Simpatica Frequently ask questions
Oct 23rd, 2009 by Louis
FAQs
Here are some of the more frequently asked questions about sailing aboard SV Simpatica.
Is this sailing trip like a yacht charter?
NO, this Sailing Trip is not a charter. These are unique Adventure Sailing Trips offering those that want to gain blue water experience aboard a Luxury Catamaran and visit some very unique places in the S Pacific.
Why? – unlike most crewed Charters, this Adventure Sailing Trip 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 trip is “Hands-On”. You will be involved in the decision making process under guidance from Captain Louis.
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.
What is the cost, and How can we pay for our trip?
Contact us for further information!
SOCIETY ISLAND Personal Departure Bond – US$1500 required in CASH before departure. This is a refundable personal bond paid to the Society Island Government upon entry and refunded upon departure.
Can you “hold” space for us if we don’t submit a deposit right away?
NO – Your space onboard can only be confirmed with a paid deposit.
How many people can join this sailing adventure?
Up to a maximum of 4 people plus the Captain.
If we are a special group and would like to make this trip special for us, can we?
YES Of course! Email us and we can discuss it.
What sort of sailing will we be doing on this trip?
Blue water sailing, Island hopping and overnight sails, involved in all aspects of the trip
Should I be concerned about weather conditions?
Weather conditions on this trip will be monitored via weather downloads and weather updates through maritime nets on the SSB and Ham radio. We will not sail during Hurricane or Cyclone Season in these areas.
Is there internet connection where we will be sailing?
YES. Some of the islands have internet, not many and very expensive. 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 meals aboard are included plus non-alcoholic beverages, including fresh drinking water, juices, coffee, tea, sodas. . Alcohol supplies can be purchased in Panama City before departure at a very reasonable cost.
NO DRINKING whilst underway.
Can we smoke onboard?
NO – Simpatica is a non-smoking environment. This includes the smoking of any 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. 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 trip?
We keep a good stock of local fresh fruits and vegetables from the local areas, dairy products including eggs and cheeses, a variety of fresh meats (e.g. chicken, steak, fresh f ish “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 trip?
NOT MUCH. Mostly light-weight summer and practical items in a light-weight soft carry bag.
Suggested list:
2 long sleeve light-weight shirts
2 or 3 bathing suits
Shorts and T-shirts, short skirts
Long light pants & long skirts or sarongs for community visits
All-weather light-weight jacket and windbreaker, fowl weather gear is also nice to have
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. Both private cabins are air-conditioned.
Do you have snorkeling gear aboard?
YES, Simpatica provides 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 and weight belt. Tanks and dive compressor available onboard for unlimited diving.
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
Transportation to and from the boat
Tour excursions off the boat
Alcohol
Meals ashore
Society Island Personal Bond
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.
It’s about offering you the opportunity to gain blue water experience sailing a blue water Catamaran.
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?
YES. Our cell phone coverage in our current location (San Blas islands, Panama) is sometimes not reliable.
Cell: +507 69071937 +507 60914549
Satellite phone: + 8816-5146-2961
Email: info@247sailing.net
2% of all FUNDS paid to 247Sailing Inc. (SV Simpatica) are contributed 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
If your question was not answered by this section, please email us… info@247sailing.net or use the form below: