Boat/crew size in the Mediterranean... ??

[skanavle]

Hello! I have recently accepted a crew position on an activist boat that is yet to be purchased, I've also been asked to be on the logistics committee that meets once a week, and I have more sailing experience than anyone on the committee...They're looking at purchasing 2 20 metre sailboats for roughly 15 people on board each; 5 crew, 5 journalists, and 5 world delegates. The two boats will start from different ports somewhere in the Mediterranean (tbd), they'll meet up in Sicily, and then sail to Port Said in Egypt, just north of the Suez Canal. My question is this: Could we get away with a smaller boat? A 65 foot boat, for 5 crew members seems excessive to me, but maybe that's because I'm used to racing, not cruising with people who aren't sailors onboard... Insights much appreciated! Thank you, Sofia

[chuckr]

what exactly is an activist boat?

[boatman61]

Having delivered boats upto 65ft over distances between 700 and 17,000nm with just skipper + 1 crew I would say Yes.. 5 crew should be adequate to operate the boat efficiently..
However.. if the 5 journalists and 5 World delegates will be just passengers I'd suggest you add a qualified Chef and steward/ess to the roster as I doubt 'Potluck' food would be considered acceptable by the normally pampered journo's and politico's...

[skipmac]

If you will have 15 people living on the boats for days or weeks at a time I think eve 20 meters is a bit small. The largest boat I owned was about 60' on deck and could comfortably sleep 8, perhaps a few more if several were couples.

I suggest you start by looking at a couple of 20 m boats in your area to get a feel for the space and berth options.

[Divevac]

As a sailing activist, how do I get involved?

[C.I.C]

Why don't they buy the boats from the Maltese Islands.... the Maltese Islands are geographicaly better positioned than Sicily and everyone would meet up there to sail to Eygpt. If they have the budget to buy 20m boats ....it is more confortable and would suit 15 people much better..

[Manos1955]

20 meter is rather small for 15 people Unless you will do a trial sail for a week to see how they coop together do not attempt a long cruise it may end up in exesive fights
I would like to get involved though so how can I do that ? Please contact me via this site or with a private message
Thanks

[reed1v]

Good lord that will be a trip from Hell. 15 on a 60 footer is way too many. No privacy, stinky, Heads will get clogged, people will get shoved around. Nope, bad situation.

[Christian Ho]

My idea is, if you want to leave 10 sqm per person, which is necessary for trips longer then three days in order to avoid psychological collaps! (don't forget you are talking about people who don't know each other and are not present because of pleasure but work) you will need at least a 35m boat. And yes, as already said by boatman61, you will need a profesional cook. Good luck with your task,
your Christian Ho

[Prairie Chicken]

Originally Posted by chuckr

what exactly is an activist boat?

Same question I have.

15 on a 65' boat, and 10 of them non-sailors? Scary thought!

[reed1v]

Originally Posted by Prairie Chicken

Same question I have.

15 on a 65' boat, and 10 of them non-sailors? Scary thought!

We use to sail on a friend's 90 foot schooner for several months in the Baltic area. Crew was composed of 6 folks with an additional 10 being supernumeraries. Just about enough room for everyone to have their own space and yet come together for meals. And yes, a full time cook position is essential. You have three full meals, two snack time meals, and a midnight short order. Sailing folks eat a lot.

Plenty of logistics documentaries out there as to fitting out. A 20 meter boat is rather small for 15 folks. Would work for a crew of 6-8. Unless you like cramped conditions, little storage, grumpy folks, get at least a 30 meter or larger vessel. Does it have to be a sailboat? Plenty of former yachts in the 30-50 meter range for sale at cheap prices. Little demand for big yachts unless they are almost new and have the latest fads and fashions on board. Thus a 10 year old luxury yacht basically sits around for years waiting for an owner.

You might also check out leasing a yacht rather than buying one. Way way cheaper.

[Calif.Ted]

5 people working the boat night and day while another 10 are journalizing and delegating ? Your problem will be finding activist sailors that don't mind serving the "elites" on board. Some of those useless lubbers better learn how to cook and clean the heads.

[Prairie Chicken]

An alternative to a bigger boat is fewer journalists &/or delegates.

I still haven't heard what an activist boat is, but from Egypt are you planning to transit the Suez?