Winter (Jan, Feb, Mar) 2016:
Sailed aboard a Beneteau sloop with British Captain and 2 other passengers, visiting several islands from Grenada to Martinique and then return. The trip this time was not as official cook, but contributing passenger. There was time to begin to learn a bit more about the actual sailing. I do tend to have a touch of sea sickness at the start of a sail; but not bad, and being up on deck in the wind is very helpful. Total time onboard this trip was 6-8 weeks.

Feb & March 2015:
I served as cook and provisioner during my first experience cruising in winter 2015 onboard a 46' Beneteau Sloop with 3 other people. I met the boat in St. Kitts in late February. We sailed to St. Barts, then to St. Martin; and then turned back and did the same in reverse.
Overall, I felt competent at the cooking and everyone onboard seemed pleased. As for the sailing, I would have liked to have been given the opportunity to learn more about crewing the boat; but that will come. I did get a bit of sea sickness the first day, but was fine after that. I do like going ashore and exploring the islands as much as being on the boat, so I spent some time cruising around on rented scooters.
I have indicated that I am interested in situations from paid to contributing based on the amount of assistance you want/need from me, and how much time I would have to myself to explore the islands we visit. On my first outing, I was paid a stipend to cover my travel to/from U.S. to St. Kitts and in return I cooked 2-3 meals per day for 3 weeks, and I was given time off to explore the islands.

confident swimmergood communicatorno tattoos at allfit & healthyfriendlyopen mindedcan pay own expensesenjoy cookingdon't mind cleaning

I love an adventure, like to hike and explore; but also like time to relax and do nothing or read a book. As an active, curious, mature woman, I am capable of taking on a supportive role as a crew member/cook. I am willing and able to learn whatever I can to be helpful onboard. I am experienced as cook, adaptable to your needs on the boat. I am a confident swimmer, and have had a dive certification in the past. I have much to learn about crewing aboard a sailing vessel. In decent physical condition for my age, and am not afraid of very much.
At home in North Carolina, I have a small landscape maintenance business and have a rental apartment in my home, so I'm still working and will need to earn income for a long time yet. However, my business has slow times throughout the year, especially during the winter months and during mid-summer. The most important time for me to be home working is mid-March thru early June.
At home I tend to be a "foodie" supporting the local organic farmers at the farmer's market, and I enjoy eating out at independent local restaurants. I like to dance for fun and exercise, so I go Contra dancing a few times per month. I have 2 daughters who play soccer in college, so during the fall I will spend some time going to watch them play. I love to travel, but must do so on a tight budget, so I have been creative in finding ways like this to make it possible. I dream of escaping one day to a peaceful life in a beautiful place, maybe on a boat of my own.

have a holidayshare experienceshare charter costsseek adventuregain experiencelearn to sailsustainable traveltravel

1. I want to learn about the cruising life and learn to sail.
2. I love an adventure.
3. Travel and Meet People
4. Leave the cold weather behind (or leave heat & humidity in July-Aug).
5. Fresh seafood (although this was a disappointment on my first trip; sadly, the fish seem to be gone); Local Food. Local Culture.
6. Swimming, snorkeling in the ocean.