Many years ago I met my friends Ian and Cindy when they were paid Captain and crew on a boat I occasionally sailed and raced on. We stayed in touch over the years and did quite a bit of sailing together, including a TransAtlantic crossing in 2013 on an Oyster 655. They had even asked Carol and me to crew for them a few years ago on another 655 that was planning on passing through the Panama Canal and voyaging to the Galapagos and on to the Marquesas. Alas, those plans changed, (twice) and then the boat was sold.
Last year they were sailing as unpaid crew on a boat that was participating in the Oyster World Rally. Upon reaching New Zealand an opportunity came up for them to buy their very own Oyster 54. They immediately invited us to come sail and cruise with them for a few months; what's not to like about THAT, right? Of course we said yes! Woo-Hoo, several weeks sailing in New Zealand and we get to miss February winter here? Cool.
But that meant the boat they had been sailing on was now left without crew. Ian then recommended us to the owner as his and Cindy's replacements. After speaking with the owner (and looking at each other wide-eyed and pinching ourselves several times) we said yes, we'd love to join your boat.
Which means that in late March, after sailing with Ian and Cindy for several weeks we will join the other boat named SEA AVENUE, and we'll be departing New Zealand heading to New Caledonia and on to Vanuatu. We then continue on to Australia with time to cruise Malaysia and Indonesia ending up in Bali in late August. The full route can be found here.
If we stay on beyond this point we leave Bali, Indonesia, cross the Indian Ocean to South Africa and sail up the Atlantic to Grenada and finish in Antigua in April of 2019.
Yeah, WOW, that's what we said (or something similar)! So come along with us as we (sporadically) post updates on our big adventure!
Needless to say, plans to design and build our new house are currently on HOLD! But we did find a great waterfront lot with a nice view.
We're outta here!
4 comments:
Life is short, sail well, soak it all in and enjoy yourselves. Stay on the boat!
WOW! That is a chance of a lifetime! Enjoy every single moment!
Marina
Looking forward to following you both on your great adventure. Meanwhile, back on the Piankatank, all is calm and COLD. The eagles are running amok here. Cheers, mates.
Lynn
WOW! I'm looking forward to following your adventure. Happy sailing and crewing to you both! --Nancy
Post a Comment