Everything you need to know before stepping aboard.
1. Do not flush anything in the toilet besides human waste. No toilet paper, nothing.
2. Clogging toilets results in a fine from the charter company. If you put toilet paper in there, you must fish it out.
3. All toilet paper goes into zip-lock bags and is put into a trash can in the bathroom. This eliminates the smell.
4. Always leave toilet with a little water in it to eliminate odors. Too much water will result in it sloshing around the bathroom as we move though.
Take Bonine before you get on the boat. Keep dosing yourself with this through the trip as needed.
Eat ginger candy.
Stay on the deck and look at the horizon while the boat is moving.
Ask the Captain/co-captain if you can steer the boat for a while.
There is no phone service on the boat most of the time. While we are moving signal is very rare. The only time we will have service is while anchored/docked/moored near actual cities. Download music/books/videos and be sure to let your friends/family know not to panic if you don't respond right away.
The boat will have fresh water used for showering, washing hands, dishes, cooking. It's a limited resource, when it is gone, it is gone. Larger catamarans may have water makers on board, but they operate slowly and only while engine is running. Never let the faucet run freely. Ask Experienced crew if you have questions.
To start, head to the back of the boat and rinse plates/etc in the ocean. Next place a large bowl in the sink to collect the fresh water as you clean dishes. Use this water to clean as needed. Turn the faucet on only when you need it - keep it off otherwise. In general, the cleaning will be lighter/less thorough than you may be used to at home.
The boat will have one or more heated showers in the bathrooms. Water is limited. Take short “military” showers. Wet your body, turn shower off, lather soap, then turn the shower on. Repeat as needed. Try to conserve the water - depending on crew water usage, the captain may allow long showers towards the end of the trip.
It gets pretty cold out on the deck overnight, and as nice as it sounds, I would not recommend it.
It really depends on the size of the boat. The 2 person cabins will all have some standing room and usually a closet for storage. Most of the space is taken up by the bed. The single person cabins are pods that you drop into from a hatch on deck. Laying room only and very limited space for a bag. Check the boat photos for what our trip's boat will look like.
Yes! If you feel comfortable, you can help with mooring, anchoring, docking, and working the sails.
Yes, there will be power outlets that you can charge your electronics from. You should still bring an extra portable charger in case something happens to the electricity on the ship. Don't leave electronics charging unattended while the boat is not running, as that will drain the boat's battery.
You/We are! There are lots of jobs on the boat, be they drink maker, D.J., Dish Washer, Cook, Cleaner, anchor master, find a role that you are comfortable helping out with. We're one big floating family.
The ship has an indoor galley (kitchen) equipped with a fridge, freezer compartment, a gas stove, a sink, dishes, flatware, pots and pans, and kitchen utensils. Depending on the boat, it may also have a propane/charcoal grill out on deck.
AC-cooking tools such as blenders, pressure cookers, indoor grills, etc. generally will not work at sea.
No! The boat comes clean and empty. We will need to bring all of our own things.
Storage is limited, we need to coordinate major groceries and drink purchases.
We will buy enough food for the trip with extra food to spare. Everyone can enjoy things as they wish. Refer to the trip's Food/Drink purchasing spreadsheet.
Absolutely! There is a meal schedule on the food spreadsheet where you can sign up for cooking.
Do not use the stove burner without getting a tutorial from an experienced sailor first though.
Pack light. Bring a soft bag (so it can collapse and fold for easier storage in your stateroom). In general stick to airplane policies of one large bag and a personal backpack per person.
For Channel Islands trips, no. Bring your own sleeping bag and/or sheet, thick blanket, pillows.
For International trips with Dreamyacht charter, yes. Sheets are provided, but you'll still want to bring your own pillow.
Yes! We'll be on the water. Odds are you will get wet. No Towels provided on the ship.
books, downloaded music, games that can be destroyed or lost, cards, Go Pro Camera, camping lights, ocean toys, portable chargers, water bottle, clothes you can get wet