Profurl LC42 while Alan Blunt thinks it is unnecessarily expensive. Blunt recommends the Schaefer 2100 or Harken Unit 2 with stud for 5/16' Dyform or Harken Unit 1.5 with Staylok for Dyform and extra foil.

LC sounds pretty heavy for a Columbia 45--it is what we use on BEOWULF. I would check with ProFurl for their recommendation. I would be surprised if they were not competitive. The other gear may be fine, but in the last 15 years we only have experience with ProFurl.

Regarding electronics: Radar/chart-plotter--I am leaning toward the Furuno Nav Net system with the 7" color monitor and the 2 kw dome. What are your recommendations about Furuno vs. Raytheon or Raymarine, about a fixed mount radar on the mast vs. one that is mounted so it is gimbaled, and a 2kw dome vs. 4 kW?

Furuno still has the best target definition and is the defacto standard in the commercial fleet--which tells you something. Always go for the biggest antenna and highest output (kW) you can fit/afford. This is what helps with target discrimination in difficult conditions--sea clutter and crowded areas--and is critical to operation.

Sailing instruments: Which of these do you recommend and why: Simrad (IS12 or IS15 vs. Raytheon/ Raymarine vs. Nexus vs. another?

I have no experience with any of the above. Good Luck--Steve

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Where would one go to find a consumers report on sailing vessels? Carl

Hi Carl: Check out Cruising World and Practical Sailor magazines--both have ratings by users. Regards--Steve

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Hi there, I'm a sailor from Holland and am reading Mariners Weathers Handbook. Very useful information! My question is if there is a sailing dictionary, because in the normal dictionaries most of the words I look for I can't find. My regards, Adger H.

Hi Adger: John Rousmaniere has written a great little book called "The Illustrated Dictionary of Boating Terms". It might be what you're looking for. Best Regards, Elyse Dashew

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My dream has been to make a passage across the Atlantic and some extended cruising. Over the years this has been out of the realm of possibility because, well, I couldn't afford more than a used sunfish (hard to sleep on and no head). Well, now I have been given a Tylercraft T26 it's a fairly heavy 26' 2" 4-foot draft iron keel boat. It was built in 1975 and the standing rigging was replaced 7-8 years ago. In the electronics dept it's well equipped (radar etc.). I'm going to have to rework the cabin and have looked at improving it's seaworthiness ( decreasing cockpit volume increasing scupper volume etc.) Do you have any thoughts on a boat of this size and blue water sailing with the caveat that I would carefully plan routes, seasons, to pick the best times and latitudes to travel? Thanks! Nathan F.

Hi Nathan: Don't worry about boat size. More important to have good ground tackle, storm sails, and reliable albeit basic structure and systems. And most important, are your seamanship skills. Finally, don't assume you can plan your way around weather. Assume the worst--and you probably be in good shape. Steve

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A few of your contributors mention writing articles as a source of periodic income while cruising. We have the option of submitting to some non-English periodicals and it seems to be a less saturated market. My question is, how much does one expect to get paid per article? If on contract to a specific publication, what is the nature of such a contract? If freelance, do you just send your article to a few publications and then wait (maybe months or years) to see if it gets published and they send you a check? Thanks, Aharon

Freelance writing, as with any business, is based on the product you produce and your contacts. Most magazines get hundreds of unsolicited manuscripts each month, so you need to do something to make yours stand out. Actually having met (or at least talked with) an editor helps. This way you can send your specific article to their attention.

Articles which are clean (i.e. well edited), short, and to the point, and which have illustrations or photos included, have a better chance of acceptance.

Pricing varies with the magazine subscription base (which limits what they can afford), how well you are known, and your illustrations. We've found many times that we were paid more for photos than text! On the other hand, some magazines will offer you a lump sum for the article, including illustrations.

When you get paid varies by magazine. Some pay when they accept your work. Others pay when they publish. If this is the case, it is always a good idea to have an agreed maximum date by which you will get paid, whether the article has been used or not.

In the old days, when we were cruising full time, we often had five or six different articles at different magazines at one time. Some of our articles would be rejected by two or three magazines--but finally accepted by a fourth or fifth editor. So, don't give up if you are at first turned down. It may just be that the magazine in question already has several articles like yours. Good Luck--Steve

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Aloha from the Big Island, We're going to be cruising the South Pacific for the next few years, and wondered if you have any recommendations for a health insurance company. We've enjoyed your books and website! Keep it up. Thanks, Richard and Kelly, s/v Amazing Grace

This is a very muddy field. I would check first with Seven Seas Cruising Assoc. as it has been the topic of much discussion and I believe they have some referrals. In general, if you are out of the US, health insurance is much cheaper. There are also policies from US-based companies which specifically cover you when you are out of the country. Give us an update on what you find. I'm sure other SetSailors would appreciate knowing. Steve

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In the Bernhardts' April 01, 2001 discussion of their cruising budget, they state that they pay $2280 for medical insurance for the year for the whole family. I'd like to know which insurance company they use. Their boat insurance is fairly inexpensive also, since their cruising area includes Europe...Love this site. Thanks. Claire D

Hi Claire: Thank you for the inquiry about the insurance companies. Our major med personal policy is with Specialty Risk International. The policy is called a Prime Worldwide Medical Plan, it is for $5,000 deductible. The boat insurance is through Blue Water Insurance, Inc. and is with Hamburger Versicherungs-AG. Fortunately I do not know how either of these companies respond to claims, we try to avoid using their services, believing in the old ounce of prevention. Good Luck, Roslyn Bernhardt

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We'll be cruising the Caribbean, Bahamas, maybe Mexico for 6 months or more. I cannot get more than a 3-month supply of meds we take regularly before we leave. What will I need to get meds in those areas? Thank you. Claire

Hi Claire: Generally speaking, you can get just about any medications outside the US for substantially lower prices. In fact, there are lots of folks in S. border states who go to Mexican pharmacies to get their medications. However, if you need something specific and perhaps cutting edge, the answer might be different. As far as large doses, we've always been able to obtain very large batches of whatever was required once the prescribing doctor understood the situation--i.e., that we'd be out of touch for long periods. Hope this helps--Steve

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Hello, Do you have any information on a book called "The Wind Calls", by Carlton Mitchell (I believe). The author wrote about his adventures with several yachtsmen, including my father, Paul Hurst, who owned "Staghound", a 42 foot Alden ketch. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Hi Paul: I don't recall the book, but I surely remember Staghound. Didn't she win Transpac on handicap twice in the early 50s? I think one year was 1955--when our schooner (under new owner's) was second overall in the fleet to her. For old marine books check with Bert Flavell at Sea Ocean Book Berth--206 675 9020. If he doesn't have your book, he will know who does. Good Luck- Steve

Another Reader had this to say:

Steve, there is a mention of "The Wind Calls", by Carlton Mitchell. This in fact is The Winds Call, Scribners, 684-12559-5, 1971 and we have a copy on our shelves, so if we can help your corespondent....????
Fair winds,
Paul
formerly "Stormy Weather"

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http://www.AandC.org
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Dedicated to maritime conservation and education.

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Due to our professions, we both have wonderful retirement plans through state and county governments. However, we do NOT have enough cash to pay off the boat--- not even close--- before we leave. So, the question is: Do people go cruising while still making payments on their boat? Do any lenders allow this? We don't want to ask our lender just yet because we don't want to set off any alarms. Does anyone know of any lender that does allow you to take you boat out of the country? We have direct deposit of our paychecks each month, and the payment can be taken directly from the account.

Hi There: Most folks have their boats paid off before they go cruising. However, we've had a few friends who continued to pay their mortgages from cash flow while they were away. The major impact this usually has, other than the payment itself, is the lender will require you to carry insurance--which can be expensive, depending on the cruising area. If you have the cash flow from your retirement incomes to handle the mortgage and insurance, I can't see why any lender would have any comment to make--especially if the payments are handled automatically. Go for it! Steve

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Hello from WA state, can't tell you how much great info your site brings us, thanks for that! I was wondering if you have ever done research on cruisers' favorite pick for an all-around good (at least weather-resistant) camera? I would assume most folks are getting into digital now. Any ideas? Thanks...we are selling out and moving on board next spring to play for the summer up here then head on down the coast mid-Aug. CAN HARDLY WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!! Warmly, Dianna

Hi Dianna: Used to be that the standard was Nikonos--but I suspect that is no longer the case. We have an Olympus digital--and love it. I guess the main thing is to wait as long as possible as the features keep getting better and costs are coming down quickly. Good Luck--Steve

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My wife and I are readers of all your books, and recent acquirer's of the MaxSea software (still in set-up). My question is about leaving a boat in the Caribbean for two months in the winter. We are planning to sail from New England (home) to islands in early November 02'. We then need to leave the boat until mid January, at which point we'll do a six month sabbatical on the boat. Do you have any thoughts on where, or with whom we should leave the boat for that "holiday" period? I have considered both dockside, or hauled out, and was thinking of the BVI, or Antigua. Thanks for your thoughts. Best regards, John

Hi John: Leaving a boat in the water is expensive, has the usual risks of unattended dockage + the problem of maneuvering charter boats. So, we've left BEOWULF hauled out for the last two years when we were away. In our case, this has been at Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor. No problems, good security, and we've had Geoff at The Workbench (a subcontractor in the yard) keep an eye on BEOWULF. We've also left her with a dehumidifier and ozone generator running to keep mold at bay. We are limited where we can haul and store by size. You might have more options. But the consensus seems to be that for the BVI, Virgin Gorda is a better destination than Tortola. There are also similar services available in St. Martin, and Antigua (Jolly Harbor). My suggestion would be to wait until you get down, and then check around and see what looks best. Plenty of space for storage in the winter. Steve

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Steve, when entering the Marquasas, if you have a sealable customs/gun locker, will they let you keep a gun on board, rather than confiscating it?

Hi Phil: What happens with guns depends on the present policy, the type of gun(s) and the security which you can provide for it onboard. Most jurisdictions have a tougher policy towards hand guns than toward shotguns or rifles. A proper, lockable storage for weapons and ammunition also helps. As far as the Marquesas islands specifically, I cannot tell you what the policy is today. It used to be the Maruesan gendarmes ignored the issue and let the folks in Papeete deal with it. Steve

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I have a Tayana 47...my initial cruising plans are as follows:

I am sailing with the ARC Europe 2002, from St. Augustine, Florida to Lagos, Portugal, via Bermuda and the Azores, this May. I then plan on cruising Gibraltar, Spain, the Balearic Islands, Morrocco,and the Canary Islands in the summer and fall. In November 2002, I will again rejoin the ARC, for the passage from the Canaries to St. Lucia, West Indies, in November 2002. Thereafter, I will spend some time, possibly two years cruising the Caribbean, before commencing a westward circumnavigation, through the Panama Canal, and across the Pacific. My questions, based on the above itinerary, are as follows:

1. Should I join a yacht club here in the States before I leave, in order to take advantage of club reciprocity? Is it necessary?
2. Should I install a European gas tank and fitting for cooking? I currently have 2, 20 lb. propane tanks in a dedicated locker. Shall I replace one with a European (camping gaz and fittings) system. I am not sure if my Force 10 propane stove will work with Butane? Will find out next week at the Miami Boat Show.
3. My battery charger will work with 110v, 50 htz. I will be installing a transformer to bring current down from 220 to 110. I currently use a 50 amp shore power cord. What kind of cord will I need in Europe? My A/C pump is 110/60. Can I run it with 110/50, without significant damage, if I am only using it for a few months at that cycle rate?
4. Will I need a gang plank for my short stay in Europe? I will probably spend time in Marinas in Spain and Morocco, but want to do more anchoring than Marinas generally.
5. I am planning on using an Iridium phone for my e-mail, rather than fitting out my SSB with a modem for such usage. What are you thoughts on this decision?

Thank you in advance for your prompt response to these questions. And more important, thank you for all you guidance and encouragement in my preparations. Sincerely Yours, Phillip

Hi Phillip: Thanks for the compliments...

The Yacht Club is a tricky one. I guess the answer depends on what the YC in question does with foreign visitors. Some are fussy, others are not. If I did anything, I'd join a paper club, like Niue YC (for $20/year).

Re: the tanks, again, wait until you get there. Depends on the area. You might want to get a local tank.

As far as butane--it will work, only it does not burn as hot, so you need a higher flame to do the same work and the tanks will not last as long.

Re: power cords--they vary all over the place. Again, wait tll you get there.

Re: the air conditioning compressor...depends on the motor. Some are just fine on 50 cycle--but they will work 20% harder. If the system is conservatively sized, this is not a problem. You need to ask your supplier.

Gang planks--they are a pain--I do not like carrying them and we avoid Med moorings like the plague. But in the Med that limits where you can go. So, the answer depends on your style of cruising, and how hard it is to get on and off the boat. Again, wait until you get there.

Finally, re: Iridium--make sure you get it working for e-mail before you leave. Lots of people have had lots of problems getting their computers to cooperate. However, once they are working, people seem to be pleased. Good luck--maybe we'll see you there. Steve

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I was wondering whether you have any information on plastic bags that can be sealed for storing boat cushions. Look forward to hearing from you.

Hi Stewart: We've been shipmates a few times with "sealed" cockpit cushions--and it has never worked very well. Our preference is to use closed cell foam and fabrics which breath. Steve

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Hi Steve, Thanks for the your great books! I have a 46-foot Catamaran "Wild Cat" and sailed south from Newport, CA on Dec 1st. I am still in Pardise Marina in Puerto Vallarta. I am trying to find the best route from the San Blas Islands, Panama to the USVI. I plan to be through the canal by March 1st. I would like to sail across as "high" as Puerto Rico's eastern coast, but fear this may be to sailing to high to the prevailing wind, waves and current. As an alternative, I was thinking of sailing further NW to the Mona Passage between NW Puerto Rico and Domican Republic and go around the top of PR.

Steve, do you have any suggestions on what I might expect and the best route for crossing the Caribbean to the USVI, without having to go even further NW to Jamaica and around Haiti? Thank you for any insight you can offer. Hope to see you guys in the Caribbean. We met in Catalina a few years ago. Best Regards Frank & Tina

Hi Frank and Tina: There are no easy options from the San Blas/Panama to the Virgins. The best approach is to be very patient, wait for the trades to relax, and then sail/motor/motorsail as fast as you, taking whatever the wind and sea state give you. You will typically find lighter winds as the year progresses. Usually by May things have dropped off quite a bit. The sea state will be a major issue as well. But you need to be prepared to go uphill--there's almost no way around this. You will find that the "trades" oscillate through 30 to 60 degrees--take advantage of the shifts, and make sure you have a really flat, smallish headsail which is efficient for going to windward. And, while you're waiting for a light spell, take advantage of the San Blas islands. You'll not find anything like them in the Atlantic. Good luck--Steve

PS-My first catamaran, back about 1958, was a "Wildcat" class.

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Hi Lorna: Since we are allergic to dogs we do not have a lot of experience with them. However, if you check with the Seven Seas Sailing Assoc. (SCCA) bulletins, you will find much data on this subject. Regards--Steve Dashew

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I've enjoyed your books & website.... keep up the good work! Maybe you could give me some guidance or point me in the right direction. I'm trying to identify marinas which might cater to seasonal liveaboards. My thinking is to keep a boat in the Caribbean, Central America or other interesting/accessible parts of the world and, being from the Chicago area, use the boat as a primary residence and cruising vehicle during the winter. An incomplete list of desirable marina "requirements" might include: good security, sense of community (marina somewhat populated by other liveaboards), good air transport to/from US, reasonable weather protection, repair/haul/storage facilities. These are just some of the thoughts/criteria which come to mind but I'm at a loss for how to go about identifying the best marina options I might want to more closely investigate. Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Hi Pete: The only experience we have is with Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor, in the BVI, where we left BEOWULF on the hard last year. They have many clients who do what you are mentioning, and the security and competence seem to be high by Caribbean standards.

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Dear Steve and Linda: Ruth and I have planned a New Zealand vacation from Dec. 14 through Jan. 1 2001. Would it be possible to charter the WAKAROA (with Owner, Captain ) for a one- or two-day sail? We plan on purchasing a first-class sailboat in the next two or three years, and need to understand what sailing one of your designs ( Deerfoot, Sundeer ) is compared to a Santa Cruz 52 or Hallberg- Rassy 62 before we can make a purchase selection. Your counsel would be appreciated. Best case--charter WAKAROA for test sail in New Zealand Second best--view WAKAROA in Auckland Third best--Steve and Linda have another plan to test sail Deerfoot and Sundeer boats in 2002. Sincerely, John and Ruth L.

Hi John and Ruth: My guess is that the Owners would not be interested in chartering WAKAROA. But you might be able to see her if she is around. I'll forward your e-mail to them, and then they can get back to you (they are currently cruising in Fiji and won't be back until probably Thanksgiving. Re: other boats, the best way to address this is through their respective yacht brokers. Sometimes (but not usually) Owners will charter. Right now, as far as I know, the only one of our boats available for charter is Deerfoot II, a 74-cutter. For more information on her you can contact Errol Perling at lsabag@aol.com Good Luck--Steve Dashew

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Hello Next year I am sailing to Cape Horn on a Bristol Pilot Cutter. I am currently reading the second edition of your brilliant book Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia--it is providing me with so much information and inspiration. Thank you. However I would love to get hold of the first edition of this excellent book--do you have any for sale or any idea how I could do this? I would really appreciate your advice on this. Thanks again for writing the book. love Emma M

Hi Emma, Thanks for your kind comments. The second edition of Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia is a revised and expanded version of the first edition. All of the info contained in the first edition is also contained in the second (plus lots more). The first edition is out of print, but you can probably have a used book dealer do a search for a copy. Also, on Amazon.com people occasionally sell their first edition copies. Good luck with your Cape Horn plans! Best Regards, Elyse Dashew

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One day I would like to own a BEOWULF class boat, but in the meantime do you have any info on the music that is played on the BEOWULF video--would like to purchase--thanks-JIM

Hi Jim--A lot of the music from the video is on my sister Sarah Dashew's CD Tradewinds High. It's available at our web site at http://www.setsail.com/products/music/music.html. Best Regards, Elyse Dashew

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Hello. I was trying to purchase a copy of "The Ship's Medicine Chest" that you recommend in the Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia (excellent book BTW!). However, it seems to be out of print. Do you happen to know if there is anything that replaces it or could you recommend something else or is it worth trying to get a used copy if it is not out-of-date? I do plan to purchase the other two medical books you referenced.

Hi Jenifer: Your best bet for a copy of this book is to check with Chris Flavell at Sea Ocean Book Berth--206 675 9020--if he doesn't have it odds are he will know where to find you a copy. Regards--Steve Dashew

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Hello Steve and Linda: As part of the crew aboard a Deerfoot 61, I will be assisting with preparing the vessel for extended cruising. She has a sugar scoop stern which brings her to 63'. My question is where to store the 12' inflatable dingy. Currently it is hauled out of the forepeak, assembled, inflated and swung over the side using a halyard. The thought of performing this evolution at each anchorage is unappealing. After spending 6 years cruising aboard my own vessel which was equipped with davits I was mindful of the need to launch and retrieve the dingy easily. If we were sailing in protected waters the dingy with outboard hung in the davits. In open waters we removed the motor to the stern rail and snug the dingy up tight. Going to sea the dingy was brought to the foredeck, partially deflated, inverted and lashed down. I have looked over this web site and your book (an older one) and found references to the dingy but not to storage aboard the Deerfoot. Any references or insights would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Don

Hi Don: Dinghy storage is always an issue with lots of tradeoffs. Many boats use davits off the stern nowadays. But as you've mentioned, this is usually not a good practice offshore, especially with slower boats which are apt to be caught and passed by lots of waves. It also adds a huge amount of weight at the end of a very long lever arm, and makes upwind and reaching a lot slower and less comfortable (windage is an issue too). The original design for the Deerfoot 61 contemplated the storage of an 11'foot Novurania inflatable between the dorade boxes which are in front of the cockpit coaming--with the bow projecting forward. I've forgotten the exact dimensions of these dinks now, but I think they were about 54" wide and 11'6" long (we had one aboard BEOWULF until last year). The outboard was stowed in the engine room or on the pushpit. Hope this helps. Regards--Steve Dashew

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Hello SetSail folks...

First things...I have truly enjoyed your website and cover stories, please continue with your efforts. I am writing from Edmonton, Canada in hopes of receiving some direction or recommendations from those with much more knowledge in the area of sailing than I. I understand my vision may be a long-shot, but am hoping someone will come to my aid.

I have enjoyed the opportunity to be a passenger on a few larger sailing vessels (cruise-like atmosphere) in the Caribbean and am now looking to expand my travels, feed my desires and drive for sailing and partake on a short or long-distance sailing venture on a smaller vessel. Unfortunately, my skills in the same are lacking, as I have no formal or informal training here. I have a reputable and successful career in health care, but am looking to leave and do some traveling, particularly to join a family or crew on an extended sailing journey (s), to offer my assistance if/where possible and perhaps learn about seamanship during the ventures. I am considering travel in the Caribbean, Australia or other tropical destinations.

I again realize this may be a long-shot and was at a loss as to where to initiate such a search. Can you offer any suggestions, contacts or links to families or individuals in search of a trustworthy, hardworking and dedicated traveling companion for their travels (this could also include for child care, extreme novice crew, or even bartending)? For personal information on myself, I would be happy to offer that which would help narrow the search. For the basics, I am 30 yrs of age, female, divorced and financially secure. What else can I offer to assist in my search? Please let me know of any suggestions. Your help is greatly appreciated. Do not hesitate to contact me via e-mail. Thank you, again. Tammy

Hi Tammy: There are several courses of action you can follow. First, improving your sailing skills and knowledge of seamanship will help your chances of getting a good crewing position. You can learn a bit from books. But the best approach is to get some small boat experience. I would start with a small sailing dinghy to learn the basics. Then try one of the sailing schools, or do a teaching charter with one of the charter/teaching outfits.

As to finding someone in need of crew, the SCCA has a crew needed/looking list in their monthly mailer (and it would be a great organization for you to join), and there are other lists here and there on the internet (sorry, but we don't have a list). Finally, Latitude 38 in the San Francisco Bay area has a fall "crew party" every year where you can find folks looking for crew. Good Luck--Steve Dashew

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Hi. We are Dutch inhabitants, living in the Netherlands. We are building a 53ft sailingyacht by a Dutch yachtbuilder. Our purpose is to go living onboard and sailing all over the world.

1: Is it possible to registrate this yacht in the Channel Islands or elsewhere in the world.
2: Is it legal that the Dutch yachtbuilder can sell to us -or to our company- this yacht without paying VAT in the Netherlands or elsewhere in the EC. ( an VAT-0 option)
3: Is it necessary to start a company out there and how do we do this
4: Do you have experience with people who make arrangements for this
5: What is necessary to do so
6: What are the costs

Jaap en Renee from the Netherlands

Hi Jaap: You will find a discussion of "flags of convenience" in Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia. As to your specific questions, Holland, VAT, etc. it is probably best to check with a tax advisor familiar with your regulations. There are many companies that handle arrangements for flags of convenience. Often you are required to have a corporation, but some jurisdictions now allow individuals to hold title to the boat--I think this is the case now in the Virgin Islands. Regards--Steve Dashew

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Hi. I have a question about shipping SOLAS Flares. I have recently purchased a boat in France (An Amel Super Maramu Millennium "Liahona") and have been shipping equipment etc. to La Rochelle, France, to outfit the boat. However, I can't seem to find a way to ship the $500 worth of Pains Wessex flares that I have purchased. Nobody will take them because they are categorized as class 1.4A and 1.3A explosives per their MSDS documentation. Surely somebody has figured out a way to get flares to foreign countries for cruising. I have even contacted Pains Wessex and though they have tried to be helpful I have still run up against the wall (even when trying to ship them by ocean freight). Any help you might provide would be appreciated. (PS this is one of the few questions that I have that I couldn't find an answer to in your Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia). Sincerely, Gary

Hi Gary: Shipping flares is almost impossible. Huge paperwork and crating problems (would you want to fly with fares in the cargo hold of your jet?). Pains Wessex have a distributor in New Jersey, Revere Supply 973 575 8811--who sometimes ship overseas for clients I am told--and they may be able to help you. Otherwise, the best thing to do is try and return the flares, or sell them to someone else, and buy them locally when you get to France. Good Luck--Steve Dashew

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Hi. we're leaving Ft. Lauderdale, FL. for Charleston, SC, on Thursday; then in about 5 weeks headed for Norfolk VA. Any idea which marina around Norfolk/Hampton makes most sense to leave the boat at (8'4 Draft) from a convenience/security point of view? Regards Phillip

Hi Phillip: We like Atlantic Yacht Basin on the ICWE (Chesapeake is the city)--just S of the locks. Great security, good prices, nice folks. That is where BEOWULF is currently docked. It is about a two-hour passage from Hampton Roads, and you have to ask the highway 64 bridge to open 24 hours in advance. The AYB folks can tell you how to deal with the bridge. Regards--Steve

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Hi. Can you help we are looking for cruising insurance. We are at present in New Zealand and are about to set off on a world cruise in our 40ft steel yacht. But are having trouble finding cruising insurance we can afford. Can you help? Regards John

Hi John: Affordable cruising insurance is hard to find. I would suggest you try the Seven Seas Cruising Association (SCCA) at www.SCCA.org They have a deal with Bluewater Insurance which some of the members use. However, most of our friends who are cruising go without insurance as the cost often equals a big chunk of the yearly cruising budget. Good Luck--Steve

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Do you know of any good websites that do recruiting for the marine industry? I'm looking to change careers. Have been in Business Development in the technology market. Avid sailor. Thanks, Tom