Mahalo Sailing

Belgium - bound!

2011-07-03T21:32:00.000-07:00

Stand by for updates starting July 23, when Mahalo Sailing takes on the canals of Belgium, the beer, and the chocolate!

Check out the Oct issue of SAILING

2010-09-17T08:54:00.001-07:00

SAILING magazine - 'the big one' - features MAHALO SAILING in a Thailand cruise wrap up, in the October 2010 issue. Available @ West Marine stores and major bookstores SOON!

Baja bound?

2010-09-08T16:49:00.000-07:00

Heading for the Haha? Or just south of the border? Join Capt. Holly Thursday Sept. 9 at 6PM when she discusses cruising to Mexico, at West Marine in Long Beach at 251 N. Marina Drive.

Free of charge!

30 degrees in 30 miles

2010-08-20T17:44:00.000-07:00

Aug. 18: What a difference 30 miles makes!

Sunshine was peering in the companionway this morning, even though it was still chilly. The forecasted high pressure system was FINALLY on its way ("Liars!" Holly repeatedly yells at the NOAA weather report on the radio) and we left Cuyler Harbor under hazy skies: MAHALO stuck her nose out into the channel and began a fabulous downwind run in 14 - 27 knot breezes and hefty seas.

A Cal 40, MAHALO easily handles the big wind and water, and the ride was SWEET! We ran along the top side of Santa Rosa Island then cut through the strait between SRI and Santa Cruz Island. Increasingly warm, the gals peeled off layer after layer until at last (!) we were in shorts and t/'tank tops.

We anchored at Coches Prietos - about 2/3 of the way down the south shore of SCI (from the west). It was calm and sunny and we were eager to explore. Madame K took off in her kayak and the rest of us dinghied ashore, and struck out on a trail mid-beach through tall dry grasses, keeping a keen lookout for rattlesnakes. Soon we were winding up down and around on a rugged trail toward the center of the island. The canyon was lush: an oasis; with thick fruit and berry trees, a trickling stream with pollywogs (and later, we discovered; mosquitos) and wildlife.

Hearing some sounds from the brush I turned around and saw a tiny Island Fox behind me. Clearly unafraid, she watched us as we watched her, quite a while. Then she sauntered away, and we continued along the path to a small brook. As we were crossing, the fox reappeared - it seems she'd gone back to get a friend, and they both watched us two-legged creatures with curiousity. She was petite and beautiful with fine features: deep gray, auburn and sable fur, a slender tail, and alert, pointed ears. She was comfortable with us, so much so she sat by the edge of the water and started grooming her business. Hence we knew 'it' was a 'she' ... These indigenous foxes were on the edge of extinction 10 years ago, but an aggressive captive breeding program has brought their population back into the 100s on each island. Her presence was all the more charming, knowing this, and added to our already perfect day.

Now it's nighttime ... the big dipper hangs over the beach, nestled between the huge rock walls that create this cove. The breeze is light, although there's a bit of surge, and I anticipate our most peaceful night (with NO middle of the night alarms set to check the anchor). Tomorrow we leave for Santa Barbara Island, by way of Anacapa: a long sail, but hopefully just as gorgeous as today's!

Everyone is happy, sated, and TIRED. Love to all ~ Betsy

August 19: SCORE - Islands 2, Girls 2, with 2 islands to go ...

Our island bagging trip took another hit today when we got v-e-r-y close to Anacapa, and the landing by the lighthouse on the east end ... but there was too much surge to attempt to launch the dinghy and take the girls ashore. Even so, we rounded Arch Rock twice and took numerous photos of the lighthouse and the hillside below. Had it been snow, as it appeared, it would have made one heck of a toboggan ride, however it was all bird sh** blanketing the massive slope white.

We continued south to Santa Barbara Island, the wind filling in from the west to give us a gorgeous reach for several hours, building til we got in the lee of SBI and to the one anchorage on the island. A couple of Holly's Bluewater Cruising Club friends were here and we waved hello as we passed, then anchored in the swelly but protected waters. Here there are zillions of sea lions, and below the surface of the (frigid) water the ocean floor is carpeted with brittle stars. This trip, nearly 55 miles, took us all day,so we simply made dinner and dessert, and turned in ... in the a.m.we'll explore ashore for a few hours, then head to Catalina at noon.

Lots of laughter, fun, beautiful scenery, and a big ship stacked with fake containers that crossed in front of us saying "TARGET, STAY CLEAR" ... whoops! ~ Betsy

Aug 20: TAG!

Writing from Catalina, where we're anchored at Geiger Cove @ 5:30pm, after a glorious sail across from Santa Barbara Island, where we enjoyed a three-hour hike this morning. Enjoying a celebratory rum drink: six islands in nine day; a fantastic time! Heading home tomorrow midday after a little trek ashore.

All fine, signing off ... Mahalo! ~ Betsy

San Miguel

2010-08-18T07:29:00.000-07:00

Aug 17, 9:30pm

It blew - HARD - all night long, but by the time we awoke, it had calmed to 15 or so. Alas we were surrounded by a dense fog, which prevented us from leaving for a warmer, calmer place (which we gathered would be ANYWHERE in the No. Hemisphere - just not here). So we made the best of a lazy morning and Holly made her famous cornbread pancakes.

As we talked about our destination options and enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, the sun finally made its promised arrival. Cuyler Harbor is spectacular, with a sweeping crescent bay bookended by huge rock and scrub promontories that protect you from the open sea. There are white sandy beaches occupied by elephant seals, turquoise waters decorated with kelp forests. San Miguel Island is a unique place: surely few people ever come here, and even fewer get to come twice. So Holly made her plea to spend our 'extra' day ashore here ... and seeing it's taken her a lifetime to get here, we gladly conceded.

Loading out backpacks with water and sandwiches, we took the dinghy ashore to the mid-point of the beach, closest to the trailhead. It was a short hike along the beach and over some dunes to the beginning of the trek which took us up a steep ravine, dripping with wildflowers of every color. Holly said it was like walking through a palette, there were so many hues; and there were just as many sizes, shapes and textures, from short fat succulent Dudlyea to giant coreopsis, with poppies and morning glories and all sorts of dainty blooms that survive and thrive in this climate.Yes it may be cold and foggy in August, but the benefit is the wildflowers were amazing.

Our hike took us up to the Juan Cabrillo monument, past a very sorry looking spare and wind-blown campsite, to the ranger's station. A plane was just landing (we had to scurry across the runway/trail) and the weekly change of hands, of the Park Ranger and researchers, was taking place. After stowing his provisions, Ranger George, a witty elderly British gentleman who volunteers as a ranger, offered to take us to the caliche forest several miles away. The trail took us up and over the island's highest point (800') along moor-like scenery, where onmipresent wisps of fog sped by. At one point we crossed tall sandy dunes - at an elevation of 750' - the power and tenacity of the wind being rather impressive.

The caliche forest appeared along a bluff scattered with huge pom-poms of lupin and 'dune'delions; like a cemetery of pure white stumps, where ghostly swaths of fog danced through. The remnants of an ancient pine forest, the caliche (calcrete) is a fossil but not truly ... too complex to describe late on a darkened night, you'll have to google it. But it was an impressive sight, and after snapping a few photos, and taking the eerie panorama in, we retraced our steps. .

Ranger George kept us entertained with details and anecdotes about the island flora and fauna, and his fascinating 70-plus-years of life, and soon the 5-mile round trip was over. As a reward, he offered us some brownies at the station, we started our slightly wobbly hike (we've been boat bound a few days, and were a bit stiff!) back along the trail and down the ravine to the beach (another mile or so). Along the way, a petite island fox (an endemic species) appeared in the trail - and then another. These two adorable young pups eyed us curiously for a few minutes, then walked into the dense coreopsis grove. It was the icing on the cake, a fabulous day.

After a refreshingly splashy (the water temp is mid 50s) dinghy ride, we took turns showering ... it never really got sunny enough to warm up the sunshower, so our baths were brisk and quick! Leftover lasagna and salad were on the menu and everyone turned in fairly swift. Kathleen announced this has been one of the biggest adventures of her life... and heck, we're not even halfway through the trip yet ;-)

Tomorrow we leave earlyish for Santa Cruz again. We expect a nice following breeze so will sail over the top of Santa Rosa, then duck into the passage between Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz, and head east to an anchorage on the south side. Thursday we'll make our way to Santa Barbara Island, by way of Anacapa, and Friday we'll head over to the Isthmus, on Catalina. By then, we hope and pray, we will meet up with some SUNNY and WARM weather!!

The gals are all sound asleep, well, happy and full. Love to all ~ Betsy

San Miguel, at last!

2010-08-16T22:15:00.000-07:00

Monday Aug. 16

I am writing this from Cuyler Harbor, San Miguel Island - where approaching 9PM, we are counting down to the NOAA forecasted dip in wind velocity, which would be welcome, as we tug on our two bow anchors, in the dense black foggy night, where the wind is gusting in the low 30s. I've got on thermals and fuzzy socks and would be wearing my fuzzy hat too, except it got wet on the dinghy ride from shore.

We (Holly, Jani, Kathleen aka Madame K, Jenene and I) are celebrating our successful voyage (thus far) to San Miguel - where Holly, who has been sailing since before she could walk, has been efforting (more than a dozen times) to visit, and has been turned back time and again by foul weather. We are singing along to old tunes, playing the spoons, dancing, checking the wind.

Never mind. We have defied every NOAA forecast since we left, inching towards San Miguel despite small craft advisories, peeking out of our anchorages in the early morning hours, to satisfy Holly's lifelong quest. San Miguel!

Here's the brief synopsis of our trip so far (since leaving Santa Barbara) .... as Holly throws a grape on they keyboard and Jani remarks: "29 - see it's dropping" and then, they begin dancing to some old Sonny & Cher song.

Saturday we left for Santa Cruz - having decided that San MIguel would be suicidal and our guests might mutiny. We had a gorgeous, quick sail to Fry's Harbor (during which time I napped: .. one thing I LOVE about sailing is that you get to nap, and in fact it's your JOB to nap. sweet!) Fry's is a perfect little cove: protected on either side by tall pocked cliffs, with a small gravelly beach ashore.

But it's honking outside the next morning, so we pull up our anchors and leave early, for a surly ride west along the top of the island and across the channel to Santa Rosa Island. The wind (as expected) kept increasing, but the angle made it tolerable, as we continued westbound to Becher's Bay. It appeared just as I remembered it: heinous. A wind-streaked, kelp-strewn expanse of frothy water, beneath dull brown hills.

We anchor in the frigid breeze (on the third try - hacking away wads of kelp each time we re-attempt) have some soup. "Is it pretty much like this all the time?" Holly whispers and I reply "No it's windier at night.". We figure it's time to get the hell outta dodge. We venture out again into the channel - huge breakers rolling along the point - turn the corner, and ahhhhhh: calm, warm(ish) bliss.

Skirting the bottom of west Santa Rosa toward the midpoint, we find Johnson's Lee ... snake our way through a thick carpet of kelp to the right depth, and drop anchor. Holly, Madame K and Jani jump in the dinghy for a quick excursion ashore, but after fighting their way through the breeze and kelp, are send scurrying back by a giant elephant seal protecting his harem.

"I have never SEEN a head that big" Jani sputters and Holly retorts "Hence the name ELEPHANT seal ... "

We have a peaceful night in the lee of this island. Elephant seals call all night, seagulls cry, and unseen fish leap - slapping on the slick surface of the water. The air smells like wet straw, and the sky above is clear.

Monday

It's 6:15 and Holly is stirring. I know what this means. If (like a groundhog) she pops her head out and sees the right condition, we are off for San Miguel. Forecasts all weekend have been unfavorable but getting underway early has saved us from the worst of it.

First though, we have to give the boat 'a Brazilian'. She has swung in the night into a kelp bed and we need to whack a mountain of foliage from under her belly. Then we're off - pleasant enough at first, until we round South Point and enter the channel between Santa Rosa and San Miguel. The fog thickens, the wind builds, and the waves resemble a washing machine as the points of the islands stretch to meet in the channel. We liken it to squeezing through the sphincter of the islands. It is cold and wet ... but just a few hours and brief enough. By noon we are rounding the rocky isle at the entry to Cuyler Harbor. In the time it takes to do a donut and drop the main, the fog clears just enough for us to make out the rocks, and we slowly motor to the anchorage.

There's a lot more to tell - our excursion ashore, bypassing a slew of elephant seals including massive juveniles who broke from their game of slapping their huge floppy proboscises at each other - to gape at us; a proliferation of wildflowers; strolling the sand dunes that stretch up 100s of feet, and the incredible array of textures of the rocks, but after a long day and a filling dinner of lasagna and wine, it is time to go to sleep and prepare for tomorrow ...

Everyone is well. Love to all ~ Betsy

Santa Barbara and beyond!

2010-08-16T22:09:00.001-07:00

August 14 - Our first leg, Long Beach to Santa Barbara, was successul -- a bit frisky, until 1AM, when the seas finally laid down a bit. We were hopeful of seeing the Perseids (meteor showers) that appear this time of year -- and because I was fortunate enough to be driving (the autohelm got cranky in the very lumpy sea) and was peering over the dodger (getting misted with cold spray on occasion) I saw one spectacular long streaking star that lit up the sky. Funny how one special star can make all that looking worthwhile.

A brief recap: we arrived early and got in naps, lunch, and a sunny walk to and along the Pier; later we joined up with the Flippin Friday gals for cocktail hour on the Jr Sailing dock (they abandoned their small boat races due to the gusty conditions) and then hit Brophys (my favorite) for dinner. And a drink or two.

Now it's Saturday morning - the coffee is vociferously perking on the stove, and we're very busy getting ready to head to Santa Cruz. A small craft warning is forecast for the SB Channel this afternoon so we are postponing San Miguel til Monday, when we expect much flatter seas. So we're looking at Santa Cruz Sat - Sun, sometime Monday head to San Miguel and then get back on track for our loop to Santa Rosa, SC again (perhaps), Anacapa, Santa Barbara (island), and Two Harbors, Catalina (Friday night).

All are well, looking forward to the islands!

Gone sailing ...

2010-08-11T08:31:00.001-07:00

The staff of MAHALO SAILING will be offline Aug. 12 - 21 during our instructional six-island sailing safari of the Channel Islands. For information on our exciting Belgium Barge Cruise or other upcoming events, please email Captain Holly at holly@mahalosailing.com and stand by for a reply when we return. Mahalo!

Beer is good for you! Join us in Belgium!

2010-08-06T11:12:00.001-07:00

FIVE HEALTHY REASONS TO DRINK BEER

What could be more fun than enjoying BEER IN BELGIUM on a CUSTOM CANAL CRUISE?!

2010-08-03T17:08:00.000-07:00

This outrageously FUN homage to Belgian Beer begins in the historic seaside village of Nieuwpoort. You relax as we journey inland along the peaceful canals of Flanders, exploring the bucolic countryside while you visit legendary breweries and imbibe in famed regional beers like Delirium, De Ranke and the fabled ‘nectar’ of the Trappist Monks of Saint Sixtus.

Enjoy the convenience of your own ‘roving hotel’ as we continue along tranquil waterways circling Bruges – “the Venice of the north” – and loop through this storybook landscape, where YOU kick back with the locals at charming pubs or revive your brain cells at the National Hops Museum, and other sites.

Dates: October 5 – 13, 2010

Cost per person only $2199! Includes lodging aboard a comfortable, modern yacht skippered by a licensed (USCG) captain; guide; all breakfasts and most lunches. Airfare, transfers, dinners, some lunches, and land/transportation extra, including applicable admittance fees. Optional pre/post cruise excursions to additional breweries are available.

BOOK NOW $100 saves your spot

Capt. Holly Scott holly@mahalosailing.com 562 787 5653; or BetsyCrowfoot@gmail.com

TO ANSWER A FEW QUESTIONS:

IS IT POSSIBLE TO HIRE BIKES?
"Yes, the charter company has a brand new range of lightweight, 24-gear cross country bikes ... it is advisable to reserve them in advance."

IS FISHING ALLOWED?
"Fishing enthusiasts will have the time of their lives on the rivers so bring your rods and don’t forget your fishing license! Licenses can be purchased from local shops for the duration of your cruise."

Fourth of July

2010-07-07T08:28:00.001-07:00

Mahalo Sailing enjoyed a little R&R on the Fourth, as we celebrated Independence Day with a long weekend on Catalina Island, in Avalon!

The historic Catalina Island Yacht Club was our host; there we watched the colorful parade (mostly golf carts, and the USC marching band) and enjoyed a full weekend of festivities.

Unusually cool weather made it perfect for hiking the trails over Avalon, and a fabulous sail home!

Where did the wind go?

2010-06-30T08:14:00.000-07:00

We had a great trip this weekend to Catalina's West End, Santa Barbara Island, Little Harbor on the back side of Catalina and then home to Alamitos Bay.

There were five of 'us gals' aboard for the first day. We motorsailed to the Isthmus for mooring practice, dropped Page off to catch up with her hubby, and then anchored for the night in Big Geiger Cove. Next morning we got underway early and motorsailed (sound familiar?) to the anchorage at Santa Barbara Island. After lunch, we went ashore to find a sick bull Sea Lion blocking our access to the stairs and the rest of the Island. After being charged by him a few times, and yours truly climbing the outside of the pier to the next level, we were able to persuade him to move elsewhere by banging on the landing platform with a 20 foot piece of PVC pipe. We later learned that the pipe is left there for that very purpose.

After that drama, we hiked the island to see the views, dozens of baby gull chicks and eggs in nests, more sea lions (at a distance) 1000's of gulls screeching, a quick visit with researchers counting cormorants, and then the long hike back to the landing. Our friend hadn't returned, so we launched the dinghy and rowed back to the boat for some well deserved beverages and a great dinner. We spent a quiet night at anchor and all slept like the dead.

We were all moving slow the next morning but that was fine as we were waiting/hoping for the wind to come up. No luck. We motorsailed some more back to Catalina and anchored in Little Harbor. After dropping the bow anchor, the 'girls' rowed the stern anchor out and we pulled back to spend a very comfortable night. We went ashore for a nice walk, so we could eat more, and again rewarded ourselves with a nice happy hour and dinner. And brownies, as we watched the moon rise over the Island. Sweet.

Monday morning we pulled the anchors and guess what? Motorsailed back around the east end of the island and back to A Bay. A little short on wind, but a great trip with a great group of gals. Click HERE for a full gallery of photos on our Facebook page.

The next trip will be the Intro To Cruising Mexico in July. Contact me for more info.

The seminar this week is on Thursday, July 1st at 6:00 PM. As usual, at the Long Beach West Marine Store. The topic is Local Cruising Destinations - perfect for the 4th weekend, as Catalina will be jammed. here are lots of great places to visit any time of year, that are close by and fun. I hope to see you there.

Have a great Fourth, and join me next week on Wednesday July 7 for Cruising The Channel Islands.

Holly

Sunday night:: Little Harbor

2010-06-27T19:54:00.000-07:00

After a great visit to Santa Barbara Island - where the gals enjoyed a tremendous hike and all the flora and fauna of this remote island - they headed back to Catalina, to Little Harbor for the night. Click here for the SPOT locator! Capt. Holly reports all are happy and well! ~ Betsy

Saturday - Santa Barbara Island

2010-06-26T23:25:00.000-07:00

Here is Mahalo's location Saturday night

Latitude:33.48463

Longitude:-119.02704

Friday night anchorage

2010-06-25T19:23:00.000-07:00

Click HERE to see where Mahalo is tonight.

Santa Barbara Island learning adventure

2010-06-25T10:55:00.000-07:00

Our intrepid crew gets their debrief before setting sail for Santa Barbara Island (by way of Catalina) this morning. Check here for SPOT locators and any additional news (how scant it might be: as the gals will be out of range most of the weekend!) We wish them well on their learning adventure!! ~ Betsy

June 24 @ West Marine: TEAK TREATMENTS!

2010-06-22T08:19:00.001-07:00

This week's West Marine Seminar will be Teak Treatments - Thursday at 6:00 at the Long Beach Store.

It used to be call 'What Do I Do With My Teak' but TEAK TREATMENTS sounds so much more upscale now don't you think? As you know, I'm all about upscale. We'll talk about and demo cleaning, bleaching,sealing and varnishing teak. We make a mess outside and stink up the store. I love it!

The Mahalo trip to Catalina and Santa Barbara Island this weekend is full - all ladies. What's the matter with you guys? I dare ya to sign up for a trip...

There's a great one coming up July 23 - 27 Intro To Cruising Mexico. We sail overnight to Ensenada, go through the paperwork stuff, play for the day, anchor out at Todo Santos Island for the night - explore ashore, check out of Mexico, then mini

bash back to San Diego, do US customs, then bash back to Long Beach. Sort of a condensed Mexico cruise - very different than the Ensenada Race. Oh, and we'll visit the home of the world's greatest fish tacos!

Mahalo Sailing is now on Facebook. I so can't believe that I fell prey to the Facebook craze but at least you can see photos of our trips on there, as well as the seminar calendar. My friends (the real ones, not FB 'friends') drag me into this stuff kicking and screaming - so blame it on them!

I hope you got out on the water this weekend.

Holly

Now on Facebook!

2010-06-21T09:44:00.000-07:00

Check out our new Mahalo Sailing page on Facebook!

WE'RE BACK!!!

2010-05-18T23:06:00.000-07:00

Well, most of us are anyway...

What an eventful trip we had. But first, let me apologize for the lack of e mails from me. This was very different than sitting on my own boat Mahalo, using my own computer with only myself and a few crew to worry about. Keeping track of nine other women with different interests, wanting to do nine different things was a challenge. It was a riot of fun, but hard to find a computer with regular keys, the time to use it without ten Captain Holly questions every minute, and a signal to send it. Or it was too hot to sit still inside an internet cafe where you pay by the minute and can't figure out how to make it all work. Next time I will bring my own travel computer and write as I go, then send them as I can.

Thailand is a beautiful country with really great people living there. They are so polite and friendly - they remind me of the great folks I met in Mexico. The commotion in Bangkok is terrible, but seems to be isolated as everyone we met went out of their way to be helpful and make us feel welcome.

We saw so many interesting places on our trip, it's hard to describe them all. I hope you have the chance to look and the pictures Betsy posted on the sites that Jo sent you. It was so amazing to be inside a cave full of stalagmites dripping, look through a hole in a rock wall to see the inside of a hollow island that is inaccessible unless you are a bird, sit on a beach with a monkey sitting next to you, to try to imagine the size and shape of the lizard that made tracks in the sand - whose feet are the size of my hand, and see so many jelly fish the size of basketballs.

On the beach where the lizard were, we found these clear blobs of jello the shape and size of a hamburger bun. They floated, had no tentacles and had washed up on the beach. After much discussion, it was decided that they were part of a shipment of breast implants that had fallen off a ship mid ocean. We were about to scoop them up and bring them home when Professor Yeomans suggested that they were probably some kind of jelly. Yea, whatever, they were still referred to as "implants" for the rest of the trip.

One night, we were all lying on the trampoline looking at stars. Well, trying to see them really. Somebody asked why we couldn't see them very well and I replied that it was because there was so much moisture in the air, it was reflecting the light... or some other intelligent sounding BS. We may have had several beverages at this point because we kept saying the word 'moisture' in various accents until we settled on a pronunciation from Ohio I think. (clamp your teeth together and just use your lips when saying it) As only silly girls can, we worked it to death getting more and more silly and using the word 'moisture' for every possible reason, with that particular pronunciation. There were plenty of opportunities as everything and everybody was very 'Moist' due to the humidity. Sherry didn't need any 'moisturizer', the rice needs soy sauce because it's not 'moist' enough, the AC made 'moisture' on the windows at night... and on and on it went. What a gift to just be silly!

The time of year we were there is a slack season between the trades so the sailing was pretty poor. We did have a few nice sails but we did a lot of motoring. Lesson learned - don't go in a slack season. As we didn't choose the timing of this trip, we were stuck with the lack of wind and the high heat. When we book our own trips, we will choose good sailing weather. We did have some spectacular lightning and thunder storms which were fun for the So. Cal girls. Anchor drills in a tropical downpour were more fun than normal and very refreshing. They taught us to spend the hot days in wet t shirts to keep cool. Yes, we said 'moisture' again. HA HA HA!

I like to snorkel but have gotten sort of bored with it over the years. It's nice to do but I wouldn't spend money on a special trip just to snorkel. Several ladies said that they would like to do some snorkeling however, so we stopped at a place that was supposed to have a great coral reef. WOW was it great! There was a strong current running over the coral so we loaded up in the dinghy and motored up current to the far end of the reef to get started. Everybody jumped in and we drifted over the reef looking at the most amazing stuff I have ever seen. It really was amazing and looked a lot like the old submarine ride at Disneyland. Except for the sea monster of course. We had to get moving as there was a big cigar shaped cloud rolling toward us with lots of black sky behind it. Like the cloud that forms over our Channel Islands, and the Coromuel in La Paz, it didn't look like anything friendly and we wanted to be in an anchorage, well dug in when it hit. We were, and it did. I think we were the only boat that didn't drag or have a close encounter with another boat. It went from a dead calm to blowing in the 30's in about 3 minutes - oh, and RAINED. (Moisture again) Another spectacular weather show. It was short lived but the anchorage was too rolly for me, so we upped anchor and moved to the other side of the Island for the night.

And so it went... really a great trip with a great group of fun gals. We had dances on deck with the other crews, quiet nights, crazy music-blaring-trampoline-jumping-in-the-rain-foolishness, great sightseeing and lots of laughing and moisture.

After we returned the boat, the girls hit the showers and then the streets, picking up last minute purchases, working out the details of replacing the stolen passport, the final dinner out and a big use-up- the-last-of-the-booze party in Sherry's room. (where else?) The toads (real ones, not fat people) who live as the hotel were having a love-in which we found rather entertaining after visiting the party. Yes, more comments about the moisture... There was one last shopping foray before leaving for the airport which caused us to fall behind our schedule, and then more at the airport to use up the last of our Baht. Some of us have over developed shopping genes!

Nancy, who's passport was stolen, and Kerele had to fly to Ching Mi to go the US Embassy there to replace the passport. They sent us a note saying that they really enjoyed their quick visit and got the passport replaced right away. They will head for home tonight. Jane stayed in Thailand for a few days to relax at a spa.

My thanks to Jo as always, for pinch hitting for me and the lack of communication. She can get pretty creative can't she? She swears she's not. It will be better next time.

Till then,

Captain Holly

Great Chiang Mai Passport Odyssey

2010-05-18T07:33:00.000-07:00

With the strife in Bangkok, and the Embassy there closed, Nancy's only choice for replacing the passport (stolen from the boat along with credit cards and other stuff) was to go to Chiang Mai -- an ancient city (founded in the 1200s) in the north western interior of Thailand. Karele bravely joined her for the odyssey, and we have just heard that the expedition has been a successful, even pleasant, trip. Writes Nancy:

"Chiang Mai is a wonderful place - we wish we could stay because it is the best: so much prettier and 'more ancient' feeling than Phuket. Clean, and the people even more friendly, if you can imagine. Please let everyone know that I got my passport and immigration stamp with no problems today and we are leaving for USA tomorrow morning."

We are thrilled for this happy ending and await their arrival home! ~ Betsy

Just a few pix of the Thailand scenery

2010-05-16T23:38:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the dearth of emails friends, but wifi is scarce in the remote and beautiful anchorages of Thailand. From the time we left the police station in Koh Yao Noi (5/11) until we returned to the Supalai Resort in Ao Po (5/16), we could find no internet - despite hours of trying to log on whenever we inched near a town or resort. I hope these photos will help fill you in!

2010-05-14T20:39:00.000-07:00

May 14

Happy Friday!!!!

Our crew remains on radio silence today. I have two SPOT locations received overnight. I’ve also included a few internet photos of their approximate location at Ko Phi Phi Don. Sorry I don’t have more for you but that’s the way it goes when cruising in exotic places… there’s always something a lot more fun to do than hunt for a wireless signal!

It’s now Saturday morning in Thailand so I think they turn the boat in tomorrow, which is their Sunday and then fly back on Monday. That being the case, I anticipate that we will get a flood of info tomorrow night.

I’m having a boat activity of my own tomorrow so your daily email will likely come pretty late… I know you are all on the edge of your seat waiting for the next installment but hey… you really need to get out there on the water and do some sailing! The email will be there when you get back... I promise!

That’s all I’ve got for today. Take care and have a fabulous weekend! I know I’m going to…

Best regards,

SPOT Location 5/13/10 10:58 PM PDT:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=7.68055,98.76359&ll=7.68055,98.76359&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

SPOT Location 5/14/10 4:44 AM PDT:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=7.7458,98.76308&ll=7.7458,98.76308&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

2010-05-14T20:36:00.000-07:00

May 13

Ok, gang… not much to report today… no emails and no phone calls but I did receive three SPOT locations overnight.

It’s still early in the day in Thailand so if I receive anything before I turn in for the night, I’ll send it along in a very special second edition email for today.

One thing that I forgot to mention from Holly’s phone call yesterday… it’s HOT! There was also something about running around in wet t-shirts too but… really… isn’t that just TMI?

Have a great evening!

Best regards,

SPOT Location 5/12/10 10:22 PM PDT:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=7.81489,98.79895&ll=7.81489,98.79895&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

SPOT Location 5/13/10 1:38 AM PDT:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=7.7804,98.76518&ll=7.7804,98.76518&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

SPOT Location 5/13/10 6:00 AM PDT:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=7.74546,98.76153&ll=7.74546,98.76153&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

2010-05-14T20:32:00.000-07:00

May 12

Good evening all…

Well, as those of you who have been through this a couple of times know, the routine often is that as soon as I hit send on the email, I’ll get an update. Such was the case last night Betsy came up on Skype just a few minutes after I sent out the email.

She relayed a tail of pirates… ok, more like petty thieves in a panga (opps, wrong country – no pangas in Thailand). It seems that the girls were all out exploring and while they were away, the boat was pilfered by a band of wayward fishermen.

Betsy sent an email a little later so I’ve included it below along with the SPOT location that I received overnight.

I also received a phone call from Holly this evening. Everyone is fine… they just won’t ever leave the boat unlocked again. Holly said that the thieves didn’t seem to be very good at their craft… they took some ipods and left others, left Betsy’s enormous camera and computer… some entire wallets were taken while other had their credit cards lifted and the cash left behind… one passport was taken but it seems that was only because it was in a bag – in this case they took the entire bag.

Holly also relayed a tale of an anchor drill in the middle of the night but in typical Holly fashion, queen of anchoring that she is, she handled the situation in fine form, extricating Team Thailand from a close encounter with another boat.

The crew was just about to get underway for today’s adventure when we talked this evening. It sounded like they were none the worse for the experience… there were tales of thunderstorms and conga lines… They expect to anchor near a town tonight so we may finally receive a new email from La Capitana.

So that’s it for today, not the happiest of tales but another one for the adventure log book… one to look back on and say… “remember when we were in Thailand… what a wild adventure it was…”

Warm regards,

SPOT Location 5/12/10 3:41 AM PDT:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=7.9775,98.8131&ll=7.9775,98.8131&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

FROM BETSY: REAL LIVE PIRATES – 5/11/10 10:42 PM PDT

Our trip has been fantastic, with one exception ... Tuesday, while we were exploring Koh Roi - a small island of lagoons and fruit bats, a couple of ‘fishermen’ helped themselves to some stuff on our boat. They snuck aboard during a 20 minute window when we were out kayaking and on the dinghy – so none of us were hurt or scared (just pissed off!).

The good news is one of the other SUNSAIL boats got a photo of the longtail (the Thai version of a fishing panga) that robbed us. So this morning stopped at a resort at the foot of Koh Yao Noi island, and the restaurant owner drove us to the regional police station; Nancy sitting on the back of the motorbike and me in a sidecar made of rebar and rotting plywood.

Nancy and I brought along the photo and are currently writing this email from the police station, where we’re picking through the phrase book and filling out the necessary report for everyone to make their insurance claims. The police – who work in a steamy open air office – are personable and fun, and update us on how the LA Lakers are doing, as they write the report (by hand).

This experience has been an inconvenience and very unfortunate, but we are not going to allow a couple of pricks to ruin our fun! !!! To prove the point – last evening, when a colossal downpour soaked our little flotilla, us gals congo-lined around the boat in the pouring rain. We had a dinner of burgers, stir fried veggies and sangria when the rain subsided then went ashore to visit the bar at the resort to THAI ONE ON!

We’re all fine! With the exception of the pirates everyone in Thailand has been DELIGHTFUL – including Louie the restaurant owner who is waiting with us at the police station, to bring us back to the boat … when we return we’ll be sure to enjoy a huge seafood dinner at his restaurant, before getting underway to Koh Yao Yai. Then we’re heading south – where we’re looking forward to great snorkeling in the cooler (we hope) clearer water of Phang Nga Bay.

Sawadee Ka!

~ Betsy

2010-05-14T20:31:00.000-07:00

May 11

Good evening, all…

Today we have only the spot location so we are all left to our imaginations to envision the adventures of the day. I’ve included a new photo to help you along…

As for me… I imagine that it’s… HOT!

Warm regards,

SPOT Location 5/11/10 3:37 AM PDT:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=8.17466,98.63839&ll=8.17466,98.63839&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

2010-05-14T20:23:00.000-07:00

May 10

Good evening, all…

Today we have two SPOT locations from our intrepid Captain and crew. I also received a call from Holly this afternoon, around 4:00 (6:00 AM in Thailand) which I tried to document as best I could. What follows is my best recollection of our conversation…

From my phone conversation with Holly – May 10, 4:09 PM PDT

It is SOOOOOOOOO HOT!

They are cruising around in between a bunch of funny little islands (not sure what makes them funny… doubt that they have clowns in Thailand) that are really close together. The islands are called Hongs. They consist of lime stone, 400 to 500 feet high in some places with sea caves that have collapsed… there are places to snorkel, climb and explore via the dingy. Holly says that they are similar to mini caldera covered with jungle… there is just about everything you could imagine in a jungle there – exotic birds, monkeys, beautiful butterflies and very large lizards. Holly ended the description by saying it was like Jurassic Park meets Harry Potter meets Lord of the Rings.

Did I mention that it’s HOT?

Everyone is having a great time on the catamaran. It’s the princess ship of the charter fleet and they are loving the air conditioning. Thailand is very different from the Caribbean, for example, because there are no trade winds. The wind completely dies at night so there’s no breeze to help with the sweltering heat and humidity. Even though they have to listen to the generator and AC run all night, everyone thinks it’s well worth it.

So, it’s really, really HOT.

Captain Woody from Lat’s and Att’s joined the crew on the cat last night for social hour and a good time was had by all, partying on the trampoline. It sounds like everyone is having a blast and staying up waaaaay too late.

Oh, yeah… it’s incredibly HOT.

Holly said she wishes it would rain to give them some relief… the humidity is near 100% so what’s a little rain added to the mix?

The plan for today day was to head a little East of South which will take them closer to a few towns were they may be able to pick up a wireless signal.

I’ve attached three photos of Hongs that I pulled down from the internet (did not receive from Holly) so you can see what she was talking about and I was attempting to describe. It looks pretty fabulous to me…

And one last thing… it’s HOT! :o)

Warm regards, no pun intended…

P.S. I updated Holly’s facebook link, below.

Holly’s Website: www.mahalosailing.com

Holly’s Blog: http://mahalosailing.blogspot.com/

Holly’s facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000042275892&ref=ts

Betsy’s Blog: http://upsidedownsummer.blogspot.com/

Betsy’s facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BetsyCrowfoot

SPOT Location 5/9/10 9:39 PM PDT:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=8.19791,98.49398&ll=8.19791,98.49398&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

SPOT Location 5/10/10 3:50 AM PDT:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=8.2263,98.50441&ll=8.2263,98.50441&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

Setting Sail

2010-05-08T16:58:00.001-07:00

May 9

We’ve been lucky: it hasn’t rained (so far) – allowing us some wonderful pre-sail explorations of Thailand. We’ve gone elephant riding, taken Thai cooking classes, enjoyed traditional massages where the petite women customarily jump on the table to twist and thump your body into a vegetative state; shopped, walked, lounged by the pool, done morning water aerobics and 12-ounce curls* in the afternoon (* beer drinking), and last night: took in an extravagant Ladyboy cabaret in Palong Beach – where young men dressed as woman (who look better than I ever have or will) (in costumes that would make Liza Minelli jealous) dance, prance, sing and sashay to pop tunes and traditional Asian music alike, after our gourmet dinner at Mom’s Tri Regatta restaurant, where we doubled up our happy hour drinks and enjoyed the posh surroundings of the Royal Phuket Marina, beneath a spectacular heat lightning show (‘In Vietnam,’ explained Holly, when worries of potential rain and thunder arose). (Yes this is a tremendous run-on sentence however it gives you an impression of the non-stop, can-you-catch-your-breath? excitement our gals have experienced since we arrived!)

The hotel (Supalai Resort in Ao Po) has treated us like queens (or, I should say more clearly: ‘royalty’) shuttling us around in the air conditioned van, while we gape and point out the windows at the temples and scenery; so everyone is healthy, safe, well-hydrated and happy.

But today is Mother’s Day and our adventure takes a turn. Around noon we’ll board our yacht (we haven’t nicknamed her yet) and set off for our first anchorage. A few of us sat around the table a couple days ago with Captain Morgan (great name for the head of a yacht charter co. isn’t it?) going over charts and perusing our many options for anchorages. We have the lush scenic islands and karsts of the north bay, sandy beaches with monkeys and giant lizards to the south, and several coral reefs to snorkel and explore along in between. I imagine we’ll do some of each: in typical character of our women who want to do it all!

Our internet access now is about to become nil though (until perhaps, when we get to Phi Phi – pronounced ‘pee pee’) so fear not! We’ll send our SPOT messages out regularly and email/post whenever we can.

Happy Mother’s Day to you all! Over & out - Betsy

CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS

Pooped in Phuket

2010-05-07T17:09:00.000-07:00

Sorry it took so long to get this going… It took some doing to figure out this email system and then this weird computer keyboard with Thai characters on the keys. You know how well I type!

When we got here yesterday, we were all hot, tired and hot. We threw our stuff in our rooms, put on our suits and went to the pool. It has dark blue tiles on the bottom so the temp is about 90. Not real refreshing but there is a bar in the pool so we sat on stool and had some cold ones. Ahhhh…. Then it was off to a death nap for a few hours, then we tried to stay awake during dinner at the hotel restaurant. Some of us almost fell asleep in our plates, and then stumbled back to our room for another sleep of the dead. ZZZzzzzz.......

This morning we were in much better shape and divided into groups right after breakfast. Betsy and I, with two others in tow, went to the Sunsail Base to get out chart briefing early. The Manager offered us a 46' catamaran if we wanted it for the same price as the 50' monohull that we thought we were getting. After looking both boats over, and lots of thought, we went for the cat. It comes with a bigger dinghy, 2 kayaks, AC and lots of shade. It's basically flat seas here so the odd motion of a cat won't be a bother. There are lots of shallows here to so I think we made a good choice. As soon as we decided, we were able to get checked out on the boat as well so that when we get the boat, we will be able to depart right away. All the other boats will have to wait around and deal with a lot of mayhem on the 9th, while we just wave and get going! What a great deal!

The other gals in our group decided to go shopping instead of the checkout and elephant ride. Six of us went to see the elephants. These elephants and their mahouts came from Burma where they retired after the lumber industries were shut down. The elephants were used to haul logs and do all the heavy work. Since they were moved to Thailand, they live in the mountains with their mahouts and their families. The people all live in bamboo huts near the elephants and work with them all day. They get washed twice a day, eat mountains of food and poop where ever they want. We were able to ride them with the mahouts for 30 minutes around the hills.

It is a bit cooler in the mountains where they live, the views are great and the elephants are wonderful. Ours was 22 years old and the mahout has been with him all 22 years. He just spoke quietly to the elephant and they worked together like old friends. I took off my flip flop so I could feel the elephant through my foot. After reading the book Modoc: The Greatest Elephant That Ever Lived, I had an almost spiritual experience. If you haven't read the book, go do it. I can't stop thinking about it...

We're all back now and comparing notes over a few coldies, and planning dinner somewhere. This is even better that I thought it would be and we're not even on the boat yet! Woo hoo!!!!!

And now a few words from our shoppers...

Holly

The shoppers were June, Jane and Betsy & ME (Sherry) big surprise! The shuttle from the hotel took us to the 'mall' ugh...so we jumped into a taxi for 'old Phuket Town' and had a great experience. We saw an old apothecary store just like the movies, pearls, gold, silk...you would think we were in Thailand..or yeah, we ARE! The architecture is very colonial and I feel like we are going to see Anne walking down the street from 'The King and I'. Beautiful temples and so colorful. We hailed a 'tuk tuk'(open air mini truck) back to the mall to catch our ride back to the hotel. We are now enjoying a couple 'coldies' and thinking about dinner. We are getting excited about getting on the water.

All for now.

Sherry

Greetings from Jo @ mission control

2010-05-07T17:07:00.000-07:00

First let me apologize for the late start on the daily emails. I’m house sitting for Holly and in between the last time I had my computer here and now, she changed her internet service which meant I didn’t have the password to get on her new network. All is now right with the world and the wireless so off we go to Southeast Asia!

I’ve received one Spot (upon their arrival on Wednesday), one email on Thursday, both of which I’ve included below, and a quick check in email on Friday. I plan to provide daily updates which I will send out in the evening. I’m not sure what the crew’s connectivity will be on a day to day basis but I’ll send something out, regardless. Even if we don’t get an email every day, we should receive a Spot location once they are on the boat and moving. They are scheduled to pick up the boat tomorrow 5/9.

Please check out Holly’s and Betsy’s blogs where you’ll find photos as they are able to post them. The links are listed below if you want to have a look. I doubt that I’ll receive any photos via email this time around.

So here ya go… it might not be the next best thing to being there but it’s as close as we’ll get… this time anyway.

Enjoy the read and have a great weekend.

Best regards,

Holly’s Website: www.mahalosailing.com

Holly’s Blog: http://mahalosailing.blogspot.com/

Betsy’s Blog: http://upsidedownsummer.blogspot.com/

Betsy’s Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BetsyCrowfoot

SPOT Location 5/6/10:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=8.08433,98.43385&ll=8.08433,98.43385&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

Photos from Thailand

2010-05-07T09:21:00.000-07:00

Days 1 and 2

Hong Kong!

2010-05-05T17:34:00.001-07:00

An exotic stop-over at Hong Kong airport - with Starbucks and wifi and everything. As Jeanne says, "Ain't technology grand!"

'Uneventful but l-o-n-g flight from LAX. After several fitful hours (during which time someone tossed sand in my eyes, I swear ... ) I got up: Jeanne was smartly seated aft (and right behind Holly and Rebecca) so we all clustered and clucked in the aisle when we went to visit the head.

Now we have another three and a half hours to Phuket. All are well; more when we arrive! ~ Betsy

The long haul to Thailand

2010-05-04T08:12:00.000-07:00

Tonight at 10:30pm our group sorties at LAX, bound for Phuket! Ten crazy, excited, slightly nervous, probably too-pale women, ready to Thai One On!

Stand by for blog postings from the sultry Andaman Sea ...

Welcome Aboard

2010-04-26T12:57:00.000-07:00

You've heard of Miss Manners? Well here's our version -- Backseat Betty's Pointers for Best Boating Behavior ...

Here are a few things to remember when living aboard a boat to make your trip more enjoyable, and to help maintain crew harmony.

UTILITIES: All water, electricity, trash management and sewage is self contained on a boat. We have limited amounts of each, but plenty if we aren’t wasteful. Water is stored in tanks and may or may not be drinkable. Ask the skipper. Any use of water for washing dishes, clothes, teeth or bodies must be done with care. Generally, if there’s water running – it’s bad. Get wet, turn off the water and soap up, wash everything and rinse off. Be sure to rinse away any soap so the shower doesn’t get slippery. We can’t stand in the shower, wash dishes, hands etc. with the water running.

We make 12volt electricity only when the engine is running and store it in huge batteries similar to a car. Again, use lights and fans whenever you need them but don’t walk off and leave them on. It’s OK to leave fans running while you’re sleeping.

Some boats store sewage in tanks and some flush directly overboard. Ask the skipper. Some marine heads don’t like TP but most are fine. You will get flushing lessons so pay close attention so you don’t have to ask for help at an embarrassing moment. If you forget – ask first! Practice ‘courtesy flushing’ wherein you flush as you go when you do ‘big business’ in the head.

Trash is always a challenge as there are limited places to dispose of it. Try to compress trash before you throw it away. Get rid of unnecessary packaging before you come aboard. During offshore passages, it may be necessary to throw paper and food scraps overboard. NEVER throw plastic overboard. Food scraps are usually eaten by the fishies or birds. Again, ask the skipper.

YOUR STUFF: All of your stuff must stay in your bunk/cabin. Lots of people living in a small space can get tense when there is junk everywhere. Everything will fall on the cabin sole if it is not secured or put away which is not only a mess, but a hazard. If you share a head, be sure you dry the counter, and put your toiletries away when you’re done. Ask about hanging towels to dry.

FOOD: There is plenty to eat but running to the supermarket is impossible when you’re out there. If you get the munchies, help yourself to the community food available all day-every day. The cook has meals planned with certain ingredients set aside. If we all rummage through the lockers and scarf up whatever we see, our meals will suffer, and the cook and the rest of the crew will hate you. If you want something you don’t see, ask the cook. Please discuss food preferences, allergies etc BEFORE the trip. We may not be able to change things once we set off.

CLOTHING: Sailing usually includes every possible type of weather. It will be cooler, warmer, dryer, wetter, sunnier than you think. Be prepared for all of the above. Ask ahead of time about what to expect. You will always need sunglasses, a big hat, a jacket, sunscreen, proper shoes. Please don’t expect to go barefoot onboard as you will cut and break your feet and spoil your trip (and your feet).

CREWING: Every boat and skipper is different. Every boat has its rules that may be very different from what you are used to. Much of it has to do with experience(s). For example, a sailor who has been hit in the head with a boom is going to be very aware of where you are sitting. Even if the rules seem silly, follow them. There is a reason for everything. Avoid adjusting, untying, tweaking, starting, stopping etc without asking first. Good skippers are not on a power trip, they just need to do things a certain way for everyone’s safety. They are responsible for the boat, your safety and your lives.

Captain Holly's TIPS FOR TRIPS TO THE TROPICS

2010-04-22T12:52:00.000-07:00

After dozens of flights and sailing trips in the tropics, I’ve found a few things that make long flights stopping in hot places more bearable. Feel free to make use of my learning process…

Flights:

Many flights are at odd times – usually in the middle of the night. My trick is to eat something filling either before the flight or on the plane, and order two drinks as soon as they start serving. Then it’s time for the ear plugs, an inflatable neck pillow, a blanket and off to sleep. Eye covers if you’re next to somebody that is reading or watching the movie. Don’t forget to drink lots of water when you wake up, and walk up and down as much as you can. Day time flights aren’t so bad, I usually read or watch the movie. I usually wear long pants, a tank top with a long sleeve button shirt over, shoes and socks. About an hour before landing, I go to the head and change into shorts and sandals, wash my face, brush my teeth, and I’m ready for the temperature change when the plane lands. Many airports don’t have jet ways, or air conditioning, and it gets pretty miserable walking across the tarmac, waiting for bags, customs and taxis if you’re overdressed.

Food:

These days, food can be an issue, so I always bring something to munch on – nuts, crackers, granola bars etc.

Luggage:

Here’s what I pack in my carry on bag:

Shorts and sandals Toothbrush and toothpaste

Earplugs and eye covers Hand wipes and baby wipes

Snacks water bottle from the airport

Inflatable neck pillow I pod type ear buds (I pod?)

Book or magazines Passport, $$$ and sunglasses

Enough meds, undies, toiletries etc to spend a night without your luggage if it gets lost.

Be sure to have a distinctive tag or something on your checked bags so somebody else doesn’t grab your bag thinking it’s theirs. It often rains in tropical places and you bag may sit in a puddle or in the rain while it gets loaded and unloaded, so pack accordingly. Foulies on the top and bottom?

Once you get there:

Can you say HOT? Think light fabrics, light colors, loose clothing, comfortable shoes. Don’t be surprised if your feet swell up and your shoes hurt your feet. Quick dry clothes that you can rinse out along the way are better than packing 10 of everything. Don’t forget a wide brimmed hat and a rain jacket.

I bring a small under-my-clothes bag to carry cash and my passport. Make a color copy of your passport and keep it in another bag in case yours gets lost.

I also bring:

Spare glasses and sun glasses sewing kit

Small multi tool small First Aid Kit

Travel TP and seat covers clothes pins (wood)

Bug stuff sun screen

A few large zip lock bags for wet swim suits, treasures and ???

Fold up shopping bag/back pack/duffle bag for all the cool stuff you buy to take home that wont fit in your suitcase.

A list of phone numbers on paper in case you lose your phone or it dies along the way…

A big smile and a good attitude for when things aren’t perfect. They fix things sooner every time!

GREAT NEWS UPDATE:

2010-03-31T17:59:00.000-07:00

We have confirmed the 50-foot boat -- a fantastic Sunsail Beneteau with five cabins and (drum roll please) FOUR COMPLETE HEADS, plus more living and deck space, for maximum comfort and FUN! In addition to Capt Holly and First Mate Betsy, we've got seven guests who are going to have the times of their lives. Stay tuned for more details on this and other Mahalo Sailing trips.

GO BIG or GO HOME!

2010-03-29T13:19:00.000-07:00

Great news!

There is still ONE Beneteau 50’ available in Phuket, the week of the Share the Sail Thailand Cruise!! Your charter price remains the same, but we get an even bigger, more beautiful yacht, with more friends and more fun!

If you’re still dreaming about this trip, now is the time to make it a reality! If you have a friend you want to share this adventure with, get ‘em onboard now. Please contact Holly@mahalosailing.com or betsycrowfoot@gmail.com with your questions or confirmation asap.

Hotel rooms (about $60 per night/$30pp) are still available too if you want to tag on a few days before or after the sail, to enjoy more of exotic, gorgeous Thailand. We are less than two months away from our escape to paradise and need to act fast on the bigger yacht!

To those of you already signed up, we look forward to sailing with you! Please forward your full name, address, email, phone number and passport number asap.

Let’s go sailing!

Holly

Betsy

DO YOU WANT TO WORK ON YOUR SAILING SKILLS?

2010-03-29T12:33:00.000-07:00

OR JUST WORK ON YOUR TAN?

Our friend Holly Scott will be skippering a gorgeous charter boat May 9-15 in Thailand, and you are invited to come along (see Holly’s note below). I’ll be joining as first mate and we promise to have a belly-laughing great time and work on sailing skills (or not - as you individually desire) while cruising the beautiful, idyllic, exotic Andaman Sea off Phuket, Thailand !!

For this trip you don’t need a visa but you do need a valid passport - and there’s still time to get one (or get yours renewed)! No crazy immunizations required either … just a tube of sunscreen and a desire to enjoy life to its fullest.

We already have a 44 ft. yacht nearly filled but want to enjoy this adventure with as many friends as possible, so will upgrade to a 51-footer to make room for e-v-e-r-y-b-o-d-y! This is a great opportunity, at an awesome price, and we hope you’ll join us.

From Holly:

Hello Ladies! As you may have heard, I'm doing a women's charter to Thailand with Latitudes and Attitudes Magazine this May. Our boat is filling up quickly but if we get a few more ladies signed up, we will upgrade to a larger boat and have even more fun! This can be a learning trip, a practice your skills trip or just a deck fluff trip for you.

I will be joined by my good pal Betsy Crowfoot and I absolutely guarantee you that between the two of us, you will laugh your head off while on this trip! On our sail back from Hawaii last summer, we had to call breaks from talking because we had cramps in our cheeks from laughing non stop. Oh, and she's a great sailor too! And she cooks!

So here's the skinny: May 9-16 out of Phuket. Costs including breakfast, lunch and one or two dinners on board are $1,995 each for a shared cabin, $2,900 for a single cabin, and $2,200 for a bunk in the saloon. Airfare, dinners ashore and lodging are not included. Airfare is about $1,200. I have a travel agent lined up to take care of your travel needs.

Piggy back this charter with a few days to explore Thailand, and you end up with a fabulous trip. Much more fun that the run of the mill sailing course, new friends and maybe we can kick some butt on the rest of the magazine fleet. Oh, great Thai food, snorkeling, boat food, no yelling, helm time, anchoring practice, sail trim, more Thai food, fun, warm weather, and water.

So what are you waiting for? Contact me RIGHT AWAY if you are interested as there are only a few spots left and the deposit is due soon to secure which boat we want.

Thanks, and I hope to hear from you!
Holly Scott