While it is getting late, we could possibly consider taking one additional crew member, willing and able to stand watch, for any portion of the voyage.
While the schedule looks fairly reasonable, adverse winds, breakdowns, severe weather or other unexpected events can cause delays. If you were to fly to Newfoundland, and we weren't there yet, you might have to find a place to stay until we arrived. If flying in to Canada with a one-way ticket, you may need a letter of introduction from the skipper explaining that you are joining the boat for the voyage back out of the country. You probably will need to demonstrate that you have enough money or an appropriate credit card such that you could get back out of Canada on your own (without the boat) if necessary.
Understand that this voyage will entail several Offshore Passages "...of long distance and well offshore, where yachts must be completely self-sufficient for extended periods of time, capable of withstanding heavy storms and prepared to meet serious emergencies without the expectation of outside assistance."
The other members of the crew include: Dan Allen (captain), Nat Davis (cook), Tim Allen (navigator), and Harold Smith (crew)
You would need to:
- Have a valid passport.
- Wear and clip-on your inflatable PFD with harness and tether, whistle and strobe light (see recommendations) when on deck at night, when alone on deck, when the yacht is reefed, when the wind is over 25 knots, or when visibility is under a mile. (Tim has a spare PFD with harness, tether, whistle and strobe light--see description--that he can lend to the fifth member of the crew.)
- Provide your own foul weather suit (with hood, marine-grade retro-reflective patches, and high-visibility colors on its upper parts and sleeve cuffs) and sea boots. (See additional suggestions on what to bring.)
- Provide for your own transportation (by air and/or other means) to and from meeting points (see note about flying with your PFD).
Some Relevant Airport Codes:
It may also be possible to fly to or from Sydney, NS, or travel between Halifax and Sydney via bus.
- YYT = St. John's, Newfoundland
- YHZ = Halifax, Nova Scotia
- MHT = Manchester, New Hamsphire
- BOS = Boston, Massachusetts (Logan)
- PWM = Portland, Maine
- BDL = Harford, Connecticut (Bradley)
- Contribute to the food planning and purchase.
- Become really conversant with the Rules of the Road, man-overboard recovery procedures and other aspects of Safety at Sea.
- Be resistant to motion sickness, and provide yourself with a supply of anti-seasickness treatment most effective for you (some of which may require a prescription from a doctor, e.g. scopolamine patches).
- Refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages while underway, and the use of tobacco products anytime while aboard.
- Not bring any illicit drugs aboard, not even an old backpack that once carried some, as boats are confiscated when illicit drugs are found aboard.
And finally
- You must understand and agree to accept the dangers of such a passage, including (but not limited to): storms, icebergs, collisions, and fog.
There is one more expectation - that you will keep your commitment to join us once you so agree. Finding replacement crew members able to stand watch at the last minute is very difficult.
For more information, see the list of related web sites.
Follow this link for a detailed description of Diapensia's accommodations and equipment.
If you're still interested, contact the Captain (natanddan@nhvt.net) or Navigator (catamount@nh.acadia.net)
Last Modified April 30, 2003