Watch: Sailing Fiji to NZ
GOOD VIBES & SURF in FIJI
Bula!
In 2015 I quit my tech sales job in San Francisco and escaped the rat race with plans for a circumnavigation. I quickly learned Rule #1 on a boat: plans change! I became obsessed with Fiji and surfing and now I’m starting my 6th season here.
My boat is a modern and fast Beneteau Oceanis 423 that’s been upgraded in every way necessary so we can safely and comfortably live off the grid. As long as the food lasts.
I’m used to sailing and have even done long passages on my own but lucky for you, I'm a believer that experiences are even greater when shared.
Surfing has become an obsession. If you know, you know... So that’s the priority. I also kiteboard, either from the sandbar or right off the back of the boat. Life on board “Carthago” is all about enjoying good food, conversation, and staying active by hiking, fishing, kayaking, free-diving/snorkeling/spear fishing, bonfires, etc.
So far, so good?
Some things to note:
- To be clear, this is NOT a charter. This is a SHARED adventure which means shared chores, expenses, and fun. We’re all equals on the boat, we vote and share our opinions, but as an experienced captain interested in being efficient and safe, I’ll make the final decisions
- Expenses are a fixed amount per day and will cover everything on board (all meals, snacks, beer a contribution for fuel, bed, clean linens, etc.) Vegetarians, vegans, pescatarians, carnivores, alcohol abstainers all contribute the same amount. This is not a work exchange, this is a shared experience. The fun, but also the financial burden and work (cooking, dish washing, scrubbing the hull, cleaning, etc.) is shared by everyone on board as equals.
- Preference will be given to good cooks, surfers, kite boarders, guitar players, sailors...
- I’m looking for people around my age or younger (I’m 33) I’ll emphasize, I’m not looking for someone “young at heart” or “the youngest old person you’ll ever meet,” I’m looking for crew around my age
- Sailing experience helps but isn’t necessary. However, good attitude is a must. I’m happy to teach you the rest. I’m an ASA certified sailing instructor.
- Cleanliness, tidiness and safety go hand in hand on a boat. And I take safety very seriously!
- You can fly into Nadi Airport (main Fiji airport)
- I expect a 1 month minimum commitment, and then we can go from there... If you want to spend less time I suggest googling "Sailing charter.” Once again, this is an opportunity to share a lifestyle, it is not a charter.
- I'll probably ask you to bring a bottle of rum and your favorite drink from the Duty Free if you're flying in.
- Life on a sailboat can be tough. Sometimes you can’t get sleep because the boat doesn’t stop moving back and forth, sometimes you have to wake up in the middle of the night because the wind picks up or the swell comes in unexpectedly and we have to change anchorages, things break and we have to adapt quickly, there’s limited water (you can shower every day, but it’s a short shower), power is limited (we live off solar panels and a wind generator), you need to be astute and move quickly when needed, the boat needs to be kept clean and we all share tasks on board such as washing dishes, cleaning, etc. I think it’s important to be upfront about this, it’s not just the glamorous Instagram shots you see, there's a tough lifestyle behind it all, but I personally think earning it makes it that much better.
- I don’t *need* crew but I’m looking for people I would *want* to share this adventure with. What would your contribution be to life onboard? HINT: You’ll probably get bonus points if you know/want to learn to surf/kitesurf / know your way around the galley / play a musical instrument / are into photography/video. Mention this when you message me!
I’ve spent my life savings on this boat and hundreds of hours of blood, sweat and tears to prepare and upkeep it for this ongoing adventure. Now, I want to spend time with interesting people that will add value, become friends and share memories with. If you’d like to join, please send me a message with a little bit about yourself and what you would contribute to life onboard. (Friendly advice: A message saying “I want to sail, I want to see the world, I want to have fun, I’ve always wanted to explore islands.” probably won’t catch my attention... I like to form TEAMS and everyone needs to contribute for this to be a great experience for all!)
If you can’t join but want to follow along you can check out @sailingseabbatical on Instagram and stay in touch for future opportunities. There are lots of up to date pictures too if you want to have a better idea of what this shared experience is all about.
When you apply, please also include your available start date, your go to dish to cook and confirm you understand the expenses are shared so I know you’ve read this, and know how to follow directions ;)
I look forward to hearing from you!
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