Ten years ago I started living on boats of my own full-time. The first was 28 feet, the second 40 feet, the third 50 feet and currently on Tropicbird which is also fifty feet. Regardless of the size I have developed a variety of methods and practices which make life aboard pleasant and comfortable.
My aims and goals are many but I guess the top of the list is to travel and for me this is achieved most readily and comfortably by living on a yacht and sailing. As you may discover I have a wealth of experience. I started traveling when I was eighteen years old and am keen to continue. The idea behind offering places on board Tropicbird is for mutual benefit. The benefit to me is companionship which helps me sail and travel. For instance by those aboard sharing some of the nighttime vigilance by taking ‘watches’; in time I might get a bit more than ten minute ‘cat-naps’. For those coming aboard it’s the opportunity to SHARE this rather unique lifestyle, whilst also experiencing different cultures and seeing places from a different platform. Different that is from a land-based hotel or a series of hostels or even camping.(Incidentally whilst living aboard Tropicbird I have often reminded my crew “This is not camping”).
I will gladly Log your time onboard and your sea-miles which may help towards a qualification. I will (if earned) write you a reference. I will entertain any reasonable idea which makes good use of Tropicbird be it an expedition going up the Amazon, filming, research or such. All suggestions will be given due consideration. Please make your suggestions and we can make a plan. I will go anywhere !
Tropicbird has an ongoing maintenance program which whilst no threat to the seaworthiness never the less must be continued. As a yacht carpenter I endeavor to work on my boat as and when time and money allows, ‘look after the ship and the ship will look after you’. I don’t expect any involvement from my crew but having people on-board also provides an element of security whilst I forage ashore for materials for instance. This work is part of my commitment to my boat and therefore part of my long-term plan of preservation. It doesn’t get in the way of traveling since whilst the crew are exploring some new destination and culture I will probably be found looking after Tropicbird’s maintenance program.
In essence my Ethos is to provide the opportunity for others to share my love of sailing and traveling.