Message Board: Sailing Opportunities

OPO e-mail # 20-71 Bermuda to St. Maarten - This just in a few minutes ago from the full time pro skipper of this Swan 56. He is a very nice skipper and has been on this boat for about 5 years. He is looking for one crew who can fly into Bermuda on short notice and also be able to get tested etc to meet Covid Protocols. It is not as bad as it seems to get tested. The passage is free with all onboard expenses included. If interested please e-mail him right away at XXXXX@XXXX with a copy of your sailing reusme. His e-mail: “ Hi Hank, I have a last minute cancellation of crew (the second cancellation) due to our weather delay. This offers one of your OPO members an opportunity to join us for leg #2 of our trip, from BER to SXM. We intend to arrive in BER on Nov 22 and plan to stay 2-4 days depending on weather. Departure between Nov 24-26. The crew will need to meet all entry requirements for BER (see noonsite or SSCA webinar) and need to cover their own flight to/from. The crew should have some offshore experience as we are doing 2 hr solo watches, including at night. Crew will have their own private cabin. All onboard expenses covered by Captain. No alcohol, no drugs, no smoking/vapes, no exceptions! The boat is a professionally maintained Swan 56 with carbon rig and all the comforts (water making, heater, generator, dodger, autopilot etc.) and safety (EPIRB, Inreach, life raft, Sat Com etc.) you would expect from an ocean going yacht. We will sail with 4 crew total doing 2 ON, 6 OFF solo watches, unless weather justify otherwise. Thanks for posting this request. Hope you had a good trip. CU soon

OPO e-mail # 20-74 Beaufort, NC to Bahamas (via Florida) - OPO member OPOOPO sailed with me in the Swan Program 2 ½ years ago. He bought a boat and moved aboard and has been cruising since, a lot single handed since Covid. The boat is a very nice 2000 Passport 43. All new running and Standing rigging as of last year. AIS, Radar, Iridium Go, EPIRB, liferaft, and a brand new watermaker. OPOOPO is a very nice guy, younger than most of our OPO members, and is looking for someone with a youthful outlook. While the goal is getting to the Bahamas with another person onboard OPOOPO is also interested in meeting people who may be able to join him this winter (as Covid allows) and for longer rather than shorter timeframes.   Be sure to read the Notes at the end of the e-mail. It would be ideal if you were able to meet face to face before he leaves for The Bahamas. He adds: “More info on the dates: the boat is currently on the hard getting painted, but should be ready by www.UUUUU.com. We’ll head offshore from Beaufort to Florida, weather permitting. The Bahamas requires a COVID test 5 days prior to arrival, so we’ll have to sail to Florida, get tested, and then head to the Bahamas. Getting a test is no big deal. I’ve already gotten several. If you end up staying in the Bahamas 5 days after arrival, you’ll need to get a second test. You can read the rules here” https://www.UUUUU.com https://www.UUUUU.com “Looking for sailors and adventurers for a journey to the Bahamas this year and, separately, for within The Bahamas next year. The first leg will be Beaufort, NC to Florida, departing on about www.UUUUU.com. This should give us enough time to stop in Florida and make it to the Bahamas well before Christmas, when you would depart, and a friend will join the boat. Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of spending my COVID shutdown at a marina in the Exumas. It’s not a bad place to be stuck!, and I learned a lot about how the Bahamas operates with its COVID restrictions. I’m confident we can find good adventures regardless of how their regulations change. I’m excited to sail, explore islands both inhabited and not, spearfish, eat lobster, and overall have an incredible time. This year is going to be a once in a lifetime travel opportunity, as not many boats are going. I’ve spoken with many sailors on the east coast who seem turned off by the Bahamas Health regulations and general COVID uncertainty. I’m not discouraged: Anchorages and beaches will be empty! I’m also excited to meet the few boats intrepid enough to make the journey in these strange times.” Note: I’m currently in Brooklyn, and I’ll be driving in a rental car from here to Oriental, NC this weekend. If you are near NYC, or on the way from here to there, I’d love to have a social distanced meet in person! Note 2: Since we must sail to Florida before sailing to The Bahamas, perhaps you could join later from somewhere south of North Carolina. OPOOPO cover boat maintenance and ownership expenses, but he does not want to adopt you. Expenses: Plan to split food costs and chip in for fuel and dockage if applicable as being dockside benefits all. The plan is to anchor out as much as possible. If interested please send an e-mail with your sailing resume and mobile number for texting. His e-mail address is XXXXX@XXXX

OPO e-mail # 20-58 I spoke with boat owner and skipper OPOOPO this morning. He has a sound plan and is looking for one or two crew who wish to join him for his sail from Grenada to St. Maarten. He is a first time user of our services, but he has been sailing for a long time. He explains the circumstances around this particular sail the right was from south to north, Grenada to St. Maarten, where he will leave the boat to get some work down before sailing her to Florida after the New Year. He is flying down this week to get the boat ready for crew who will follow down two or three weeks later. He is willing to help with travel expenses for the right crew. If interested please mail your sailing resume to XXXX@XXXXX He Adds: “Crew Needed: I plan to take a 42’ sailboat (Malo 42) from Grenada to Sint Maarten in the Caribbean, departing late October/early November. I’m not on a strict schedule but am planning on a 7-8 day passage, including some island stops along the way. I’m not uncomfortable doing this solo but would prefer one or two crew along to help (and to make it all more fun). Be aware, there are currently travel restrictions into Grenada which require a four day quarantine in a government approved hotel. But there is a “travel bubble” that includes many of the Caricom countries, if you are located within it you can come and go from Grenada with no quarantine. Ideally I’m looking for someone currently located in the Caribbean “travel bubble” to eliminate the quarantining complications. I’ll cover food and beverages and am willing to provide a travel stipend of $500 to get you from Sint Maarten to the next stop on your journey. In full disclosure I am in the final stages of purchasing this boat. It has been very well maintained but I have reviewed it to date only via video. However I have had a delegate on the boat who has provided an “eyes on” assessment and confirms the boat is maintained to a high standard. I am travelling to Grenada this week to see for myself and have scheduled the survey and sea trial for October 14-16. There is of course a possibility that I discover a deal killing defect on the boat and will have to cancel this trip. I don’t anticipate that happening based on the due diligence I’ve conducted so far, and I will know this by October 16 or very shortly thereafter. I am a lifelong sailor, age 59, who is in very good physical shape. I grew up sailing one-design dinghies (Thistle, Lightning, et al) and have continued that on and off over the years. But I got into cruising in my late teen years and have done extensive coastal cruising. I owned a San Juan 24, then a Gulfstar 37 for about 15 years, sailing it in the Bahamas, northern Caribbean and Florida before moving it to the Great Lakes. I then bought a Jeanneau 40.3 which I had for about 10 years, sailing the Great Lakes from Chicago to Canada and beyond. I have also captained charter boats in the Caribbean (many times), Maine, Florida Gulf coast, Pacific Northwest and the Greek Islands (Cyclades). Prior to the Greek Island charter I received my International Proficiency Certificate and have also completed ASA 101, 103 and 104. Beyond that I’m a very easy going guy. Sailing should be about fun and following one’s passions; drama needs to be left on shore.

OPO e-mail # 20-54 Boat owner and skipper OPOOPO and his wife have a very nice 2019 Leopard 45 Sailing Catamaran named OPOOPO. I spoke with them earlier today and I can tell this is a very good opportunity for members. They are looking for one more crew or a sailing couple who wish to join them. They cruised north with the boat this first full season. They are in the Chesapeake now and will be sailing as a couple back to Florida to the yard they bought her from for a little warranty work. They plan to be ready in early December for Ft. Lauderdale FL to the SW coast or Puerto Rico. The passage is about 900 miles and they plan to make a few stops along the way so expect the passage to take from 2 to 3 weeks in total. He owned a Heli 44 and a Mahe 36 before this boat. They have 6000 miles on the current boat over the last 1.5 years and are full time live-aboards. The boat is well equipped as he adds: Owners version, 3 Cabin, A/C, Generator, Ais, Radar, Auto Pilot, Additional sails; Additional sails; Code D, Symetrical Spinnaker. 8 man life raft, EPIRB. The passage is free with all onboard expenses included but you need to get to and from the boat and have money for shore side stops. They would like crew with some previous solo watch standing skills, but realize having nice people aboard is more important that a know-it-all. If interested please e-mail then with your sailing Resume to XXXXX@XXXX They also have a web site. www.UUUUU.com

OPO e-mail # 20-56 Pro skipper OPOOPO is looking for 2 QUALIFIED and OFFSHORE-EXPERIENCED crew member(s) to round out his offshore passage crew. MUST have offshore experience and MUST provide résumé or sailing log as well as references. He  is a good skipper and has got crew from us numerous times before. He is delivering a fully-equipped Hylas 56 from Annapolis MD to Ft Lauderdale FL. This will be a passage that will take about 6 days...plus possible weather delay days. In addition, applicants should figure on 1-2 days prior to departure, for prep, as well as a half day for cleanup, upon arrival. Final dates are uncertain...the boat is under new ownership and is undergoing a few minor changes at Jabin’s. But let’s assume a departure date of November 2, so... All crew will arrive in Annapolis November 1 for departure a day or two later (weather permitting)...and must be available through November 13 OR SO (?), to allow for potential weather delays. Note: We will notbe staying aboard for more than 1 day beyond arrival in OPOOPO This trip is unpaid (i.e., no per diem) but crew members will have all food expenses covered. Transportation costs to and from the boat will also be reimbursed, up to a maximum of $400. If interested, please e-mail him directly at XXXXX@XXXX (don't forget the "r" in the address). Attach your résumé or log of past offshore trips and include references. He  adds: I am a 100-ton professional delivery captain with 44 years' experience and more than 126,000 offshore miles. I have done this particular passage many times before. I am safety- and weather-conscious, and have a calm demeanor. Cheers!

OPO e-mail # 20-59 Boat owner and skipper OPOOPO is looking for two crew for this passage from Newport to Annapolis. The boat is a 2011 Hylas 49 named “Ren Chai”. He had friends lined up to go with him, but they had to bail last minute because of work. He  has been coastal sailing for over 30 years. His plan is to depart after the rains pass on Sunday/Monday and head to Block Island and then sail offshore to the mouth of the Chesapeake and then on up to Annapolis. The passage is about 350 miles and he figures about 5 days in total for the trip. He plans to go with 3 crew in total so you should be comfortable standing a solo watch. The passage is free with all onboard expenses included but as usual you have to get to and from the boat. You can probably split a car rental with the other crew to get home from Annapolis. If interested please send him your sailing resume and contact information to XXXXX@XXXX

OPO e-mail # 20-49 OPO member OPOOPO is looking for one or two crew to sail his very nice 2003 Caliber LRC 40 foot cutter named “Tempest” south. He is a very nice guy. OPOOPO is a very strong well built offshore boat. He Ads: Auto pilot, Epirb, AIS, New GPS New Radar, VHF, Caliber boat is a long range cruiser very solid boat, good supply of food, refrigerator, stove. I hold 50 ton Captain lic, crewed from St Martin to Newport, NC to NJ, purchased present boat in Maryland sailed to Salem Ma. Looking for 1 or 2 crew to sail from OPOOPO to Florida or only part way if crew prefers first to get to Florida. Later he plans to go to the Bahamas, but like everyone wants to finish the leg south before making further plans. Make a good impression and be invited for future passage opportunities. He would like crew with some experience and who can handle a solo watch. The trip will be a mix of inside and out dependent on weather decisions. Expect the trip to take up to 12 days. The trip is free with onboard expenses included but you need to get to and from the boat and have money for shore side stops. If interested please email him with your sailing resume and contact info at XXXXX@XXXX The new normal includes discussion about Covid and how good you have been at social distancing and if anyone thinks Covid testing is a good idea.

OPO e-mail # 20-48 Glen Cove Long Island NY to Boca Raton Florida - OPO member and pro skipper OPOOPO is looking for 2 crew to sail a 2017 Beneteau Oceanis 45 from NY to Florida. He plans to depart with a good weather window starting Oct 26th. The normal plan in the fall is to sail offshore to the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay for 2 days and then see if the weather is ok to go outside or duck in at Norfolk. Most of the time in the fall it is smart to go inside for 3 or 4 days and then jump out at Beaufort NC and finish the trip offshore if the weather is ok. But you may also find you need to duck in to make progress if there are strong southwest winds which are common in the fall. That is why he says to have time just in case the trip takes longer. I have done two passages with he and he is a very nice guy with lots of sea miles. The owners adult don is also making the passage. He does not have a lot of offshore experience so he needs 2 crew who can handle a solo watch and have been offshore before and can manage coastal navigation running the ICW. The passage is free with all boat and onboard expenses included, but you need to get to and from the boat. The boat is a 3 cabin layout. If interested please e-mail him with your sailing resume and contact XXXXX@XXXX

Updated OPO e-mail # 20-70 Annapolis, MD to Charleston SC - Pro skipper OPOOPO is looking for one more crew for the delivery of a brand new, well equipped, Bavaria C50 sloop. The delivery is approximately 650 nautical miles and will take about 6 days from prep to disembarking. He expects to complete the delivery within the first two weeks of December. Actual departure date not yet determined but within the above mentioned time frame OPOOPO Adds: “Crew should have no physical impairments and easily move around the yacht under most all circumstances, a working knowledge of the rules of the road, basic sailing skills, and an understanding of sail trim as well as familiarity of radar and chart plotters. I will refresh them with any navigation skills as is necessary. We will be there to instruct as they sharpen their sailing skills. Crew will furnish all gear necessary to complete an offshore passage including inflatable life vest. Weather will be understandably cold in December so provision accordingly. There will be three crew on board two of which are 100 ton Ocean Masters. In my web site there is a blurb about the other crew, Bobby Allen. My resume can be seen on my web site: Global Passage Solutions and Yacht deliveries, http://www.UUUUU.com. For the record: I have had nothing but good results from OPO.” OPOOPO is a very nice guy and has been getting crew from OPO for many years. If interested please send your sailing resume to OPOOPO XXXXX@XXXX

OPO e-mail # 20-50 Here is another very good opportunity. This one on an Amel 53, a very fine offshore cruising vessel. He has gotten crew from us before. He is a nice man who loves his boat and wants crew that will take care of the boat as if it were your own. (A good policy to follow all the time). He wants crew that have some offshore experience so they know how a boat handles offshore. If he seems picky about his crew it is because he loves his boat. I would sail with him anytime. He e-mails: “Boat owner and captain OPOOPO is looking for one experienced off-shore crew for his annual trip south . He has one OPO member returning as the 3rd crew. I also know this OPO member and have sailed with him so two nice guys. He has owned this boat since new and takes pride in ownership and keeping things proper and shipshape. He does expect the crew to be easy on the boat and treat it like they would their own home. He does a good job of describing himself and the boat so we copied and pasted some of what he sent us. OPOOPO 53 is a very easy boat to sail and very comfortable. The trip is free with onboard expenses included, but you need to get to and from the boat and have money for meals ashore. If interested please e-mail him at XXXXX@XXXX . OPOOPO On about Oct 25th, I plan to sail from Newport, RI to Martinique. My boat is LADYBUG, a well found, fully equipped 53 Amel ketch. I plan to sail directly to Martinique without a stop in Bermuda (unless it is necessary). OPOOPO counts our time offshore as quarantine, not stopping saves a hassle in Martinique. The trip could take several days longer or less depending on the strength of the Azores/Bermuda high and the trade winds south of Bermuda. I have a dock reservation in Martinique starting on the 8th of November. OPOOPO the crew will be welcome to stay a few days on the boat at its berth at the marina in the village of OPOOPO but anyone who does not leave immediately may have to be tested and then quarantined for 3-4 days waiting for result. The final rules are not yet in. I will require a sailing resume and references. The crew will share a two bunk state room and head. I will provide the food and costs during the voyage. I ask that everyone on the boat have a test and results before coming to Newport. My ideal crew of two would have the following characteristics: Physically fit and healthy (not over-weight), no blood thinner medicines,No problem with seasickness (this is important.), No special diet,No smoking, and this is a dry boat-until arrival,Must be experienced in off-shore sailing, each person will do a solo watch. Follow instructions and ask questions. OPOOPO is a complex machine. Amel will not allow new owners to take their boat until they have spent about 7 full days with an Amel employee learning how to sail and take care of the boat. Be familiar with mechanical things and modern navigation equipment. Be interested in many things, don’t be a fanatic of any kind. Share the food preparation and cleaning. I had the boat built in OPOOPO in 1998. I have sailed it approximately 60,000 miles. This includes 3 transatlantic trips, numerous times to Bermuda and the Caribbean down to Trinidad and up to Canada, from England to the Mediterranean and all over the Mediterranean during the 8 years that I lived on the boat in OPOOPO in southern France. I replaced the boat engine 3 years ago and the rigging last winter. Last winter, the electric motors for the sail controls and the motors for the two auto-helms were rebuilt. The sails were new last year.