Antarctic Climbing Guide Turned Sailor
Summary: available starting mid-Feb from NZ for 5-6 weeks; will fly elsewhere as needed.
I have experience
bareboat chartering sloops in the 29’-36’ range with one or two others. I’ve sailed on several week-long coastal cruises in different oceans and am keen to crew on monohulls with experienced sailors on coastal,
offshore, or high latitude voyaging. I am highly motivated to actually sail and am quite disinterested in motoring between
marinas or sitting on
deck getting a tan. I come with a strong recommendation from the RYA instructor on my Day
Skipper Course in Feb. 2013.
I have spent my professional life managing risk and working with a variety of people in hazardous terrain, operating in severe
weather, navigating with map/compass, and on extended self-sufficient expeditions. I am quite familiar with limited resources and
rescue not being a realistic option. I am a certified and field-experienced Wilderness First Responder.
Five months per year I
work as a survival trainer and guide for scientists and serve on the Search and
Rescue Team for the US Antarctic Program. Skills include VHF/HF
radio use,
GPS, pulley systems,
marine radar. I also
work as a rock climbing and technical mountaineering guide (Exumguides.com Susan Det). I am keenly aware of the importance of having the right people along in terms of fun and
safety.
I am looking for new challenges and to explore the other 70% of the Earth’s surface. My ultimate goal is to crew along the Antarctic Peninsula.
My degree is in Biology/Enviro Studies and I am a keen naturalist. My Spanish is between “can get around” and “conversational” and I am in the process of
learning celestial navigation. An athlete in my late forties, I enjoy swimming, snorkeling, sea kayaking.
Non-smoking, no drugs; do not want to be around those who do. I drink in moderation. I am in a committed relationship and distinctly not interested in anything more than friendship.
I will be available to crew starting mid February when I am done with my
current Antarctic
contract. Although I am most drawn to high latitude
offshore sailing, I need more mileage coastal sailing/piloting. I enjoy coastal and lower latitude sailing and believe in developing skills in a logical order.
Honestly, I am more interested in finding the right skipper/crew than in exactly where we go, and for that I am willing to consider flying wherever reasonably necessary. I am seeking a
skipper who truly enjoys and
knows how to coach others, not someone who prefers to show off their skills and knowledge. I am looking for a skipper/crew that appreciates the finer points of sailing
well; someone with a similar sense of risk management… and a light-hearted approach.
I am playful, motivated, and have a positive, upbeat attitude; send me a message and tell me about yourself, your plans, your
boat. Fair Winds!