Hello all,
I'm a long time listener, first time caller. I have a plan for world domination...oops, I mean navigation...and I would like to know what the cumulative knowledge and experience of the Sailnet community has to say about it.
First, a little bit about myself and my partner. We're young. Not jail-bait young, but mid-twenties. We've both grown up on the water racing and cruising the waters of BC's beautiful coast. I became a mate on cruise ships and worked for a few years on one of the largest cruise ships in the world (no, not the Costa Concordia) before resigning last September to pursue adventure. My partner is a talented - not to mention gorgeous - graphic designer. I love to surf, kayak, snorkel and dive. We are an outgoing, funny, awesome, sexy and don't forget modest couple with a plan. Here goes.
The budget:
~ $100,000
The boat in mind:
~ 40ft offshore capable sailboat with at least two separate cabins. In that price range it will likely be a well maintained boat from the mid-80's. Something like the Valiant 40, Baba 40, Bayfield 40 or this Spencer 41 (doubleyoudoubleyoudoubleyou.simplesite.com/asailinglife/120200127).
The idea:
Set up a no-frills crewed charter/adventure business to fund our sailing. We would live aboard and publish a rough itinerary on our website and charter the extra cabin to those with a bigger taste for adventure than for luxuries. Rates would be somewhere between $1,500 - 2,000 for the cabin. An extra $30/day per person if more than two people and we would sacrifice our cabin and sleep in the saloon. We would offer adventure, safety, good food and lots of laughs at an affordable price. We're not looking to get rich, only to fund our voyages and meet a ton of interesting, like-minded folks.
The numbers:
35 weeks with charter guests @ $1,500/wk = $52,500
Minus maintenance/running costs of 10,000 = $42,500
Minus insurance/fuel ~$3,500 = $39,000
That's $39k/year that will go towards paying down the loan, food and all other costs incurred.
Rough itinerary for the first year:
Spring and summer on the West coast from Seattle to Bella Coola. Fall and winter on the West coast of California and Mexico. As we increase our offshore experience we will start to venture farther.
My questions:
1) Am I in dreamland to think that this is a feasible plan?
2) Are my numbers realistic?
3) How many of you would be interested in coming to cruise with us, or maybe know someone who might be interested?
4) Do you have suggestions about an ideal boat for this operation that I have overlooked?
5) Is this market already cornered by someone I'm not aware of?
6) Do I have my head up my rear or in the clouds?
Glad to finally be a part of the online community. I can't wait to read your responses!
Cheers,
Michael
I'm a long time listener, first time caller. I have a plan for world domination...oops, I mean navigation...and I would like to know what the cumulative knowledge and experience of the Sailnet community has to say about it.
First, a little bit about myself and my partner. We're young. Not jail-bait young, but mid-twenties. We've both grown up on the water racing and cruising the waters of BC's beautiful coast. I became a mate on cruise ships and worked for a few years on one of the largest cruise ships in the world (no, not the Costa Concordia) before resigning last September to pursue adventure. My partner is a talented - not to mention gorgeous - graphic designer. I love to surf, kayak, snorkel and dive. We are an outgoing, funny, awesome, sexy and don't forget modest couple with a plan. Here goes.
The budget:
~ $100,000
The boat in mind:
~ 40ft offshore capable sailboat with at least two separate cabins. In that price range it will likely be a well maintained boat from the mid-80's. Something like the Valiant 40, Baba 40, Bayfield 40 or this Spencer 41 (doubleyoudoubleyoudoubleyou.simplesite.com/asailinglife/120200127).
The idea:
Set up a no-frills crewed charter/adventure business to fund our sailing. We would live aboard and publish a rough itinerary on our website and charter the extra cabin to those with a bigger taste for adventure than for luxuries. Rates would be somewhere between $1,500 - 2,000 for the cabin. An extra $30/day per person if more than two people and we would sacrifice our cabin and sleep in the saloon. We would offer adventure, safety, good food and lots of laughs at an affordable price. We're not looking to get rich, only to fund our voyages and meet a ton of interesting, like-minded folks.
The numbers:
35 weeks with charter guests @ $1,500/wk = $52,500
Minus maintenance/running costs of 10,000 = $42,500
Minus insurance/fuel ~$3,500 = $39,000
That's $39k/year that will go towards paying down the loan, food and all other costs incurred.
Rough itinerary for the first year:
Spring and summer on the West coast from Seattle to Bella Coola. Fall and winter on the West coast of California and Mexico. As we increase our offshore experience we will start to venture farther.
My questions:
1) Am I in dreamland to think that this is a feasible plan?
2) Are my numbers realistic?
3) How many of you would be interested in coming to cruise with us, or maybe know someone who might be interested?
4) Do you have suggestions about an ideal boat for this operation that I have overlooked?
5) Is this market already cornered by someone I'm not aware of?
6) Do I have my head up my rear or in the clouds?
Glad to finally be a part of the online community. I can't wait to read your responses!
Cheers,
Michael