The Sailing Bug

Just as I was about to leave for work this morning the postman dropped off a couple of parcels for me. They contained the NMCS course and equipment I ordered which is pretty good service seeing as I only confirmed my place Wednesday evening. I did not have time to have a close look at all the items but it seems like they have included about 6 of the course modules (most of which appear to be navigation based) and at least 1 exam along with some charts and books. I will post more later when I get home and have a chance to have a proper look at everything.

I finally managed to sign up for my correspondence course with the National Marine Correspondence School last night. I will be studying for their coastal cruising course that incorporates all aspects of the RYA day skipper and Yachtmaster courses and includes the Yachtmaster shore based certificate. The course consists of 31 modules and NMCS claim that it can be completed in as little as 4 weeks but at an average of 4 hours a week it could take 8 - 9 months to complete. Phrixus has also signed up for the Yachtmaster course which consists of 18 modules so it looks like we will be meeting up for a beer and a bit of study for the next few months.

Right so I have decided to start looking at doing some qualifications for the trip. After having a look around I decided to have a go at the Coastal skipper course offered by the National Marine Corespondance School as it covers the RYA dayskipper course material as well as the RYA yachtmaster course and some other useful stuff. That should keep me busy for a few weeks! I have also emailed the local PADI dive centre in Guernsey about PADI courses so that I can become certified to do some SCUBA diving on the trip.

Unfortulatly the NMCS website is broken and wont let me enrol and I have not heard back yet about the PADI course! Looks liek some phone calls are in order tommorow.

I was thinking this morning “why do I want to go on this trip and what do I want to get out of it? After a quick think I have thought of a few things. I want to see the world and visit places I have never been before – there are so many different cultures, places and people out there beyond the rock I live on that I would hate to grow old without exploring the world I live in beyond Guernsey. The idea of SCUBA diving in crystal clear Mediterranean water, anchoring up off a remote Caribbean Island and taking my mountain bike to the island to explore the sights, earning money by taking up jobs in ports and other places we stay and being able to pass on the stories of the trip for may years to come is what is driving me to go on this trip. This is my dream – this is what I want to get from the trip.

I can see nothing worse than growing old regretting lost opportunities or reflecting on what I could have done when I was younger but no longer have the time, money or ability to pursue.

Phrixus has come across the perfect soloution for a bit of off road fun when we get into port. It is the Hummer tactical mountain bike. It folds up in less than 30 seconds by releasing just one lever. It was desigined for the American millitary to use in off road situations. I am not sure if this means we are going to run into each other whilst riding, frequently get lost or feel the need to ride around shouting loudly but its inbulit navagation system will always ensure we are never far from a McDonalds!

Now that we have decided to go on the trip I have started to compile a small list of things to do and research for the trip. This is by no means a complete list but just some things to get on with for the next week or so.

Draft a budget to figure out how much money I can save and how much I will need before leaving.
Research first aid and lifesaving courses.
Research sailing qualifications such as day skipper and ocean skipper.
Research options for SCUBA diving qualification so that I can go SCUBA diving when away.
Research VHF radio operators course.
Get pricing for Hummer mountain bikes from Ebay or anywhere that sells them.
Research solar panels and other forms of providing electricity for all the electronics we are going to be taking with us.
Check out boat prices to help with budgeting.
Source musical instruments (more to follow on this one )
Read stories of other people who have been on sailing trips and find more things to add to this list and see if there is any useful tips or information.
Chat with everyone else going and pencil in a departure date.
Devise a list of things to do whilst at sea to alleviate the boredom.
Consider how to earn money whilst travelling to support ourselves.