FAQs

Here are some of the more frequently asked questions about sailing aboard SV Simpatica.

Is this sailing adventure a yacht charter?

NO, this Sailing adventure is not a charter. This particular adventure allows you as a team to experience sailing and cruising without buying or owning a sailboat,  a unique Adventure Sailing Trip everyone is dreaming about.

Why? – unlike most crewed Charters, this Sailing Adventure involves YOUR participation and values YOUR opinions about what goes on aboard Simpatica. You are LEARNING and involved in the daily operations of the boat, including sailing, line-handling, anchoring, watch standing, cooking, navigation amongst other duties, as part of the team. This adventure is “Hands-On”. You will be involved in the decision making process under guidance from the Captain.

The family atmosphere onboard has you come as a guest and leave as a friend.

We recommend YOU read up on the countries we plan to visit – the welcome will be warmer if you take an interest and speak even a few words of the local language.

How do we get to Simpatica?

To help make your travel to and from Simpatica simple and easy we work with MTA Travel. Our contact agent is Ally Kilpin. akilpin@mtatravel.com.au. Ally can advise and make arrangements for all your travel requirements to and from Simpatica.

Or you can use your own travel agent.

How many people can be aboard Simpatica

Up to a maximum of 4 people plus the Captain and mate.

If we are a special group and would like to make this adventure special for us, can we?

YES Of course! Email us and we can discuss it.

What sort of sailing will we be doing on our trip?

Simpatica Offers Blue water sailing, over night passages, Island hopping ….lots of island visits and inter-island day cruising.

Is there internet connection where we will be sailing?

YES. Some of the islands have internet, not many. If you need internet access we can arrange to have satellite internet aboard the boat for an additional cost. We have onboard radio based e-mail (not internet) for medical emergencies, to advise family of our location and any onward travel arrangements needed.

Are all meals and beverages included?

Yes. All provisions are included for cooking meals and snacks plus non-alcoholic beverages and dinner wines including fresh drinking water, juices, coffee, tea, sodas. Alcohol, spirits and beer are NOT included but can be added for a cost.

Can we smoke onboard?

NO – Simpatica is a non-smoking environment. This includes the smoking of recreational drugs.

WHY? – Many countries have very strict laws about recreational drugs with very specific mandates and consequences.

Who cooks the meals?

All meals are a team effort with assistance from the mate or Captain.  Creating using local produce, cooking and eating fresh meals onboard is lots of FUN!

What type of food and meals can we expect on the adventure?

We keep a good stock of local fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products including eggs and cheeses, a variety of fresh meats (e.g. chicken, steak, fresh fish “catch of the day”.) The galley pantry includes a variety of spices, cereals, pasta, rice condiments, snacks and much more for the creative cook.

If you have specific food preference or allergy this can be discussed.

We support local economy of developing countries by buying local produce.

What kind of drinking water will be available? Is it safe? Should we bring bottled water?

Aboard Simpatica, we have a water maker, which uses a desalination process, producing 40 gallons per hour of fresh filtered, safe drinking water. Simpatica holds 200 gallons of water in 2 separate tanks. We also catch rain water. No need to bring bottled water. WHY? Our water is safe drinking water, plus it is difficult to dispose of plastic bottles in island communities and we value and respect the environment.

We encourage the Use of water sparingly – it is precious in many countries.

What should we take with us on the sailing adventure?

Depending on our location in the world, we can make recommendations before you leave home.

Required items to bring should include.

All-weather light-weight jacket and windbreaker

Hats – ball cap for windy sailing days and large brim for hot sunny days

Camera- land and/or underwater with water-proof bag/case plus enough batteries if needed.

Shoes – flip flops & good walking sandals/sneakers

Waterproof dry bags – for carrying gear to and from Simpatica,

Polarized sunglasses – A MUST to see reefs and water colors

Toiletries – including 30+ SPF sunblock or stronger, insect repellant, soaps, shampoos etc.

Medications – personal medications plus seasickness medicine, recommend you bring vitamin supplements.

DIVE equipment – your own BC, regulator & weight belt in separate soft bag. Bring own mask, snorkel & fins for best fit.

MONEY – Cash in US dollars (small denominations) is the recommended currency and in the more developed islands there are ATMs.

Are there stores and or supermarkets along the way?  How about ATM’s?

YES of various types and sizes– however food supplies and special cooking items are VERY EXPENSIVE when purchasing from the islands.

ATM’s are located in some of the larger islands and disperse the local currency.

It is IMPORTANT to note that some islands do not have banking facilities to accommodate all credit and debit card types. Recommend VISA.

How are the cabins and beds laid out on Simpatica? Can we expect a private cabin if we’re a couple?

Simpatica has two private cabins available. The port aft private cabin has a king bed or can be 2 singles. The port forward cabin has a double bed. We provide fresh linens for all beds.

Do you have snorkeling gear aboard?

YES, Simpatica has masks, fins and snorkels of various sizes but we recommend you bring your own for a better fit.

Can we Scuba Dive while on this trip?

YES, If you are a certified diver ONLY (e.g. PADI) and you bring your own BC, Regulator. Tanks and dive compressor available onboard for unlimited diving. Weights are also provided for your weight belt.

Will we be able to go ashore on the islands?

YES. We will be visiting many islands and communities on this trip. We have 2 dinghies, a sailing/rowing and a 12’ inflatable with a 25-hp outboard motor and 2 ocean kayaks to make getting on and off islands easy. We suggest you be a responsible traveler when visiting communities. We ask that you respect the community cultural traditions and ask permission before doing anything.

What is your tipping policy?

Unlike yacht charters, tips are never expected, but always appreciated.

What is not included in the trip cost?

Visas

Park fees

Transportation to and from the boat

Tour excursions off the boat

Meals ashore

Alcohol

Personal Bond if required

Will I need Travel Insurance and Vaccinations?

We recommend Travel Insurance.

For information on vaccinations please consult your National Travel and Health Department or Ministry.

Why does 247Sailing offer unique personal Adventure Sailing Trips? What are YOUR Values? Why are YOU different?

It’s about bringing YOU closer to local cultures and environments by involving YOU with local people and their communities.

OUR personal approach and small team aboard provides unique opportunities for meeting local people and being involved in their activities and cultural practices.

YOU get to open your eyes to diverse cultures and ways of life and to give a little bit back to the special places and people YOU encounter.

WE respect the environment and encourage, through hands on participation, the discovery of nature… re-discovering how to experience nature and to be in it, feeling it, smelling it and learning about it rather than just looking at it.

WE value diversity – diversity of people, cultures and environments. Through YOUR experiences aboard YOU can make a positive contribution towards conserving global diversity.

WE encourage open eyes and an uncluttered mind- discover the enrichment of seeing a different way of life through others eyes.

Can we contact you by phone or email?

You can contact US by email info@247sailing.net

Onboard Satellite phone: + 8816-5146-296

10% of all fees going to 247Sailing Inc. adventures are donated to AID FOR AFRICA DOWN UNDER (AFADU), a not for profit Australian registered charity who works with HIV/AIDS orphaned and vulnerable children and their communities in Africa.  www.afadu.com

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