2 days ago
Topic:
Looking to crew on an Atlantic crossing
Madison.KellyPosts: 1
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Hello all, I'm a fairly new associate OCC member, and this is my first post. :)
I'm looking for a chance to crew on an Atlantic crossing this year, to build skill before I attempt the same in my own boat ('81 C&C Landfall 38).
About me; I'm fairly junior, with two decent sized trips under my keel. I brought my own boat from Annapolis, MD (USA) to St. Catherine's, ON (Canada, about 800ish nm) and a crossing as crew for a friend and my OCC sponsor from Halifax, NS to Conception Bay, NL (700ish nm, Canada).
My sailing skills are still fairly basic, but I am pretty comfortable now on maintenance (I did an extensive service on my diesel before bringing my boat home, and I'm fairly comfortable doing electrical work to ABYC standards). I am NOT an expert in anything, what I know, I've learned doing my own refit. I'm not much of a cook, I'm afraid, but I am happy to do my watches without complaint. :)
Given the current political climate, I'm hoping to find a passage that departs from or arrives in a Canadian port to anywhere in Europe. I'd like to avoid the US for the time being.
I'm not sure what else might be helpful to share, so I'll leave it here. Cheers!
Madi
edited by Madison.Kelly on 18/03/2025
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5 days ago
Topic:
Seeking: Sprayhood Replacement
Guest
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Hi Yasmine,
Re Spray Hood, a fellow member in Lagos had a loverly spay hood made this winter. I do not know the company, but they were not based in Lagos. If you send me your contact details, I can forward your enquiry to the member. Also there is a sailmaker in Vilamora whom also does canvas work.
E mail me your address to one.23bcw@gmail.com.
Brian S/V Darramy
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8 days ago
Topic:
Seeking: Sprayhood Replacement
Yasmine.WardPosts: 2
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Hi Dick
Thank you very much for your respond and recommendations. I'm just looking in to it this moment :)
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9 days ago
Topic:
Replacement for SKYPE
Simon CurrinAdministrator Posts: 809
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Every now and then we need to make an international phone call to a landline and we have always relied on SKYPE for this. SKYPE is being shut down next month and so we have been searching for a replacement. A discussion on the OCC Facebook Group steered me towards VYKE https://www.vyke.com/ which is perfect for our needs. Thank you John Hardy for this great tip.
Simon
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9 days ago
Topic:
Seeking: Sprayhood Replacement
DickPosts: 383
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Hi Yasmine, We had good experiences with Sopramar boat yard in Lagos over 2 good sized pieces of work separated by 6 years. Hugo was the go-to guy in 2011, but do not know now. Nor do I remember canvas people but it is a big place and Lagos has lots of boats so I suspect you can get some direction there. Lagos used to have, may still, an OCC port captain.
Good luck, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy
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9 days ago
Topic:
Seeking: Sprayhood Replacement
Yasmine.WardPosts: 2
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Hello,
I am seeking a replacement of our sprayhood.
We are currently in Faro, Portugal. Has anyone had positive experiences with a company locally around Faro?
There are also many service offers to ship the sprayhood at let it be made remotely by sending them the current one (I currently have an offer from Horizon Sails in France, Paris). What are your experiences in this regard - a "go" or "no go"? Does anyone have a company to recommend?
Thanks in advance, I hope someone can help :)
edited by Yasmine.Ward on 11/03/2025
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9 days ago
Topic:
Travel Insurance for Sailors
Nicky.BarkerPosts: 1
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Topsail has a Yachtsman's Gold Travel Insurance policy which may cover what you are after. You can specify trips away of up to a year BUT it is a travel insurance (ie covers things such as lost baggage when travelling by air) as well as a health and repatriation insurance so it's pricey. Bishop Skinner does a medical and repatriation insurance which will cover medical emergencies, either finding you a hospital where you are for stabilisation and immediate (urgent) treatment and/or getting you home for (follow-up) treatment when the immediate emergency is over or if the treatment required is not so urgent. The insurance will also repatriate after death for funeral on home soil. We are British and have had cover through both companies. Whether they provide cover for other nationalities I do not know.
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15 days ago
Topic:
Phil Heaton (Vice Commodore, 2nd term)
Simon CurrinAdministrator Posts: 809
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Phil,
Thank you very much indeed for standing for a second VC term. It’s really important to have someone with a long corporate memory on the Board. You are fantastically qualified for a second VC term and the OCC is lucky to have you.
Simon
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15 days ago
Topic:
Reg Barker (Vice Commodore, 1st term)
Simon CurrinAdministrator Posts: 809
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Reg,
Great that you are prepared to step into the VC role. Excellent news.
Simon
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15 days ago
Topic:
Moira Bentzel (Rear Commodore, 1st term)
Simon CurrinAdministrator Posts: 809
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Fantastic that you are joining the Board. Thank you for stepping up.
Simon
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15 days ago
Topic:
Rhys Walters (General Committee, 1st term)
Simon CurrinAdministrator Posts: 809
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Rhys,
I’m delighted to see you are joining the General Committee. Thank you for taking on this role.
Simon
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16 days ago
Topic:
Travel Insurance for Sailors
Chris.CarlislePosts: 1
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We have used Big Cat as our health insurer for 3 years. Not had to claim but it includes repatriation to the UK and the required local emergency cover world wide. We renew each year and there is no requirement to return to the UK.
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16 days ago
Topic:
Rhys Walters (General Committee, 1st term)
rachelle.turkAdministrator Posts: 51
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Cruising Accomplishments:
- 2016 – RYA Day Skipper followed by Yachtmaster.
- Transatlantic (Qualifying passage) from Gran Canaria to Martinique via Cape Verde.
- Bare hull fit-out and launch of 38 foot steel sailing vessel Zora from 2018 to 2021 – Ireland.
- Subsequent departure 2021 to undergo Atlantic circuit aboard Zora.
- Ireland to Wales, on to Spain, Portugal, Gibraltar, Balearics.
- Single-handed passage to Morocco and canaries from Ibiza.
- Short-handed Atlantic crossing direct to Martinique from Gran Canaria.
- Cruised Caribbean for 8 months during 2023 visiting Martinique, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Antigua, St Kitts & Nevis, Monserrat, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada with my wife.
- Single-handed passage Grenada to Bonaire, Curacao, and Aruba.
- Aruba to Jamaica, through the Bahamas, and on to USA and Canada through 2024.
- Newfoundland to Greenland, Iceland, and Scotland, completing Atlantic circuit in 2024.
While I was acting as Roving Rear Commodore from 2022 to 2025, I spent a lot time promoting the Club and sponsored approx. 16 new members. I have written a lot for both the Newsletter and for the Flying Fish. I have given a number of webinars for the Club about the trips we have been on. I hosted a number of OCC gatherings in Canada during our time there also.
Towards the end of our Atlantic Circuit, I acted as Mentor for a Youth Sponorship Program grant recipient for 8 weeks, collecting him in Newfoundland and sailing together to Greenland, Iceland, Scotland and back to Kinsale. I am now acting as Port Officer for Kinsale in Ireland and recently hosted the Irish members’ Dinner here.
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16 days ago
Topic:
Moira Bentzel (Rear Commodore, 1st term)
rachelle.turkAdministrator Posts: 51
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I am submitting my application for the position of Rear Commodore because it is important to give back to an organization which has been so supportive of my development as a blue water sailor. Unlike many of our members I am not a lifelong sailor, only starting when I was in my 40s day sailing on a small lake in Maine. Over the years we transitioned to coastal sailing, eventually moving aboard and beginning ocean passages on our 1984 Westerly Corsair, Equinox. We have now sailed over 39,000 miles with 2 Atlantic crossings, including western Europe, Atlantic Islands, Caribbean, Cuba, Bahamas, Bermuda, and Canadian maritimes. During the summer sailing seasons of 2023-24 we cruised north to Saint Pierre/Miquelon and completed a circumnavigation of Newfoundland before returning to our home waters of Maine in late August, 2024.
I joined OCC in 2010 with a qualifying passage from Beaufort to Puerto Rico and have participated in many club activities and cruises on both sides of the Atlantic. In 2019 Dick and I became the RRCs for NE USA and Atlantic Canada. During that time we sponsored new members, organized many informal get-togethers and dinners, grew the list of POs in our region and organized the Maine Rally and Maine Mini-Cruise. I am honored to have received both the 2020 OCC Award for my part as a member of the OCC pandemic support team and the 2021 Vertue Award along with my husband.
I was elected to the General Committee in April 2024. Since then I have led the Membership Team and also serve on the Governance and Remuneration subcommittee and a new initiative of social event organizer support.
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16 days ago
Topic:
Reg Barker (Vice Commodore, 1st term)
rachelle.turkAdministrator Posts: 51
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My passion is cruising and my wife Nicky and I retired early to sail full-time. We are both RYA Yachtmaster Offshore qualified, have owned 2 cruising yachts, and sailed around 70,000nm together, primarily on our Rustler 42 Blue Velvet of Sark which we bought 18 years ago. Our travels have taken us into the Mediterranean Sea and across the Atlantic, exploring the Caribbean and the eastern seaboard of the USA and Canada over several seasons. We were appointed Roving Rear Commodores in July 2019 and have enjoyed meeting and supporting PO/PORs, Rally Organisers and all the members whom we have encountered during our travels. The pandemic prompted a transatlantic passage back home. Since then, we have cruised in European waters but our plan is to set off full time sailing again from March 2025 and be out on the water with fellow members for the following few years.
I joined the OCC’s General Committee in 2022 and my work reinvigorating the social calendar after the pandemic prompted a recommendation to stand for Rear Commodore. For the last 2 years I’ve overseen the planning and delivery of the 70th Anniversary Platinum Celebrations, along the way picked up responsibility for the OCC’s Promotions Strategy, as well as having the pleasure of interacting with our amazing Global Support Network of Regional RCs, Roving RCs and PO/PORs. This has made me even more enthusiastic about the OCC and affirmed my feeling that I still have much to offer our Club. I am therefore honoured to have been proposed and seconded for the Vice Commodore position by previous Regional Rear Commodores Bill Strickland and Alex Blackwell.
I am very much a team player, with a background initially as a military helicopter pilot and later in board level planning and leadership roles. Being elected to a Vice Commodore position would enable me to apply those skills in supporting and developing the organisation that has helped Nicky and me to enjoy our cruising so much.
edited by rachelle.turk on 04/03/2025
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16 days ago
Topic:
Phil Heaton (Vice Commodore, 2nd term)
rachelle.turkAdministrator Posts: 51
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I am humbled to be supported for Vice Commodore by two extremely accomplished sailors committed to the Club. Joining the OCC in 2010, I have been proud to fly the OCC burgee, recruiting new members, and sharing information via the Club’s publications and website.
From 2009, my wife Norma and I have extensively cruised our Ovni 395 Minnie B. We completed a seven-years circumnavigation and now cruise the Mediterranean. I am a member of the Royal Cruising Club and an Honorary Member of the Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club.
Elected to the General Committee in 2019, and Vice Commodore in 2022, my current contributions include:
- Global Lead for the Members Support Network;
- Chair Governance Committee;
- Chair IT/Digital Development Working Group, improving the OCC App and ensuring sustainable IT systems;
- the efficient and effective management of the Club, securing Club services, and reporting on performance.
Previous contributions include:
- Revitalising OCC Mentoring;
- Expanding OCC social media;
- Co-leader of the Club’s Environment Initiative.
If elected I will continue to focus on:
1. Maintaining the Club’s ethos, emphasising adventure, respect for the places and people we visit, camaraderie, and sharing experiences.
2. Growing the membership sustainably in line with this ethos.
3. Increasing membership engagement with the Club’s services.
4. Building on the success of 70th Anniversary celebrations by encouraging more cruising-in-company and social events.
5. Expanding the network of Port Officers.
6. Ensuring the Club is for all members, whether just starting out or those no longer sailing but who can pass on their knowledge, enthusiasm, and experience.
I believe that I have a combination of cruising knowledge, professional leadership skills, and experience in management of the Club, to make a positive contribution for the Club’s future. If elected, it will be an honour to serve the membership.
edited by rachelle.turk on 04/03/2025
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18 days ago
Topic:
Boat insurance
bweigel2@gmail.comAdministrator Posts: 24
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Luckily we have never had to make a claim. With insurance these days, it is "good luck" just to find one that will provide insurance at a reasonable price with things like survey requirements and cruising restrictions that are workable. I will also say that Rachel was wonderful to work with. Prompt and professional. - Bill W
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18 days ago
Topic:
Boat insurance
DickPosts: 383
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Hi Bob & BWeigel,
Rachel's last name is now Meister, although I am sure all inquiries will get to her.
BW, when you refer to "good luck" were you referring to a claim you considered well handled?
Thanks, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy
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19 days ago
Topic:
Boat insurance
bweigel2@gmail.comAdministrator Posts: 24
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Hello Bob - we had good luck with the Jackline policy from the Gowrie Group. The last time we were insured with them was 2022 so things may have changed. At that time we had extensive cruising coverage for our 1981 Whitby 42 with no crew restrictions. My wife and I were covered for our transatlantic with just the two of us. Our broker/contact info is here:
Rachel Sloan | Jackline Account ManagerGowrie Group | A division of Risk Strategies
rachel.imis@gowrie.com
p: 410.364.7707 | f: 410.827.3758
522 Chesapeake Ave, Annapolis, MD 21403
www.gowrie.com/jackline
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20 days ago
Topic:
Boat insurance
DickPosts: 383
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Hi Bob,
I would contact Gary Golden at Manifest Marine, 540-785-0398. He is the son of the man who started IMIS back in the day, Al Golden, who specialized in insurance for cruisers, especially with offshore cruisers and was the insurer of choice (30 years ago) for members of SSCA. IMIS sold us insurance for my wife and my cruising on our own when everyone else insisted that, for passage making, we needed to have a third crew and not do the passage just the two of us.
Let us know what you find out.
Good luck, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy
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