RI to Bahamas...looking to help out

Moxxnix · 08-18-2009, 12:26 AM

Hi.
Myself and perhaps a buddy are interested in crewing on a sail boat this October from East coast to Bahamas. We are both commercial airline pilots and can fly ourselves to and fro. Have about 10 days to spare.
Apart from sailing on my fathers boat 20 years ago and running my ski boat, fishing in Alaska, I don't have much experience.
We both have good jobs and have worked up from the flight line to pilots..that said am not interested in taking away anyones bread and butter doing this. However, I would love to help out for free food and a bunk, learn about sailing and navigation, etc.
If you need one or two guys to help out, let me know.
Thanks,
Martin

NYCAP123 · 08-18-2009, 01:44 AM

RI to the Bahamas in October by sail for bunk and board and even provide you own transport back? Pack the Dramamine boys, I'm sure you'll get many offers, and you will definitely learn sailing and navigation and a few things more. Have fun.

Capt J · 08-18-2009, 05:46 PM

I'm not a sailor, but I am pretty sure you'll need more then 10 days for that trip, unless the wind is absolutely perfect.

NYCAP123 · 08-18-2009, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capt J

I'm not a sailor, but I am pretty sure you'll need more then 10 days for that trip, unless the wind is absolutely perfect.

Running 24/7 with October winds 10 days should be close.

sagharborskip · 08-18-2009, 10:49 PM

Newport to Grand Bahama is just about 1000 NM...10 days would work if all goes well...

Ha! If all goes well! Well prepared boat, good weather window, no mishaps - shouldn't be a problem. Finding a boat that's traveling when your schedule permits might be the hard part...

NYCAP123 · 08-19-2009, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sagharborskip

Newport to Grand Bahama is just about 1000 NM...10 days would work if all goes well...

Ha! If all goes well! Well prepared boat, good weather window, no mishaps - shouldn't be a problem. Finding a boat that's traveling when your schedule permits might be the hard part...

And there be the reason people shouldn't use part-time captains and crew. Cruising almost always puts you into plan B. I've transported from NY to Miami in 5 days. I've also done it in 14 days. If your captain or crew has a regular job to get to on a specific date that has to be his priority. I'd hate to get to day 8 on this trip and have to divert to the US so my crew could jump ship leaving me to find new crew in a place where I don't know anyone (think escaped convict). So Moxxnix you and your friend will have to think about exactly how much time you can take off if need be. That is the reality of being an independent captain. A two week transport could easily leave you earning nothing for the rest of the month, but that's another thread.

Moxxnix · 08-20-2009, 01:23 AM

And that is a very good point NYC Captain. The winds are fickle, as are incomes, especially nowadays. I agree, a well intended "help out" good turn into a financial disaster for you pros and a disappointment for many.
i appreciate the many posts regarding the subject and have to admit that this journey seems too ambitious. 1000 miles in a jet in two hours is sure different than the variables you face. Maybe a BVI charter with my fishing bobber and velvetta cheees lure would be better