There has never been a better saying to sum up what I need to explain than “There is no such thing as a free lunch”. The word ‘inclusive’ should be substituted. Many skippers put it another way “I am not a charity”. Politely as possible I am trying to filter out the inquiries of the dreamers and schemers who misunderstand what spending time on Tropicbird is all about.
Please LABEL it what you will, Charter, Crew Sharing Expenses, Paying Passengers, Business, Product whatever. DEFINE those who come aboard and call yourselves crew(see Workload), paying passengers, paying crew; what you will. I am just trying to define the opportunity. If you decide to join in the sailing activities and learn to raise a sail or steer and that makes you ‘crew’ sobeit. It doesn’t offend me what you call or what you call yourself, (I call myself captain because I have a qualification which allows me to do so) as long as you accept the conditions, enjoy and get as much out of the experience as possible (whilst adding your individual slant on life), isn’t that what it’s is all about.
What you should consider is the fun and adventure on offer whilst aboard and the cost of it. If I was to call it a Charter Business would this stop you joining if everything else suited you, including the cost?: it doesn’t matter. It also doesn’t matter where the left-over money after food etc goes. (dare I call this profit). I have tried to explain that the money goes back into my boat and supports me. The opportunity would simply not be there otherwise.
So all those who think that they can have ’something for nothing’ can try elsewhere. Those who think this is the marine version of ‘couch surfing’ it is not. Those who think that I charge too much please take a look at other boats who have space and by all means join them, some charge more some less. Some have features available on Tropicbird others don’t have these features, some have more some have less, some charge in a different way, different cruising areas etc etc. I don’t need to make comparisons or be so rude as to comment on other boats it’s not my business, (oops there’s that word again,) still perhaps this phrase really explains things, if it is not my business it’s somebody’s.The one thing we have in common is that we are all trying to offer good value for money and a unique opportunity.
Living on a boat for any length of time is great fun, planning the next passage and looking towards your next destination and bringing this all to fruition is a thrill, dealing with the myriad of challenges is great adventure.
I don’t have problems I have challenges !
I love living on my boat and am endeavoring to continue for a very long time, I’d also like to SHARE this wonderful way of life with others.
Back to reality back to COSTS