Getting Your Sea Legs Before The Big Trip - R2G - The Race2theGreen Project!

Getting Your Sea Legs Before The Big Trip

Posted June 16th, 2008 - 6:38 pm by

from North Hollywood, United States (Permalink)

If you own a sailboat and are looking for crew members to work in exchange for passage, or are a traveler who is interested in joining the "Race to the Green" but have no experience with sailing, feel free to post about opportunities here. This can serve as a sort of mini-Craigslist for us, or a sort of Sailing 101 program.

Posted June 18th, 2008 - 6:05 pm by

from Nesodden, Norway (Permalink)

Yeeho!
I'm gonna sail a lot this summer with a sailing boat I found, fixed and crewed through couch surfing. So if you're around Norway, Sweden or Denmark, you're very welcome onboard!

Posted June 19th, 2008 - 5:08 am by

from Oakland, United States (Permalink)

How to travel for free on a sailboat:

http://www.ehow.com/how_6688_travel-free-sailboat.html

Posted July 24th, 2008 - 10:56 pm by

from Twizel, New Zealand (Permalink)

that sounds like a great reason to go to norway, how often do you sail ?

Posted June 20th, 2008 - 8:38 pm by

from North Hollywood, United States (Permalink)

Between now and March of 2009, I'm looking at going through some coastal areas in the U.S. like San Diego, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston and Key West.

Maybe some CSers who have boats might be willing to work with me help get some Sailing 101 sessions up and running? I wonder how many weeks is a good amount of time to commit?

Posted July 4th, 2008 - 6:40 am by

from North Hollywood, United States (Permalink)

Also, anyone who is in those areas or will be traveling there when I am, feel free to private message me and maybe we can work out something to train on the same boat together. That would rock!

Posted July 8th, 2008 - 11:36 am by

from Amsterdam, Netherlands (Permalink)

When will the EU trip be sure?
I wanna help!!
=D

Posted August 1st, 2008 - 9:51 am by

from North Hollywood, United States (Permalink)

One thing we should definitely consider is getting all of the really dedicated people to come to Florida for several weeks before the trip starts, so we can practice sailing together and see how we gel as a group.

What I plan on doing is going to the Ft. Lauderdale/Miami area for January, February and March to not only get my sea legs up as much as possible, but also to work and save up some money for the trip. I highly suggest that those of you who are serious about this consider doing the same. I could put the word out to all my Florida peeps about hosting us and giving us a big send-off in April. It's a great community down there, growing all the time.

Posted August 1st, 2008 - 7:10 pm by

from Philadelphia, United States (Permalink)

How much money do you think someone coming on the trip would need to save before the trip starts?

Just Curious.
Topher

Posted August 5th, 2008 - 2:11 am by

from North Hollywood, United States (Permalink)

The answer to that question will reveal itself better the more we iron details, but I would say that it wouldn't hurt to have a couple thousand in the bank. Like $2,000 or $3,000.

That may seem like a lot, but even working a minimum wage job in the United States, that kind of scrilla is more than possible to come up with - especially if you talk to family/friends about staying them rent-free in preparation for the trip, selling things you don't really need at yard sales/on eBay, taking public transportation as much as possible and even, heaven forbid, working two jobs. I wouldn't recommend anything that I'm not willing to do myself, which is why I'm picking up as many odd jobs as I can and plan to be down in South Florida for all of January/February/March to be working so I can save up as much as I can.

The idea is to keep the cost as low as possible, but without Couchsurfing getting involved as an organization, our ability to get grants, scholarships and donations flies out the window. Which is okay, this is our first time out, so if we do even one boat with a dozen people, it will be a success as far as I am concerned. :)

Posted August 5th, 2008 - 6:33 pm by

from Berea, United States (Permalink)

i was thinking about florida in January a few months ago just because i wanted to be Warm after a summer in alaska. Now this idea has been brought up and florida sounds even more amazing. I would love to work and save money to get to do this trip and help out in the prep-work. Have you heard from any of the CS people down that way?

Posted August 5th, 2008 - 7:00 pm by

from North Hollywood, United States (Permalink)

I just spent several weeks down in the Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood/Miami area and got connected with the community. I'll toss out a message to everyone down there in the next day or so and get the ball rolling on this. We could have people alternate staying with different hosts, kind of like an Invasion (for those who aren't familiar with the concept, it's where a buncha people from one city go surf in another city...hence, an "invasion"). I'll post the links to the threads I create as a reply to this message once they're up.

Posted August 5th, 2008 - 11:52 pm by

from Seattle, United States (Permalink)

Hey Derek, I'm sure this fits better in a different thread, but since you mentioned the issue here (and I've seen you mention it a time or two before), I thought I'd give you some food for thought.

You said:
"... without Couchsurfing getting involved as an organization, our ability to get grants, scholarships and donations flies out the window"

Are you sure about that? I have done some preliminary research into forming a charitable organization (non-profit corporation) for an event that I am working on - as well as future events - and it does not appear to be all that difficult. I think the difficult part is getting IRS tax-exempt status. So perhaps we could form a non-profit for this race and future events like it, and apply for grants in that manner... although I suppose the window may be getting tight timing-wise for getting grants.

Cheers,
Derek

Posted August 6th, 2008 - 2:01 am by

from North Hollywood, United States (Permalink)

I just created a new thread called "What You Can Do To Help", which can be found here:

http://www.couchsurfing.com/group_read.html?gid=11469&post=1361847

Perhaps one (or more) of the 130 people who belong to this group will take it upon themselves to do get on this?

Posted August 12th, 2008 - 8:36 am by

from North Hollywood, United States (Permalink)

Re-posted, thanks to the wonderful whoopkat...

1. The Nina needs crew
Posted by: 'Kris Wood' sfbaybreezes@ yahoo.com sfbaybreezes
Sun Aug 3, 2008 9:30 pm (PDT)
Hi folks,

If any of you can make a 30 day commitment, the Nina is looking for 2 crew now, and also in the coming months. She is currently sailing up the Delta to Sacramento.

To apply, go to thenina.com, and select the Nina from the home page.
The next window that comes up has a crew application.

I don't know if any of you were able to see her at the Festival of sail -- she is a fascinating vessel. The most exact replica of Columbus' flagship.

The current crew seem like great folks. I talked with them at some length at the Festival.

So if any of you are interested, or know others who may be, go ahead and contact them.

FYI.

Kris Wood

2. Crew wanted for Hawaii to SF
Posted by: 'Paul Kamen' fishmeal@sonic. net call_me_fishmeal
Mon Aug 4, 2008 1:33 am (PDT)

Anyone interested in sailing from Hawaii to SF?

There are at least two boats seriously looking for crew for the trip back to California. They are among the 60 boats that just completed the Pacific Cup race from SF to Kaneohe, in Oahu.

The first boat is named Valis, a Pacific Seacraft 44. Paul Eliot is the owner/skipper, and plans to leave Kaneohe on or about Thursday August 7. Photo and other boat info at

http://pacificcup. org/08/entries/ pc08-yacht_ bio.php?yacht_ id=58

This is a particularly attractive deal for someone with a little bit of big boat or offshore experience because the owner will pay airfare to Hawaii.

If anyone is interested I can provide cell phone contact number (and a good reference if I know you) and you can take it from there.

The other boat is No Ka Oi, the Moorings 43 that I raced on this year. They need two more crew for a total of four, but you have to get yourself to Hawaii first. Plan is to leave on or about September
7. The owner will be back in the Bay Area for a few weeks before then, so you can meet him first.

Both boats are very well managed and about as safe as an offshore cruiser can be, and there are no observably psychoses afflicting either of the two skippers.

http://pacificcup. org/08/entries/ pc08-yacht_ bio.php?yacht_ id=37

The trip generally takes a little under three weeks for boats of that type, but it can also take longer so it's best if it's not a disaster if the crossing goes over 21 days. You will need good foulies and warm inner layers, and a sleeping bag. Ask about harnesses, strobe lights and other safety gear. The boats might or might not have extras for you if you don't already own these things. Delivery crew are generally not asked to share cost of provisionins or other consumbables, but it's always best to make sure of this up front.

I think you could also fax a 'crew available' notice to Kaneohe Yacht Club for posting on their bulletin board if you want to see what other boats might be looking for crew, and under what terms.

I only sailed the return from Hawaii once, in my Merit 25, and it was a great trip, highly recommended. and it's a great way to get that first offshore passage experience.

Paul Kamen, Naval Architect
www.SurfaceP ropulsion. com
pk@well.com 510-540-7968 510-540-6324 (fax)

3. Bahia Info - unclassifed
Posted by: 'Carl Caven' ccaven4@sbcglobal. net carl_caven
Mon Aug 4, 2008 7:22 am (PDT)
Since we own the largest Bahia fleet in the world, many of the more subtle operating tidbits have been on a top secret, need to know basis only. I have now been authorized to share some of them with you on the condition you continue to keep them secret.

1. Mainsheet
Complaint: The mainsheet does not run freely through the blocks when I release it
Response: There is a little red lever on the main block which turns the pulley ratchet on and off. Try turning it off.

2. Jib sheet
Complaint: The jibsheet does not run freely through the blocks when I release it
Response: One of our members thinks the sheet diameter is too thick; another thinks the blocks are too small. I agree. One Bahia is now fitted with a white, smaller diameter line. Try it.

3. Centerboard
Complaint: Centerboard rides up when I am going fast downwind
Response: Some like the instability running downwind caused when the centerboard decides to retract itself. Others would like a more predictable ride. Two Bahia's have been fitted with a centerboard hold down(thank you Gunter). It is located on the left gnav(boomvang) pulley and cleat. Try it

4. Inspection covers
Complaint: When I capsize the boat and remove one of the inspection covers, the boat tries to sink.
Response: Not capsizing or capsizing with tight inspection covers prevents the boat from sinking. Try it. Also, CSC engineering has a team working on the inspection cover issue.

5. Hiking Stick
Complaint: The hiking stick gets in the way when I am sailing
Response: Mattias has fitted all Bahias with a hiking stick holder in place thing. It is the bungee and ball set-up on the tiller.

6. Main Halyard
Complaint: The main halyard cleat slips
Response: All Bahias have been fitted with horn cleats for the main halyard. Please cleat the main halyard directly and do not use the hoisting pulley as part of the cleating arrangement. It will break.

7. Anchor
Complaint: The anchor gets in the way
Response: Three anchor stowing techiniques are under evaluation. So far the anchor bag fitted on one of the Bahia is winning.

I expect we will fan out anchor bags, centerboard hold downs and maybe smaller jibsheets (or larger blocks) to all Bahias in the near future.

4. DESPERATELY NEED SKIPPERS/CREW THIS WEEK!!
Posted by: 'Humberto T Reyes' htreyes@earthlink. net
Mon Aug 4, 2008 9:18 am (PDT)
Greetings to all,

This is your friendly neighborhood Youth Ride Coordinator once more looking for a volunteers for our Youth Rides but I have only heard back from a couple of Jrs and no skippers yet, so it looks like we MAY HAVE TO CANCEL some of these rides. If I do not hear from any
skippers before the end of the day I will go ahead and CANCEL these rides.

I know it is difficult for so many to volunteer during the weekdays but this is such an AWESOME way to give back to the community. If there is any way you can help out I know the kids would really appreciate it!

Berkeley Youth Alternative (I have 0 skippers and 1 Junior, I need 2
skippers and 1 more Junior to crew)
Tuesday, 08/05 @ 10:00am
12-15 Kids
2 Commanders

Albany YMCA (I have 0 skippers and 1 Junior, I need 3 skippers and 2
Juniors to crew)
Wednesday, 08/06 @ 11:00am
24 Kids
2 Commanders
1 Ensign

Again if you are able to help out please provide me with your additional contact information (off the list), ideally a phone number in case I need to contact you.

Thank you so much for your willingness to help!

See you on the water,

--humberto
htreyes@earthlink. net

Posted August 18th, 2008 - 3:31 pm by

from Nesodden, Norway (Permalink)

Hei,
I'm on my way to sail from England to Portugal on the Tall Ship Race, http://www.tallshipsraces.com/funchal500/
I'll check out some nice places to visit for our trip!
Tieno

Posted August 19th, 2008 - 9:38 pm by

from North Hollywood, United States (Permalink)

I have decided to stay put in San Francisco Bay for a few months and get my sea legs up. I'll be hanging around the marinas, bugging captains and CSers who own boats. Anyone want to come join me? Even if it's just for a few days or a week, I can find you hosts to stay with! The community is active and vibrant out here!

Posted August 23rd, 2008 - 6:57 pm by

from North Hollywood, United States (Permalink)

For any of you all who are in the San Francisco Bay Area or would like to come here, the Cal Sailing Club is AMAZING! For $60, you get a 3-month membership which allows you to sail every Tuesday and Thursday. That's like, a dollar a lesson! I have no idea how they stay in business! But they're having an open house tomorrow (Sunday the 24th) from 1:00-4:00 p.m. and I'm going to see what I can find out. Also, I will be house-sitting in Sunnyvale for a CSer for a few months, and she has given me permission to continue hosting! So if any of you R2Gers want to come out and get your sea legs with me, consider yourself invited!

Here's the website for the Cal Sailing Club...

http://www.cal-sailing.org/aboutcsc/openhouse.html

Posted August 23rd, 2008 - 3:32 pm by

from Seattle, United States (Permalink)

Hey guys, I just realized that I have a friend in St Pete who is an ASA instructor (and also a CS member), and I also know he's aware of Race to the Green. I'll contact him and see if he'd be up to some lessons or refresher clinics. My guess is that he will be unable to provide them free-of-charge, but maybe he could offer them at a discount. I'll let you know.

Derek