Catamaran on French Med. I can single-hand, but it's more fun to be in company, to share, learn & laugh. I prefer female crew & couples. 2 to 5 people on-board (sleeps 8). Not a party boat: we sail mostly, anchor out, relax & explore. Harbor-side fun too.
Plans for 2024
- June. From Montpellier to Nice
- July. French Riviera.
- August. To Gibraltar, via Balearics
- September. Algarve (S. Portugal) maybe Madeira
- October. Canarias islands
- November. Cape Verde islands
- December. Crossing the Atlantic to Barbados
Plans for 2025
- January-April Caribbean islands hopping, Northbound towards Virgin islands
- May. To USA Cape Cod
- June. To Azores
- July. To French Brittany
- August-September. To Montpellier, France, via Gibraltar.
Those plans are contingent on health regulations. Plans may change anyway, after discussion with the crew.
Until now, I cruised on my boat every Summer, from mid-May to early-October, in the Med, Black Sea and near-Atlantic. In addition, during the Northern Winter, I often sail in the Caribbean or South Pacific on friends' boats.
My longest crossings so far : the Pacific Cup race (San Francisco to Hawaii), crossing the North Atlantic (Canaries to Caribbean), The Azores High (Algarve - Azores - UK, Biscayne) and Polynesia (Marquesas to Tuamotus).
The boat is an Outremer 45 catamaran, extended to 48 feet. Originally built as an offshore racer, she won her category in the Transat (UK to USA). I bought her after that racing season and had her transformed for cruising, with all the amenities for comfortable life. So she is now heavier and a bit slower, but still a lively fun boat. (We came in second at the 2017 Outremer Cup, against bigger boats!).
She is very safe, certified by ORC (Ocean Racing Council rules). I single-hand her, but prefer to be in company. She can sleep 8 persons, though I prefer to stay under 5. Crew have their own cabins, with their bathroom, in the port hull. I use the starboard hull for owner's accommodations. I carry no diesel generator, as I use solar and wind energy extensively. I keep snorkels, a body board, fishing gear, a kayak and a paddle-board.
Economics: Unpaid position. But I pay all boat-related expenses. You are expected to pay your share of the food (usually simple healthy food) and the fuel. 20-25 €/day. Customary option: If you volunteer to be the cook, then you do not pay at all (but I never buy alcohol or junk food). The cook usually prepares a light lunch and hot dinner for 2 to 4 persons.
Personal safety equipment and some specialized clothing provided. Bring your free-spirit !
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