Passion for sailing :)

Phase 1: Start sailing in the north of Europe, cross the Atlantic, cruise in the Caribbean, reach the Americas.
Phase 2: Mediterranean :)

The idea of a Big Sailing Adventure started in 2016, after visiting Norway: 2019 was the first year of our Sailing Quest:
Started in Portsmouth, crossed the North Sea, entered the fjords and sailed all the way up to Bergen. Then Oslo, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki (2.100 nm).

In spite of COVID, in 2020 we had a fantastic sailing time through the Baltics! Lots of positive energy allowed us to start in Helsinki and finally arrive in Kiel (around 1.400 nm).

Again lots of uncertainty due to COVID in 2021, but - again - our commitment and positive attitude enabled us to carry out the initial plans (less the Shetlands): Kiel, Hamburg, Esbjerg, Haugesund, Hardangerfjord, Bergen, Torshavn, Faroe Islands, Scotland, Ireland (>2.000 nm). Small plan adjustments but within the dates specified before the start.

We continued going South in 2022: Starting in Dun Laoghaire/ Dublin, enjoyed Brittany, crossed the Bay of Biscay to Bilbao, continued to Galicia, Porto, Lisbon, Madeira, Gran Canaria and finally Tenerife (2.800 nm).

On 14/12/2022 we started our Atlantic crossing and arrived in St. Lucia on 4/1/2023, our starting point for sailing in the Caribbean: 3 months in the Lesser and Greater Antilles until we reached Mexico.

Now it's time to explore the Mediterranean!

My sailing days started late (2003), but then I just couldn't stop! Mainly 10 years racing on a Farr 52 (Optimum 3), now Yachtmaster Offshore (RYA). Highlights for sure the Aegean Rallies and the Rolex Middle Sea Races.

usually cleancomfortablevery safeseek adventurefulfill a dream

She is a Grand Soleil 50 (2006), currently in Nettuno. I have just got her in August and have had extensive sea trials, incl. a sail to Corsica and an overnight crossing to Rome. We got a diesel generator and air conditioning in case it gets really hot.

The general plan is to do the work to prepare her, plan and do the shopping, leave by the end of September/ beginning of October from Nettuno (close to Rome), then make a stop at the Aeolian Islands (Lipari) or Sicily. After that we'll cross the Straight of Messina and head to the Ionian Islands (Kefalonia, possibly Ithaka). We plan to arrive in Alimos (basically coastal area of Athens) by mid October. The final plan is in preparation, so any proposal for anchorages is welcome and will be taken into account.

We will be sailing overnight when milage needs to be covered.

People who declared experience and it turns out they were dishonest will be asked to leave the boat.

Need to allow around 7 days in dates of plan (we are sailing, so we have to allow for some contingency). We did manage to stay in the planned time frame in all 5 seasons so far.

clean & tidycommittedfit & healthyrespectfulskilledtrustworthyrarely/unlikely seasickeager to learn & workpolitedon't mind cleaningcan follow orderswill not bring a bicyclewill not bring a pet

The idea is to have a good time sailing. Key for this: Respect!

We all make mistakes, but if your way of dealing with those is getting rude, this boat is clearly not the right boat for you.

If you feel that taking your street shoes off before stepping on the deck or the mattresses is exaggerated, or that your hiking shoes are good for stepping on the white gelcoat or teak, then I don’t think that we can have an enjoyable experience. If you feel that the MarPol regulations regarding waste are not applicable to you or are somehow optional, again we won't be able to focus on the fun part of sailing.

No need to be an expert, just honest about your experience/ skills, so we make sure we put a balanced/ complementary team together.

We have to do the work involved ourselves, incl. cooking, cleaning, preparing the boat etc.
If you are looking for a professional (paid) position, unfortunately we don't have one.
Also, we share all the costs (incl. food, berthing, fuel, insurance, etc.). A payment of EUR 100 will be appreciated as commitment validation, which will then be used for covering the expenses. If you are on a budget, please let me know.

A valid passport/ identification will be requested in advance.

There are 3 comfortable cabins on board, so we need to share the cabin with someone else. Couples are welcome (and will stay in the same cabin).