2 x crew desire to sail from NZ/Australia to Asia.

[Waterbabies]

Hi,

My name's Caitlin (25) and my partner is Sanji (28).

We're enthusiastic, fun people looking to crew on a boat to South-East Asia, Papua New Guinea or any islands close by. We are based in Wellington, but can depart from anywhere in New Zealand or Australia.

Sanji has experience sailing Optimus dinghies while I am a waterbaby, having been on the water numerous times and loving it! (albeit not sailing myself). Currently we are trying to get some experience crewing for races at local sailing clubs. We're hard-working, quick learners and are enthusiastic about adding new skills to our repertoires.

In our spare time we're interested in sustainable living, art, literature, gardening, science. We can hold conversations about all these things! We're easy going and talkative, not stressful or awkward people to spend time with.

I have been checking out crew finding forums for a while now, and I know it will be tempting for readers to suggest to us that we get more experience before advertising our services, but we want to get away swiftly and start our adventures. But if anyone can suggest any other avenues or forums (Australian forums?) for help finding a boat it would be appreciated.

Hope to hear from you
Caitlin and Sanji.

[Auzzee]

Hi Caitlin and Sanji, the best time for cruising boats to head out of New Zealand, bound for PNG is April, May, June. There are two regular routes. The first via New Caledonia and the second, across the Tasman to the east coast of Australia, then north along the coast, inside the Barrier Reef.

The coastal route is by far the best scenic choice; the New Caledonian route, the quickest. At this time of year, monsoonal activity across the tropics makes voyaging potentially very dangerous. Tropical revolving storms (cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons) form with great regularity and prudent sailors will not make the trip until the threat of TRCs have ended.

Meanwhile, keep sailing. Experience is desirable but not as important as compatibility. Good guys get rides, with or without experience. However, navigation skills are always welcome, as are good cooks and people who can entertain themselves.

Best of luck in finding a suitable boat heading north.

[Waterbabies]

Thankyou very much for your response,
After hearing from you that the best time is April, May, June, I stumbled across another thread explaining that cyclone season was coming up and that was why no boats would be heading that way. Ah ha. Glad we know this now and wont be holding our breath for a place on a boat (might get a plane instead...sad).
Glad to hear that experience is secondary to disposition as we are so easily amused, friendly and personable. And can cook a feast out of next to nothing. (take note, anyone else reading this!!!)
Thanks again for your response and kind wishes.