HAPPY CREW - SAILING EXPEDITIONS

• Preferably be "under sailed" at night (e.g. one reef) to be sure we do not have to undertake any sail hazardous manoeuvres at night.

• In theory the skipper and the cook are not part of the watch: the skipper because  and he/she can be (must be)  contacted at ANY event: tacking, setting the engine, reefing, hazard  etc. And the cook because this is a tough job. Lets discuss this. May be the most experienced of us should be in a watch. accompanied with 1 crew who has never done it before. 

• At night only essential crew is on deck. ALWAYS be attached to the boat with your life line. Never go outside the cockpit without the skipper or an experienced crew knowledge. You fall overboard  at night = you probably die. 

• No loud talking if this disturbs the sleeping crew. A good crew is either sleeping or awake. 

• As we will cross 8 commercial lanes the watch will need be vigilant at all times observing 360 degrees  and monitoring traffic on the AIS. The AIS will indicate the collision routes, so apply good judgement.  A number of boats have good reasons not to be on the AIS: military, smugglers, fishermen outside their legal zone, spies,  internet lines cutters...

•  Observe the stars, the luminescent plankton,  the coming sun, dream...night watch  is a special time also. 

• 1- 2 crews max on deck, including one with experience at any time.  And then we can rotate on the way back. 

• When you have completed your watch. complete the log book and go to sleep.   Do not overdue your watch as it will disrupt the full schedule. And you must be fully awake when needed, not drowsy. 

• The time on board is the time of the last departure. Beware of it if your watch is automatically updated. 

• 1. Physical fitness focused on body strength, flexibility and balance. Please do at least do a few regular workouts before the cruise. Make your  simple programme: planks, pushups, lunges, crunches, one leg stand. E.g. 15 minutes daily.  Lot of videos on youtube. https://darebee.com/ or the classic video from Jane Fonda.

• If you are overly sensitive to motion sickness, consult your GP. At least be informed of its symptoms and treatment. There is lot of rubbish information about it on line. 

• 2. Mind preparation including relaxation, visualisation and motivation.

  •  Various techniques possible. E.g. Individually, close your eyes and visualise various scenarios in the cruise. such as tacking, anchoring, docking.  Can be done collectively. 

  • Write your expectations from the cruise in terms of enjoyment and personal growth.

• 3. Sailing culture awareness

Sailing culture is not restricted to high profiles races like the Americas cup, or the Vendee Globe Challenge, or famous writers like Jacques London. Sailing culture is part of a wider maritime culture. including the life of unknown sailors, circumnavigators and people leaving by the sea. 

• Review your classics: literature, sailing manuals, terminology. Rehearse your favourite songs. You can do some voice and breathing exercises for singing. 

• Follow some circumnavigators, watch movies by the sea. 

• 4. Social, communication and management skills. 

  •  Review the principles of "social intelligence", and "crucial conversations". 

Join the dream! Sailing round the world  - 2030