6 days ago
Topic:
Wanted: Recommendation for Extended EU Visa
Dawn BellPosts: 1
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We are planning on cruising the Med starting mid July. We applied for and received a French Visa, good for one year, and then you can renew. You must get your French Visa while you are in the US. For proof of accomodation, we put our vessel's manufacturer's facility - Catana Group, since we are picking up our new vessel there. You also could put a marina if you are planning dockage. Or you could try your vessel's registration document. The French consulate was closed near us, but they have contracted with a third party called TLS Contact center. During our in-person visit, they really helped make sure our documentation was as complete as possible. You can also call them in advance for assistance.
We obtained insurance specifically for international, since Medicare does not cover you internationally. We used a company called Mondassure, who were very helpful in getting the lowest cost coverage that would meet the Visa requirements.
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15 days ago
Topic:
Starlink: A guide for cruising sailors
Simon CurrinAdministrator Posts: 834
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This is a great resource for those new to Starlink or needing to re-register their account. It’s particularly useful in the South Pacific as that’s where the author has been based in recent years. https://www.sailroam.com/starlink/?ref=sv-roam-newsletter
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21 days ago
Topic:
Gateway to Cruising in Southern Africa!
George.CurtisPosts: 24
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This publicatoin 'Gateway to Cruising in Southern Africa' has recently been releaed by The Ocean Sailing Association of Southern Africa. See arrachment.
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25 days ago
Topic:
An homage to cleats and tying to a dock
DickPosts: 436
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Hi all,
This may be old news to some, but Steve D’Antonio has re-published (from his archive) an article of mine from years ago (https://stevedmarineconsulting.com/securing-your-boat-to-a-dock-with-a-homage-to-cleats/) which includes an homage to cleats and an argument against the use of a fixed/spliced loop on dock lines. It is also an intro to Steve and his e-magazine. I consider Steve one of the most knowledgeable and clear thinkers (and writers) about all things marine.
Spend some time looking through his articles.
My best, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy
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12/05/2026
Topic:
Starlink now needs Face ID to roam
Simon CurrinAdministrator Posts: 834
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International cruisers using Starlink may now have to submit face ID.
Simon Currin | 12/05/2026
A new policy from Starlink requires anyone travelling outside their home country to upload their passport and a face scan to maintain service.
Roaming Starlink subscribers are beginning to receive requests to prove ID when crossing borders. The new in-app user verification process compares a face scan with an uploaded passport picture triggering privacy concerns. This new functionality may also presage enforcement of the 60 day roaming rule which has long been part of the Starlink terms and conditions but has, hitherto, not been implemented.
The video link below discusses the new procedures in more detail.
Links and Attachments
This link discusses the new rules and how to comply: https://youtu.be/TqLzxdXvwsQ?si=JCE4OLTZsO8FNbBq
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03/05/2026
Topic:
Noonsite announces new new wallet to help checkin
DickPosts: 436
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Noonsite
Hi all,
It has been a few years since we have been to a new country, but over the last 20+ years, Alchemy has taken us to 55 countries and Noonsite has been one of the research sources that has enabled our entry to these nations to go smoothly.
Noonsite has also felt like a resource that fits with the cruising community I like to be part of: one where is everybody sharing information and helping each other.
So, a couple of thoughts:
I was, at first, a little disappointed that Noonsite appeared to be turning itself into a commercial entity (it sounds now, like it always had a commercial aspect and I was unaware).
I guess I am also not sure that I am comfortable with what looks like, to me, essentially an advertisement being copied and pasted (and yes, I know, it was an “announcement”) and put in the OCC Forum (or any advertisement being baldly posted on the Forum for that matter). Best would be a member using this new fee-demanding aspect of Noonsite and giving a field report of the accuracy of this “formalities wallet”, whether it was helpful and whether it was considered, by the member, to be worth the money. Next best might be a member saying why he/she thought this might be a worthwhile service to consider and why.
I would also be curious/concerned that this shift to a commercial emphasis/formality’s wallet might “water down” the freely available information to boost the appeal of their commercial interests: resulting in important formality information now being behind a pay-wall.
My best, Dick Stevenson, s/v AlchemyGeorge.Curtis wrote:
Announcement from Noonsite:
Planning your next port of call? Make it smoother from the start.
April has been a busy and exciting month for the Noonsite team as we’ve put the final touches on a brand-new product designed specifically for cruising life. Created to simplify formalities and streamline onboard organisation, our new formalities wallet helps you check in and out of countries with ease and confidence. Designed and tested by experienced liveaboard cruisers, it’s a practical solution born from real-world needs.
Previously available only to our members, we’re now opening this up to everyone.
To celebrate, we’re offering this high-quality wallet free to cruisers who sign up for our Premium annual membership - available now for those preparing for extended voyages and looking for extra support and security along the way. You’ll find full details of this special offer, along with all the benefits of Premium, below.
Behind the scenes, we’ve also been hard at work improving Noonsite - making the platform faster, more efficient, and even more valuable for cruisers worldwide. More updates are on the way throughout May, so stay tuned.
As you set your course for new horizons this season, make sure you’re equipped to focus on the journey - not the paperwork.
Upgrade today and sail smarter!
Sue, Lynda and Megan (the Noonsite Team)
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Efficiency Matters when Navigating International Ports
While stocks last, Noonsite Premium Annual Membership now includes a free limited-edition Formalities Wallet (US$30 value), designed to streamline document management and clearance processes.
Alongside the gift, Premium members benefit from:
• Unrestricted access to Noonsite’s global cruising intelligence
• Offline resources
• Exclusive insights via Captain’s First Look
• Priority support
A practical upgrade for serious cruisers.
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01/05/2026
Topic:
Noonsite announces new new wallet to help checkin
George.CurtisPosts: 24
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Announcement from Noonsite:
Planning your next port of call? Make it smoother from the start.
April has been a busy and exciting month for the Noonsite team as we’ve put the final touches on a brand-new product designed specifically for cruising life. Created to simplify formalities and streamline onboard organisation, our new formalities wallet helps you check in and out of countries with ease and confidence. Designed and tested by experienced liveaboard cruisers, it’s a practical solution born from real-world needs.
Previously available only to our members, we’re now opening this up to everyone.
To celebrate, we’re offering this high-quality wallet free to cruisers who sign up for our Premium annual membership - available now for those preparing for extended voyages and looking for extra support and security along the way. You’ll find full details of this special offer, along with all the benefits of Premium, below.
Behind the scenes, we’ve also been hard at work improving Noonsite - making the platform faster, more efficient, and even more valuable for cruisers worldwide. More updates are on the way throughout May, so stay tuned.
As you set your course for new horizons this season, make sure you’re equipped to focus on the journey - not the paperwork.
Upgrade today and sail smarter!
Sue, Lynda and Megan (the Noonsite Team)
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Efficiency Matters when Navigating International Ports
While stocks last, Noonsite Premium Annual Membership now includes a free limited-edition Formalities Wallet (US$30 value), designed to streamline document management and clearance processes.
Alongside the gift, Premium members benefit from:
• Unrestricted access to Noonsite’s global cruising intelligence
• Offline resources
• Exclusive insights via Captain’s First Look
• Priority support
A practical upgrade for serious cruisers.
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01/05/2026
Topic:
Chesapeake to UK Spring 2026
Philip.AshersonPosts: 2
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Hi everyone,
Thank you so much for all your thoughts and suggestions. Due to ill health I am now remaining in the UK for now. Infinite Dream is being sailed back to the UK by Asia Pajkowska, a fantastic sailor with a two solo circumnavigations Joanna Pajkowska - Wikipedia. I will keep the boat on a mooring in Bosham, Chichester Harbour - and looking forward to exploring in particular Southwest Ireland and perhaps summer trips to Scotland. Thanks for all your replies and suggestions.
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19/04/2026
Topic:
Propane in Spain
Gino.DelGuercioPosts: 4
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Hello,
We’re a US boat travelling up the Med coast of Spain. Our propane tanks are empty. Does anyone know where we can get them filled.
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18/04/2026
Topic:
Wanted: Recommendation for Extended EU Visa
Charles.LenhoffPosts: 9
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Gino,
May I ask how you filled in the "Proof of Accommodation" section?
Also, how did you avoid the mistake of providing proof of MEDICARE insurance that needs to cover the full stay, but needs to be renewed prior to the Vias 1 year date?
edited by Charles.Lenhoff on 18/04/2026
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12/04/2026
Topic:
Pressure fresh water system/winterization
DickPosts: 436
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Hi Jim & Joanne,
We get to Pensacola every few years, so do not be surprised to get a phone call. I would be fun to have a meal together.
My best, Dick
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12/04/2026
Topic:
Pressure fresh water system/winterization
DickPosts: 436
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j2matthews wrote:
Good morning Dick......thanks for the update on your travels and whereabouts. There is a lot to be said for being able to roam around and go where your hearts desire for however long you choose. Our land base for many years has been Pensacola FL .....something new may be not too far off. A bit more exploring without the drag of a home and maintenance and so on.
Yes, sadly we heard of Chris Wentz passing away. So glad we got to work with him on the sails for Grayce that we continue to enjoy. His insights, experience and knowledge were impressive.
Thanks again for your thoughts on our water project. We enjoy keeping our older boat in good working order and looking smart. After a few projects at commissioning this year we will be off on another season of northeast cruising and gathering with our friends who are out doing the same.
Cheers....Jim and Joanne
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10/04/2026
Topic:
Pressure fresh water system/winterization
j2matthewsPosts: 3
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Good morning Dick......thanks for the update on your travels and whereabouts. There is a lot to be said for being able to roam around and go where your hearts desire for however long you choose. Our land base for many years has been Pensacola FL .....something new may be not too far off. A bit more exploring without the drag of a home and maintenance and so on.
Yes, sadly we heard of Chris Wentz passing away. So glad we got to work with him on the sails for Grayce that we continue to enjoy. His insights, experience and knowledge were impressive.
Thanks again for your thoughts on our water project. We enjoy keeping our older boat in good working order and looking smart. After a few projects at commissioning this year we will be off on another season of northeast cruising and gathering with our friends who are out doing the same.
Cheers....Jim and Joanne
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10/04/2026
Topic:
sail cloth choice
DickPosts: 436
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Hi all,
The following are my thoughts on sail cloth choice. These thoughts are written primarily for the cruising skipper who cares about performance, but is not a fanatic or racer, and who takes advantage of his/her sail shape controls as well as wanting his/her boat moving right along by likely having a feathering or folding prop and who keeps the boat’s bottom clean.
My personal context:
I am not a racer. I have a great sailing boat and I like to sail well and not be compromised. I have a feathering prop, I keep the bottom clean and over the years have, by casual observation, been able to sail (and chosen to sail) when others have put on their motor. Part of that is having good sails and, in casual observation, I have bought new sails a couple of years sooner than most. I am also willing to sail in light air as long as I am sailing and I am willing to spend a bit extra to ensure that my primary propulsion system is in good working order.
For much of the last 20+ years I have cruised 4-8 months a year probably averaging 5,000 miles per year. Our mainsail is always covered by an opaque cover (not regular Sunbrella).
Why good sails matter:
Good sail shape means fast sails, less heeling/more comfort and good pointing (perhaps 3-5 degrees or more): wind/gusts get translated into drive and not heeling and is easier on the autopilot. It likely is a rare occurrence, but sailing out of trouble (lee shore) might be called for.
With regards to Dacron sails
With Dacron sails, in my experience, I start to notice deteriorating sail shape as early as ~~3 years give or take: not really a big deal, but I am starting to feel a little itchy. At ~~4-6 years I am wanting new sails and trying to decide the tipping point between budget, sail performance, and personal tolerance for compromise: all while living with sailcloth that clearly has many years left to it. It is my take that most cruisers continue with sails longer than I could tolerate and pay the price with compromised performance, increased heeling, and decreasing reliability. That said, most still get to their destination and they clearly have more money in their cruising kitty.
And, I have had sails re-cut and tucks taken (no botox) and sometimes that has been worth doing, and sometimes not. All re-cuts were moderately costly (skilled labor is expensive and the job is mostly labor).
So, it follows that I did not want Dacron as its shape becomes too quickly compromised: This can be a hard decision as the sail cloth and stitching are in no way “worn out” and it can be tempting toput off new sails and just tolerate compromised performance.
With regard to laminates:
For years I had laminate sails and was quite pleased. They kept their shape well and lasted reasonably well. My only complaint was that it was hard, over the years, to keep them from folding in the same folds which contributed to laminate damage at the creases and repair necessary. This only occurred in their last years of life. Less important was the mold that accumulated at the seams: cosmetic for sure, but unsightly.
Recommendation:
Aimed at the performance-oriented cruising boat skipper who plans to keep his/her sails for a while.
HydraNet Radial sail cloth used for sails designed for the best use of the cloth’s properties: weight and strength, and then constructed radially.
For me, the important considerations were that the cloth promised long life with good sail shape. I also wanted a woven cloth that would dry as I was in the UK where life is frequently wet/damp. HN cloth has a high weight to strength ratio.
The above is achieved by using Dyneema in the weave.
HN’s only drawback is that it is extremely slippery making repair a challenge and usually demands stitching. In personal experiments, Dr. Sails, a 2 part epoxy, worked well. That said, my experience and the reports from other skippers is that field repairs, or any sort of repairs, are rare. I also carry some very aggressive double sided tape, but, fortunately, have yet to have call to put it to use.
Personal experience:
I had a suit of sails (main, staysail, jib topsail) made from HydraNet Radial (there are different types of HydraNet cloth) in the UK in 2012 which we now have used for ~~11 seasons (covid stole 1½ years and illness one other) which includes one higher latitude Atlantic crossing and maybe 18,000 miles give or take a couple thousand. In this time, there has been only one repair: operator error and not the sail’s fault. I consider the sail shape still as good as new and suspect there are years of life left
Cost
I see comments about longevity of sails and comments about expenditure. Longevity really needs to be defined and defining is not easy. Longevity for me is how long the sails do the job and doing the job is dependent on good sail shape. Expenditure is basically how long a sail keeps its shape: usually measured in years, but probably more accurately measured in sea miles under sail.
I am now using, and happy with, HydraNet Radial sails that have lasted twice as long as I would have been happy with Dacron sails and 30% longer than my laminate sails lasted. The end is not in sight, so I expect that the sails will last a few more seasons at least: perhaps longer. This seems in-line with friends and other skippers who have HN sails.
Finally:
More specifically, I am getting clear that sail cloth choice is one area where you can have your cake and eat it to. I already have a lot of years (9-11 seasons) and a lot of miles (~~18,000 perhaps) on my HydraNet Radial sails and their shape is still as new. I would guess I am maybe a bit over half way through their life. So, I believe that you can have excellent sails of HydraNet and save money over Dacron in the long run, because Dacron sails would not come close to retaining their shape.
A note about sail lofts:
Sail lofts sometimes have their own in-house cloth which they, of course, wish to build sails with and they also sometimes have relationships with sail cloth makers that induce them to push a certain cloth. It is my understanding that HN cloth can be sourced by any sailmaker making the choice clean of potential bias.
Sail lofts are often manned by sales people who come to the job from racing and are ignorant of the practices and concern of cruising sailors. In this way there is a bias toward speed which can (and has) led to recommendations that may not be best for a cruising sailor: say sail cloth choice. (This most often occurs when these sales people recommend light air sails that are far larger than most cruising couples want to grapple with: especially offshore.)
And, not all sailmakers have experience designing and working with HNR cloth, so do research into the loft.
Come back with questions, thoughts, comments.
My best, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy
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08/04/2026
Topic:
Pressure fresh water system/winterization
DickPosts: 436
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Hi Jim and Joanne,
Glad my thoughts were helpful and pleased to hear about the asym. Sad news you may have already heard: Chris Wentz passed away a while back, but Z Sails is still in good hands and should still have the plans for Alchemy’s “offshore asym” to work from.
We expect to wind up a few seasons in the Great Lakes this year and head back to the CA and US East Coast next season.
We remain “homeless”—and committed to that state splitting our year, very roughly, between sailing, RVing (mostly taking us hiking the SW deserts and mountains) and visiting children and grandchildren.
My best, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy
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08/04/2026
Topic:
Pressure fresh water system/winterization
DickPosts: 436
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j2matthews wrote:
Good morning Dick,
Thank you for getting back to us so quickly and helping with ideas for a solution to construct a more user friendly system. You might remember a few years ago you helped us with some design/size parameters for our asymmetrical spinnaker. I believe you also introduced us to Chris Wentz at Z Sails for that and other subsequent projects.....all much appreciated.
We like your recommendations for some flexible water line, t-fitting and a ball valve between the tanks and the pressure side of the fresh water system. This will be easier to operate at winterizing time and also be easier for someone other than us to figure out. We are able to access the tops of the water tanks, dry them out completely and drain the supply lines.....no antifreeze in the tanks. A more flexible supply line with a valve will simplify winterizing without breaking the supply lines open.
We store Grayce at New England Boatworks in the winter season. Southern New England affords nice cruising in June and then we head for Maine usually until early/mid September. Summertime on the Maine coast is wonderful.
Where are you and Alchemy these days....you also mentioned an RV?
Cheers,
Jim and Joanne Matthews
S/V Grayce Niagara 42 #20
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06/04/2026
Topic:
Pressure fresh water system/winterization
j2matthewsPosts: 3
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Good morning Dick,
Thank you for getting back to us so quickly and helping with ideas for a solution to construct a more user friendly system. You might remember a few years ago you helped us with some design/size parameters for our asymmetrical spinnaker. I believe you also introduced us to Chris Wentz at Z Sails for that and other subsequent projects.....all much appreciated.
We like your recommendations for some flexible water line, t-fitting and a ball valve between the tanks and the pressure side of the fresh water system. This will be easier to operate at winterizing time and also be easier for someone other than us to figure out. We are able to access the tops of the water tanks, dry them out completely and drain the supply lines.....no antifreeze in the tanks. A more flexible supply line with a valve will simplify winterizing without breaking the supply lines open.
We store Grayce at New England Boatworks in the winter season. Southern New England affords nice cruising in June and then we head for Maine usually until early/mid September. Summertime on the Maine coast is wonderful.
Where are you and Alchemy these days....you also mentioned an RV?
Cheers,
Jim and Joanne Matthews
S/V Grayce Niagara 42 #20
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04/04/2026
Topic:
Pressure fresh water system/winterization
DickPosts: 436
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Hi Jim & Joanne,
Pex is, in many ways, a good way to direct water around a boat, RV etc.: certainly as a backbone. But, it does not lend itself easy manipulation. For example: on my RV where the plumbing is pex, there is one area where the designers knew that the owner would need to access regularly to winterize. So rather than use pex, the builder T’d in a piece of hose with a ¼ turn on/off valve whose flexibility allowed it to get into anti-freeze bottles. Many pex installs have hose where a bit of flexibility is wished for.
On Alchemy, hose connections, both putting on and taking off, are easy using a heat gun.
So, with 2 connection hose changes I isolate my water heater while retaining pressure integrity and allow it to drain.
Both tanks have T’s which allow them to drain into the bilge.
I then take the hose off the domestic water distribution manifold going to the pump and plop it into the anti-freeze bottle and run water at the sinks and shower until pink shows.
A variation on this should work for you, but will likely entail using a piece or 2 of hose.
Come back with questions.
My best, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy
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04/04/2026
Topic:
Pressure fresh water system/winterization
DickPosts: 436
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j2matthews wrote:
Our boat Grayce,1989, Niagara 42 #20. Reaching out for ideas re: the pressure water system. The plumbing is pex pipe with various appropriate connectors & fittings. Specifically we are looking to streamline/simplify the section between the water tanks and accumulator tank. (Note we are able to access our two water tanks, manually clean, and leave empty/dry for the winter haul out season). We currently have a collection of twist fittings that allow the system to be opened to winterize the pressure side without involving the 2 water tanks, a plus. However, the twist fitting section is cumbersome. Our goal would be to have a system that would allow for draining and winterization without breaking the connection as has been done for years. We are thinking of using a T connector and a 1/4 valve arrangement. We would welcome any input and creative solutions. Regrettably, no pictures as the boat is in a different location.
Jim/Joanne Matthews
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03/04/2026
Topic:
Pressure fresh water system/winterization
j2matthewsPosts: 3
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Our boat Grayce,1989, Niagara 42 #20. Reaching out for ideas re: the pressure water system. The plumbing is pex pipe with various appropriate connectors & fittings. Specifically we are looking to streamline/simplify the section between the water tanks and accumulator tank. (Note we are able to access our two water tanks, manually clean, and leave empty/dry for the winter haul out season). We currently have a collection of twist fittings that allow the system to be opened to winterize the pressure side without involving the 2 water tanks, a plus. However, the twist fitting section is cumbersome. Our goal would be to have a system that would allow for draining and winterization without breaking the connection as has been done for years. We are thinking of using a T connector and a 1/4 valve arrangement. We would welcome any input and creative solutions. Regrettably, no pictures as the boat is in a different location.
Jim/Joanne Matthews
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