Visit our Popular Forums

JamesCraig · 03-05-2016, 05:03

HI all,

I am looking for adventurous crew to join me to help me take my yacht (68' Gulfstar) from Melbourne (Australia) to the Caribbean. Looking for anyone interested in just doing part of the trip or the whole way. I will be heading up the east coast of Australia - Sydney, Brisbane, Great Barrier reef, West along to Bali, Indonesia, Across the Indian to the Maldives, Seychelles, Madagascar, Mauritius etc, Cape Town, and then up to Brazil and up to Trinidad. (I will be meeting my family there, and continuing onto Europe)

The yacht sleeps 8 (four berths), 3 bathrooms, very comfortable covered cockpit area (with clear blinds that roll up etc) , Cutter rig, all hydraulic furling and winches - primarily operated from the helm, large kitchen, ample fridge and freezer space, large living areas. 215hp Turbo diesel, 1100 lt of fuel, 760 lts of water (plus water maker) 2 x generators, bow thruster, walk off sugar scoop and 20hp Rib inflatable.

I have 30 years sailing experience on various yachts, yacht master offshore qual.

Typical arrangements are to share living costs - primarily food and regular household items, and various travel costs for example if we decide to pull into a mariner etc.

**HappyMdRSailor** · 03-05-2016, 05:16

What a fantastic opportunity James!

I'll bet you have no problem filling the boat and then having the greatest adventure....

Please post it !

JamesCraig · 03-05-2016, 20:12

Hi All,

I am currently working on the full passage plan from Melbourne to Trinidad. Stage 1 is from Melbourne to Bali. I have attached a link to a brief passage plan (PDF) that includes the major stops. This will be revised to include all of the smaller stopping ports as well. But this will give you an idea of the planning involved and the timing involved.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...IwfB7anFZM/pub

If you would like a pdf copy of it, please let me know (it was too large to attach to this post)

If anyone would like to do all or just a few legs with me, that would be great.

Hugogo · 04-05-2016, 00:04

Sounds great! I'm seeking to crew a boat leaving Australia soon. I've pm'd you direct.

Pole · 04-05-2016, 07:36

Nice video! Nice journey! At some point you'll probably be stopping into my home port of Simons Town in South Africa. I'll keep a lookout for Mr Percival...

Love to do a sector. Maybe by the time you get here I'll have my stuff together.

captmikem · 04-05-2016, 07:50

I have made that trip a couple of times, it is a great trip.

Just a suggestion, many people pass through the Wessels but they are truly worth a stop. There is a pass just south of Guluwuru island with some beautiful anchorages to the south once through.

Christmas is interesting but the anchorage is dodgy

And.... Cocos Keeling in the indian ocean. It is on the way. Each time I plane on a few days there and always end up spending a month or so.. it is one of the nicest places on this earth. bullet proof anchorage, Snorkeling is just unbelievable in the the "cut" and fish abound. and you meet other a few other cruisers headed your way which is fun.

Good luck, sounds like a great adventure!

Michael

blueboyou · 04-05-2016, 08:20

When you get to Chesapeake Bay area drop a line and we will provide details on where to go and visit...and help you with a visit to Washington, DC by land. paulbollingerjr@aol.com

Divevac · 04-05-2016, 09:28

The adventure of a lifetime...will PM you about your itinerary.

Wendi · 04-05-2016, 10:31

What a great trip. I have been looking at Bali as a place to live for a while, so sailing there would be the a really wonderful journey. I will send you a pm with my details.

JamesCraig · 04-05-2016, 16:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pole

Nice video! Nice journey! At some point you'll probably be stopping into my home port of Simons Town in South Africa. I'll keep a lookout for Mr Percival...

Love to do a sector. Maybe by the time you get here I'll have my stuff together.

Thanks Pole,
Simons Town looks like a good place to stop, look forward to catching up then!
You could take us round the corner to Cape town at the very least?
I'll leave it up to you to make sure its a glorious sunny day day, 15-20kt of east - south easterly would be great thanks.
(and maybe some local beers wouldn't go astray!)

James

JamesCraig · 04-05-2016, 16:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by captmikem

I have made that trip a couple of times, it is a great trip.

Just a suggestion, many people pass through the Wessels but they are truly worth a stop. There is a pass just south of Guluwuru island with some beautiful anchorages to the south once through.

Christmas is interesting but the anchorage is dodgy

And.... Cocos Keeling in the Indian ocean. It is on the way. Each time I plane on a few days there and always end up spending a month or so.. it is one of the nicest places on this earth. bullet proof anchorage, Snorkeling is just unbelievable in the the "cut" and fish abound. and you meet other a few other cruisers headed your way which is fun.

Good luck, sounds like a great adventure!

Michael

Thanks Michael,
I follow your posts with enthusiasm, your experience really shines through on this group. I Inevitably look forward to hearing back from you in the future when I am into the trip and need advice as to how to get my anchor unstuck from coral! (we carry 4 anchors - none of which i want to part with)

Thanks in Advance! -
James.

JamesCraig · 04-05-2016, 16:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueboyou

When you get to Chesapeake Bay area drop a line and we will provide details on where to go and visit...and help you with a visit to Washington, DC by land. paulbollingerjr@aol.com

Thanks Paul,

I will be holding you to that! We are planning on dropping in that neck of the woods on our way up the east coast.
Please ensure the weather is good and I'll supply the drinks!

James

desdestiny · 04-05-2016, 17:52

James
I am interested - I am in Melbourne. How do I contact you?
My mobile 0419 992 939
Des

seasnack · 04-05-2016, 18:00

Hi James
Please send the itinerary with ETD.
I have am experienced seaman and navigation skills. My partner cooks sensational pasta!
We are both in our early 50's and planning to purchase our own cruiser in the near future.
gee.bee@live.com.au
George & Santeena