Some folks have expressed an interest in participating in part of these voyages. Before you pack your bag and fly down here, please read the following. I'm not trying to dissuade you, but would like to give you some idea what you're getting into. Rather than be disappointed with unexpected surprises, I want you to have a really fabulous time aboard!
The daily routine aboard varies from day to day. The days under sail are typically long and after a long passage, bodies and minds are sore and tired. Most of the time is spent tending the sails and wheel, cooking and cleaning, navigating, fishing, etc; sleeping when you can, which isn't much. Once in port or anchorage, the first day is usually spent recuperating and cleaning up the boat. After that life is pretty laid back as we simply do what we feel like doing. I try to get some work done on the boat each day, but don't like to work all day, or even much of the day for that matter. We like to go ashore to explore, shop (for provisions), socialize, and keep in touch via internet cafes or wi-fi when available. The whole point of these voyages is to live life to its fullest, fun being a large part of that!
Agendas or schedules are difficult to keep as nature doesn't always (usually) oblige specific time frames. Several legs will be able to be made within one to two weeks while others will need up to a month or more, depending on weather and locations of the various airports. Personally, I like to make short hops down the coast to be able to anchor each night when possible. But there are many small anchorages without towns nearby and several more with towns but no airport or even paved roads. Other voyages may be comprised of sailing locally where snorkeling, fishing, socializing, and lounging can be had a day or two from an airport, but again, weather can keep a boat holed up for a day, two, or perhaps much longer. I spent two weeks in Monterey waiting for strong winds and heavy seas to moderate before continuing south. Safety of the boat and crew will always take precidence over schedules. There are also a few ports where a week or two will be spent enjoying the many attractions not to be missed. Careful selection of the various portions of the voyage will help to fit some sea time into your time aboard or just laze about a secluded anchorage in the sun.
Assorted permits are required for every individual, some of which include fishing permits ($58 ea. whether you plan to fish or not), tourist visas, etc. More information regarding these and other requirements will be posted as they become verified.
Minerva is not a cruise ship. All persons aboard will be expected to share in the work, such as standing watches, cooking, and cleaning to name a few. Those insisting on being "passengers" will be promptly deposited on the beach, with or without an airport! Crew will also be expected to share some of the expenses such as food and drink. If fuel is used in order to accomodate your schedule or to charge the batteries for your electric or electronic devices, this expense will also be shared by you.
Minerva is also not a luxurious yacht, yet. Although I find her quite cozy, she is a full blown project under reconstruction. She recently spent six months in dry dock being structurally refit, thoroughly though not completely. She is 79 years old at this writing and has proved herself in many weathers. She's been around the world a couple of times already, though I wasn't with her for those voyages. The interior is currently being redesigned and rebuilt, so many of the amenities you may expect aren't yet built. Presently she has three berths, a galley, a saloon table, a chart table/workstation, and a head (bathroom) though the surrounds for the head are yet to be built. In the meantime, a shower curtain provides limited privacy. She has no refrigeration so ice is required if you like your beer cold or ice in your cocktails.
Are you still with me? I hope you haven't found this picture too forbidding, for the rewards are wonderful! The exhileration of making a new port is extreme, particularly after a tough passage. The next day you wake to a beautiful sunrise surrounded by whales, porpoises, seals, waterfowl and many other surprises. Friends are made and found in nearly every port with many gathering on each other's boats, or ashore, to talk about each others passages and plans, for cocktails and/or meals, and just enjoying each other's company. At sea or a lonely anchorage, the night sky is like nothing ever seen from urbania. Thoughts of planes, trains, and automobiles are lost upon the open waters replaced by the rythmic motion of the wind gently pushing you across the rolling seas, joined by graceful sea creatures, on past the horizon to yet another peaceful anchorage surrounded by warm sandy beaches, perhaps with a small village where friendly people are genuinely happy to meet you. This is really living!
