Frequently Asked Questions
What level of sailing experience do I need to join an expedition?
Intermediate sailing skills with knowledge of terminology is important. Offshore experience is not necessary, that is why most people join us!
I plan to go cruising on my own boat. Will my specific learning goals for ocean voyaging will be met?
We have an organized teaching program with 3-5 hours per day of instruction. Topics are clearly documented in our 90 page Expedition Companion that includes checklists, forms, guidelines and procedures that can be applied specifically to your boat. We have written tests after each topic covered to ensure you are retaining the information presented.
What are the most important traits you look for in an applicant?
Eagerness to learn, thoughtfulness, ability to compromise, respect and consideration, sense of
humor and ability to put safety of boat and crew first are far more important than sailing skills.
How can I prepare for an expedition?
- Complete a coastal navigation course, this is very important.
- If possible sail a dinghy or windsurfer. This will hone your sailing skill and give you a better sense of wind direction and the relationship of cause and effect between wind and sails.
- Learn to stay hydrated. Hydration is a key in minimizing seasickness and fatigue.
- Improve your swimming skills if you aren't already a strong swimmer.
- Learn to be flexible and keep an open mind.
I've noticed that you are very specific in asking about physical condition and exercise program of applicants. Is being in good shape that important?
It is! Ocean voyaging is far more physically demanding than most people expect, even on a modern, large comfortable boat. Expedition members frequently tell us they wished they had taken the time to exercise daily. We've learned that people who exercise at least 20 minutes per day, five times a week, are far better at handling ocean sailing conditions than those who don't. Swimming is one of the best possible exercises in preparation for ocean voyaging.
I'm a woman, and on many of the boats I've sailed on my partner or another man on board insists on "helping me" by handling the sheets and sails. Will this happen on Mahina Tiare?
No way! In fact we don't put couples on watch together so that individual learning and participation occurs. Amanda has coached and trained women sailing teams at an international level and will make sure that your learning goals are met.
Where do most of your expedition members come from? What type of people are they?
Expedition members have joined us from Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, England, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Oman, Poland, Sweden and the U.S. They share a common interest in learning everything possible about ocean voyaging while exploring new islands and countries. Many lasting friendships have been formed during expeditions and we are honored to have the return of many crewmembers.
Is it crowded with six students and two instructors on a 48' boat?
No, as we had the interior designed specifically for these expeditions. While underway at least two people are on deck duty watch. Headroom is 6'6" and berths are 6'6" to 6'8" in length.
What are the duties aboard?
Our daily revolving duty roster includes navigator, galley assistant, weather briefer, cockpit, interior, and head cleaning. Our goal is for you to understand exactly what is involved in shipboard life so you can run your boat safely and expeditiously while ocean voyaging.
What length of watches will I be standing?
You will be standing watch with another expedition member for periods of two hours on watch and an average of four hours off. The watch schedule is designed to provide variety and a realistic view of watch standing especially if you will be voyaging with fewer crew. The watch schedule is changed weekly.
What are my watch duties?
Hand steering, navigating, lookout, trimming sails, checking the radar, and log entries.
Will I be able to communicate with friends or family during the expedition?
Yes, and the easiest and least expensive way is by either internet cafe or telephone ashore when we are in port. When on passage email through our satellite system is slow and expensive; approximately $40 for each message sent or received.
I noticed that several expeditions are in Scotland, Norway and Sweden. Isn't it cold there?
Well, it's sure cooler than Tahiti! The exciting thing is that the sun will rarely set during these expeditions.
What clothes and gear should I bring?
We have enclosed a detailed checklist for you to follow and check off.
I'm concerned about air connections. How do I know that we'll be in port in time for my return flight?
We are always in our final port 24 hours before the end of the expedition in order to clear customs and sign crew off, but ask that you not schedule your return flight earlier than 2PM on the final day of the expedition. Before returning home many expedition members plan a night ashore to unwind and explore.
Michael Henrichs at Doug Fox Travel, 1-877-429-5787, email: Michael.henrichs@dougfoxtravel.com
What is the best way to get travel and trip cancellation insurance?
We recommend Travel Guard International. www.TravelGuard.com, 1.800.549.9037.
How important is it to take the Offshore Cruising Seminar before joining an expedition?
It is important. Not only does the seminar prepare you for the expedition, but if you are planning an offshore cruise on your own boat the seminar will save you time and money. If you are unable to attend another option is to purchase and review the Offshore Cruising Companion before joining the expedition.
If you have any unanswered questions, please
write us at: Mahina Expeditions, Box 1596, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, USA
fax us at: 360-378-6331 or call 360-378-6131
e-mail us at: sailing@mahina.com
Here are some forms which you
can print off and use on your own boat
EMERGENCY STATION BILL
MAN OVERBOARD
Prevention:
Wear harness at all times when above decks
Move forward on the windward side and move cautiously.
Use the head below.
1. Yell "MAN OVERBOARD" to alert the
entire vessel
2. One person POINTS TO VICTIM, never taking
eyes off them.
3. DEPLOY BOTH LIFESLINGS, throwing inflatable one first,
then larger canister sling.
4. HIT MOB, ENTER ON GPS.
5. NOTE BOAT'S HEADING, BRING BOAT IN A CIRCLE through
the eye of the wind, backwinding the jib. Continue circling until
Lifesling reaches victim.
6. STOP THE BOAT by furling the jib and dropping the
mainsail. CHECK FOR LINES in the water.
7. PULL VICTIM TO SWIM STEP AND ASSIST ABOARD. Be very
gentle with person in cold water situations where hyperthermia
may exist.
FIRE EMERGENCY
1. ALERT EVERYONE ONBOARD BY LOUDLY SHOUTING "FIRE!!!"
2. Attempt to EXTINGUISH FIRE IMMEDIATELY.
3. FIRE EXTINGUISHERS ARE LOCATED:
A. ___________________________________________________
B.____________________________________________________
C.____________________________________________________
D.____________________________________________________
4. ENGINE ROOM: Automatic HALON discharges with
a BANG. Turn off engine and blower immediately.
ABANDON SHIP EMERGENCY
1. SOUND ALARM LOUDLY TO WAKE EVERYONE.
2. HEAVE TO.
3. DON LIFEJACKETS located in your hanging locker or
under your bunk.
4. DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO SAVE THE BOAT.
5. THE CAPTAIN MAKES DECISION TO ABANDON SHIP.
CREW 1: Damage Control
CREW 2: Issue MAYDAY from INMARSAT and SSB,
NOTE POSITION FROM GPS. GRAB 406 EPIRB.
CREW3: LAUNCH LIFERAFT
CREW4: Pass ABANDON SHIP BAG to liferaft. Collect lifejackets,
handheld VHF radio, flashlights, blankets, first aid kit, food
and water, spear gun, and hand-held GPS.
6. Never abandon a floating vessel for a liferaft.
STANDING ORDERS
WAKE OR CALL _____________________________________IF:
· You see any lights, ships or objects
· You notice approaching weather; lightning or low,
dark clouds to windward
· Increase in windspeed or change in direction
· Unidentifiable sounds
· IF IN DOUBT, ANYTIME FOR ANY REASON
The captain who knows that he/she will be
awakened
by the crew for these or any reason ALWAYS sleeps better!
WATCH ORDERS
DUTIES OF THE PERSONS ON WATCH, DAY OR NIGHT
· Be on deck with harness on ready to go five minutes
early.
· Before assuming the watch, make sure that you understand
the watch orders and sail plan.
· You are the eyes of the ship and it is essential
to maintain a vigilant 360° lookout.
· The watch person who is not steering is responsible
for looking astern, checking the radar and making log entries.
· Constantly monitor sail trim, wind shifts or increases
and approaching weather.
· Organize sail changes and maneuvers with _________________________________
on deck.
· Check engine gauges every 10 minutes when motoring
· On the hour check that the head is not overflowing
and that valves are closed.
· UNDERSTAND AND OBEY STANDING AND WATCH ORDERS.
END OF WATCH DUTIES:
· Pass on any pertinent information to the relieving
watch. Don't leave surprises.
· Fill out log book and plot position on chart.
· Check that all lines in cockpit are neatly coiled
and that no lines are in the water.
END OF A SAIL PROCEDURE:
· Coil lines, hang sheets and halyards.
· Furl headsail and put mainsail cover on.
· Stow binoculars and navigation equipment.
· Plot GPS position on chart.
· Launch tender and mount outboard motor.
· Go for a swim, check the anchor, RELAX!
If you have any unanswered questions, please e-mail us at:
sailing@mahina.com, write us at Mahina
Expeditions, Box 1596, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, USA, fax us at
360-378-6331 or call us at 360-378-6131.
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