Want to Rent: Escort yacht needed Dakar-Suriname December 2018

[Patrick Bol]

We are a rowing team that is scheduling a crossing from Dakar Senegal to Paramaribo Suriname. We plan to break a world record.

Our rowing boat is a 40 feet trimaran. our cruising speed is approximately 4 knots. Departure December 8 2018 from Dakar Isle de Goree.

The idea is two camera man to travel on board of your yacht as well to make a documentary, and additional experienced sailor (clipper challenge) would like to join as well to assist with watch keeping. We will pay for their food and we will pay you for fuel bill and other expenses, final compensation to be agreed.

Arrival Paramaribo is scheduled on 6 January 2019

Patrick

[Steadman Uhlich]

Hi.

The following is written in a friendly tone of voice, and is simply sincere curiosity.
I hope you will take this as an opportunity to further describe your proposed record attempt and your view of the proposed adventure row.

You will have a 40 foot trimaran vessel, and a team of rowers,

Why do you need an escort vessel?

Isn't the point to prove the adventure can be done, despite the hardship and risks?

Isn't it important to prove self sufficiency?

Why need an escort?

When I think of the great explorers who did record setting feats like sledging to the North Pole, I think of them going alone (or as a small team) on the big challenge. It would diminish their feats if they had an escort helicopter shadowing their every step of the way.

So, I would like to know why this adventure requires an escort vessel. And staff or entourage on an escort vessel.

Thor Heyerdahl did not need one. Etc.

You mentioned film makers. But I don't see why that videography could not be done by the rowing crew, as the Volvo Ocean Race does, and with mounted cameras on the boat.

Heyerdahl had film making cameras, albeit primitive by today's standards. Today everyone has HD cameras and video on their phones, and your trimaran could easily carry a small drone that follows automatically.

Please explain. I am curious about your proposed rowing voyage.

__________

I am also curious about how closely you expect the escort vessel to be to the rowers, during the day and night.

Will they stay close? How close?

Will they ever raft up or transfer people or goods or food etc? In other words will the escort vessel be proving some "support" while the rowing boat is on the record attempt course?

[sailormed]

Did a qui k search, I think this the rowing trimaran.

New Rowing Trimaran | Multihull Design Blog

[sailormed]

And an "interview" of this guy, he must be dutch.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=o4wrmcja4iQ

[SweetTeaSailor]

Sounds like a quality drone would be a lot less money than food/fuel costs. Will need to learn to use and edit footage, but many sailing videoblotter are doing it so it's not rocket science. Good luck on your record goals!

[Maka]

I would suspect the escort is for safety.
Don't know the rules, but don't think the row boat will have much in electronics. Certainly no speed should crew need medical attention.

Comparing them to Heyerdahl is apples to oranges. Heyerdahl was performing an experiment, not trying to set a world record.

I wish them luck and look forward to following their progress.

[Basil]

This guy is simply asking for an escort vessel, english is his second language.

Why does it need arm chair sailors to go into great depths about his request an ask a great number of questions. An further proport to have vast knowledge in this area. If you are interested in being the escort vessel then put your hand up, an meet withthe group, then is the time to discuss the finer points of the proposed voyage.

People dont need negative opinions etc from so called experts sitting at home.

These guys want to do something, either get behind them or shut up an stop the long winded BS . They made a simple request , respect it , english is not his first language, respect it. They are doing something different an fun , respect this.

[Steadman Uhlich]

Originally Posted by Basil

This guy is simply asking for an escort vessel, english is his second language.

Why does it need arm chair sailors to go into great depths about his request an ask a great number of questions. An further proport to have vast knowledge in this area. If you are interested in being the escort vessel then put your hand up, an meet withthe group, then is the time to discuss the finer points of the proposed voyage.

People dont need negative opinions etc from so called experts sitting at home.

These guys want to do something, either get behind them or shut up an stop the long winded BS . They made a simple request , respect it , english is not his first language, respect it. They are doing something different an fun , respect this.

You obviously take my questions in a way not intended. That is unfortunate.
I can't help how you see things, but I asked my questions with sincere curiosity about the planned voyage.

I asked questions to learn more about their proposed voyage and how and why an escort vessel was required. This gives the OP (Patrick Bol) an opportunity to describe how he sees that vessel's tasks. That could make a difference in what vessels are appropriate or interested. More information from the OP should help him get more people interested.

Many people cross oceans in small boats (40' or smaller) and do so without an escort vessel closely shadowing them. I have done so myself. So, I speak from some personal experience. It can be done, even by singlehanded sailors in very small boats.

As I see it, it is for the OP (Patrick) to answer the questions about his planned voyage, not members here who don't know the facts or his plans. Questions and answers are to be expected as part of posting a request for help on a public forum like this.

I hope the OP (Patrick) will respond and participate and tell us more.

Rowing that distance is something I have admired for many years, since I read about Chay Blyth crossing the North Atlantic many years ago as part of a two man crew, rowing.

In case you or any others reading this thread don't know about that previous voyage, here is a short description of it. I was impressed by Blyth's (along with Capt. Ridgway's) feat, and courage, as part of that two man rowing crew.

"In 1966, whilst in the Army, Blyth, together with Captain John Ridgway, rowed across the North Atlantic in a 20 ft open dory called English Rose III. After successfully completing this in 92 days, Blyth was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM)."

[liquidice]

I thought your questions were for the good of the group. It’s not like he’s obligated to answer, anymore than someone is obligated to perform escort duties.

Thanks for the rowing information; if I’m not mistaken Blyth and Ridgway competed with Knox-Johnston on the first solo nonstop circumnavigation subsequent to their rowing accomplishment.

[Davidhoy]

Originally Posted by Steadman Uhlich

You obviously take my questions in a way not intended. That is unfortunate.
I can't help how you see things, but I asked my questions with sincere curiosity about the planned voyage.

I have read many of your posts, and mostly agree with and respect your opinions. However, I also got the sense that you were, in a way, belittling the OP's proposed record attempt as it does not fit with your particular view of how "adventures" should be done. I'm sure you did not mean it to come across that way, but I was clearly not the only one who felt that. Some of your questions regarding logistics are quite valid, but contrasting the OP with Heyrdahl, Scott, Shackleton, and Blythe and Ridgeway is really not fair. His aspirations are quite different, and so his approach to the project is equally different.

That said, I will continue to read and enjoy your posts, as they are thoughtful and well-written. And, to paraphrase your own words, I hope you will take my comments in the spirit intended.

And to the OP, I wish you well in your endeavor. If I were in a position to help you out I would. I hope you will keep us informed of your progress, both leading up to your record attempt, and during if you, or your escort vessel, have the ability to post to the forum from the middle of the Atlantic.

Regards,
David.

[Steadman Uhlich]

Originally Posted by Davidhoy

I have read many of your posts, and mostly agree with and respect your opinions. However, I also got the sense that you were, in a way, belittling the OP's proposed record attempt as it does not fit with your particular view of how "adventures" should be done. I'm sure you did not mean it to come across that way, but I was clearly not the only one who felt that. Some of your questions regarding logistics are quite valid, but contrasting the OP with Heyrdahl, Scott, Shackleton, and Blythe and Ridgeway is really not fair. His aspirations are quite different, and so his approach to the project is equally different.

That said, I will continue to read and enjoy your posts, as they are thoughtful and well-written. And, to paraphrase your own words, I hope you will take my comments in the spirit intended.

And to the OP, I wish you well in your endeavor. If I were in a position to help you out I would. I hope you will keep us informed of your progress, both leading up to your record attempt, and during if you, or your escort vessel, have the ability to post to the forum from the middle of the Atlantic.

Regards,
David.

Hi David.
Thanks for your nicely worded comment and kind words.

Tone in writing (or text messages) is hard to convey in short statements or questions. It can be misunderstood. Even among friends.

I have no malice in mind. Simply curiosity. I asked what I thought were clear questions, phrased in a few different ways (to be best understood) and with numerous smilies ( ) and an introduction statement to indicate my tone is friendly.

I am not trying to belittle anyone, at anytime.

I am sorry if my questions or writing appears that way to some readers. That is unfortunate and unintended.
__________________

My use of examples, of how other adventurers have done long distance transits of oceans was simply a matter of reflecting on how others have done similar "adventure" voyages, and to illustrate my curiosity about why a modern voyage like this, using a high tech boat, and with today's access to high tech stuff like GPS, SAT phones, watermakers, etc. would need an escort vessel or support boat to accompany them. I think it is a valid question, and one that the OP (Patrick) should be able to answer easily.
_____________

One thing I have noticed in years of participating in forums like this, is that simple questions are often misinterpreted as challenges or affronts to someone. I think it is a shame that happens, and I try to avoid it as much as possible, by clearly stating MY intent is to learn more from the OP and to possibly clarify the situation or topic discussion by asking likely and natural questions. I try to do that to avoid the conflict that sometimes happens on forums. But, as one can see in this thread, questions are seen by some as having some other meaning or intent.
_____________

I simply want to know what the reasoning is (in Patrick's view) for a support vessel or escort vessel on a projected 25 day voyage.

And I am curious if the rowing boat is supposed to be "self sufficient" such as carrying the water and supplies needed by the rowing team for the entire voyage, or if the escort vessel will be providing material support along the way. I am curious about the logistics and reasoning.

I hope that clarifies my POV. I am really more interested in getting Patrick's POV discussed, rather than mine.

In any case, I wish Patrick well on his intended adventure voyage.

[Milko Berben]

Dear Patrick if you need help in Dakar maybe I can be of assistance I live no to far away in Gambia for the last 20 years and I speak a sort of Dutch as I am from Rotterdam ;-)

[Davidhoy]

Originally Posted by Steadman Uhlich

I hope that clarifies my POV. I am really more interested in getting Patrick's POV discussed, rather than mine.

In any case, I wish Patrick well on his intended adventure voyage.

Well said! If you're ever in the Fort Lauderdale area, drop me a PM and I'll buy you a beer or two. I think we could have some good conversation over said beverages :-)

-David

[Patrick Bol]

Well i see many response, thank you.

We are well trained team, i am master commercial sailship 500 Ton world wide, sailed across many oceans on yachts and tallships between 45 and 258 feet. I crossed already Mindanello to Barbados in fair conditions, very similar course and know a bit what to expect.

As we push the limits of what is physically and boat structure wise is possible i want to be on conservative side and bring an escort yacht.

Our total budget for boat, training, equipment food and media circus exeeds well over 400k usd, by no means a small project, till now we all chip in most.

Therefor to get some compensation we need to have extensive media coverage. The escort yacht is mainly used to host the camera team, editors and drone pilot that make a documetary.

If we get into trouble on the rowboat we can look after our selves in most cases, we got liferaft, double set of water makers, all the usual ebirb, ais, vhf, chartplotter, flares, radar repeater, Coppins sea anchor and drogue and good seamanship😂

If we then still need to surrender to the sea the last thing i want is to lose the craft and to jepardize a containership crew or bulk carrier to come and get us.

So maybe we are a bit overcautious but the crew wives also seem to sleep better at home😀 and so does my employer and sponsor!

This is realy exiting project and there are many interesting aspects. We row for the biggest topic and thats reducing plastics in ocean. We started
Briefing 5000 pupils and students, some schools we connect life during our voyage via are satcom life streaming connectivity. We mobilize our community in Dakar where we build a new port as well as Suriname. We also want to fund a river skimming machine in the Indus river near india and pakistan and operate for 3 years. This river and mostly its nearbye inhabitants dumps huge volumes of plastics and junk into the Arabian sea. So when you cruise the Maldives you must have noticed some stuff on the beaches.😣

I went out to do a reconnaisance on Braamspoint Paramaribo where we will land, massive leatherbacks come onshore at night to nest. Pitty there and many debris from logging obstructing their way but amazing sights.

So the build has started at our home base in Dubai, we build carbon fibre and Nomex at PCT yard. Our rowing tri is 40 feet long and 23 feet wide. Main hull only 3.3 feet so we hope to have a fast boat that we can surf on the waves.

We love ocean and we want to ensure it is still teaming with life when our children are old enough to enjoy it.

Anyway, if you own a large cruising yacht over 50 feet monohull or cat, you are nearbye Dakar on 1 December 2018 and you need some company let us know, we can also mobilize additional sailors to assist watchkeeping and comfort and we ensure your cost are covered.😀

Sorry for errors, wrote from my phone

Hear you soon

[Patrick Bol]

Yes thats me couple of weeks ago, good trial