Adventure of a lifetime

[Uglydave]

Man oh Man
After years of talking the the talk I'm being asked to walk the walk.
Friend of a friend is going to the US to buy a boat (40-50 footer) and wants me to crew to sail back to Australia. He is going to employ a skipper.
I am slightly better than a novice sailor and am equally terrified and excited(I AM GOING TO DO THIS).
I am fairly sure about things like food and clothes, passport, health ins etc
but what do I need to ask the skipper about his qualifications, experience, abilities etc
I am expecting to be there for the sea trials of the yatch. Should I ask to see the survey, ask about the surveyor's qualifications?
I dont want to be a saftey nazi but I also dont want to die in the middle of the pacific because something simple was overlooked
Thanks for your help
big bad dirty uglydave

[bljones]

When your ass is on the line, it never hurts to ask the questions you need to, and get the info you need to make sure your ass is covered.

Check out SimonVs thread on this forum about his journey on his new-to-him boat from the USA to Oz. Lots of good info there, and it will give you an idea of what to expect.

Enjoy the adventure. Wish I was going with you.

[sailingdog]

I'd highly recommend that you listen to your instincts... if something is off about the skipper...your instincts will often pick up on that...

As for the skipper's qualifications and experience, check his references thoroughly. Look at what questions he asks, and if he doesn't ask ones about the safety gear on the boat and how the boat is prepped and setup... be worried.

As for the sea trial, I hope your friend has read the Boat Inspection Trip Tips thread I started, as that will give him a fairly good basis for understanding what to look for during the survey and sea trial.