Because Nancy and Kurt are basically sailing alone, they welcome visitors at most ports and during most passages. The adventurous amongst you, who would like to do an offshore passage, are VERY welcome to join us, because additional crew make long passages much more enjoyable. Whether you decide to join us for a week in a specific geographic area, for a couple weeks of coastal cruising in the U.S. or a foreign country, or for 1-4 weeks or more of offshore voyaging, there are some important things to consider: 1. While we will make every effort to be where we say we will be WHEN we say we will be there, the unpredictability of weather, equipment breakdowns and geopolitical/bureaucratic problems will sometimes cause us to arrive at our appointed meeting place later than expected. Or, we may ask, at the last minute for you to meet us somewhere other than originally planned. An open mind and a willingness to catch a quick bus or small plane to a new destination will make you a much more relaxed traveller. The same can be said for us dropping you off for your flight home. 2. Other than for transportation to and from Gumbo Ya-Ya, expenses will be minimal. Sailing with us is a couple of big steps above wilderness camping, but quite a distance from a Club Med vacation. We eat well, dine out occasionally and do the tourist thing (within reason) but, because we will be sailing primarily in the tropics, we find that most of our entertainment comes in the form of snorkeling, swimming, beach combing, hiking and exploring. You’re definitely welcome to bring as much money as you want, but we think you’ll be surprised at how little you’ll spend. 3. What to bring: Pack light. In most cases, shorts, underwear, swimsuit, t-shirts, a pair of light long pants and a light nice shirt, a light waterproof windbreaker, walking shoes and sandals are all the clothing you will need. All your clothing should dry easily and require minimal care. Pack these in collapsible cloth luggage (since space is at a premium onboard, all rigid luggage will be left at the dock). Other things to bring: Polarized Sunglasses Toothbrush and Shower Kit (we’ll supply the towels) Favorite CDs (unless they’re Country Western!) and portable player Camera (bring film if needed. If its digital we, we have a computer and can transfer your images to CD) Custom-fitted dive mask/snorkel 4. Gumbo Ya-Ya is fairly self-sufficient. All electrical devices (lights, refrigeration, fans, stereo, long range communication, etc.) are powered by 12-volt batteries. While we have solar panels, a wind generator and an alternator to help re-charge the batteries, you’ll incur the wrath of the Captain if you leave lights are equipment turned on when you’re not using them. Likewise, we carry 100 gallons of fresh water and have a watermaker on board. However, you’ll need to save those long shore-side showers (the typical home shower uses 50 gallons of water!) for when you get home. We typically wash dishes with soap and salt (ocean) water and then give them a quick rinse with fresh water. We also usually soap up our bodies while swimming and then rinse off with a short fresh water shower. Leaving the sink faucet running unattended also is cause for a stern look from the Skipper. 5. Food. We keep Gumbo Ya-Ya pretty well stocked with all the staples. Because Kurt is a vegetarian (who does eat fish) and Nancy is a carnivore, we can usually supply what most people require. However, if you have specific dietary needs, be sure to let us know beforehand so that we can attempt to obtain what you need. If you have VERY specific needs, you may need to bring those items with you. This, of course, also applies to any specific medications you’ll need. 6. Communication. Being on a sailboat whether at anchor or under way, means no phones or internet access (think of it as a blessing). We do, however, have some means of long and short range communication. First, we have a VHF radio. This is used to communicate with other nearby boats and with shoreside facilities (like marinas and restaurants). Next, we have a Ham radio which can be used to contact other Ham stations thousands of miles away. This is valuable for emergency messages or to set up a phone patch to talk directly to a relative or friend. Third, we have a Ham/email set-up. This means that we can send and receive email by connecting our Ham radio to our computer. While we can't send or receive attachments, we can send fairly lengthy text messages. And, lastly, we have two laptops onboard so that, if we're in port, you can usually find an internet cafe to check email and surf the web. If you STILL would like to visit us, please contact us via one of the methods listed on our contact page, and we’ll set something up.