300 miles of Caribbean Island hopping

Mark - Bluevana
- 13m Lagoon 42
- Martinique
- Checked in 5 days ago

300 miles of Caribbean Island hopping

I am offering 3 cabins on Bluevana which is a 2023 Lagoon 42 catamaran for this seasons 5th and final leg. We will be sailing and cruising 300 miles over a 3 week period. We leave Fort-de- France in Martinique on June 10 and arrive in Chaguaramas, Trinidad June 30. I am not in a hurry so will be taking our time island hopping St. Lucia, St Vincent, the Grenadine Islands and Grenada. We will enjoy some of the amazing scuba dive and snorkeling sites as well as get some kiteboarding in, hike and explore the local cultures. We have 2 SUPs, a two person kayak and many beach toys to enjoy the sandy beaches and amazing coves. This is not a formal charter so crew to participate in the regular daily chores like cooking, cleaning and keeping the living area organized. Crew to pay own travel expenses to and from the boat as well as contribute $150 per day per cabin. Contributions go towards 2 meals a day onboard (Breakfast and 1 other as well as snacks) customs fees for each country and boat running expenses. Crew responsible for personal food, drinks and activities on land.

If someone is looking for a formal captain charter and are willing to pay $3000-5000 per week per cabin, there are many out there and many are quite good. I have heard many good things about Sailing Luna. Dream yacht and some other larger companies also offer captain charters as well.

This experience I am offering is unique:
• Less expensive: I charge $150/day vs most charters charge $500 - $800 per day
• Longer periods: We usually do 20-30 days which allows the feel of what it is like to live on a Catamaran, experience a more relaxed journey and be able to pick better weather windows.
• Larger cruising ground: We explore multiple countries.

Ideal crew would be upbeat, outgoing, openminded and ready to make adventurous memories. Those with sailing experience will be welcome to help sail, set anchor, pick up mooring balls and dock. Those without sailing experience are welcome to learn as much as they want and help sail as well. This would be a great opportunity for those looking to buy a boat as Bluevana is set up well for offshore, independent sailing and has many custom modifications for live-a-board.

Position

Crew positionNovice Crew
Availability 10 Jun 2024 until 30 Jun 2024
Expenses to/from vesselPaid by crew
Expenses onboardContribution on a shared basis
Team / SoloNot important

Vessel

TypeSailing Yacht
Make/modelLagoon 42
Length13 metres
Berth4
Sailing from Martinique , Le Marin
Sailing to Trinidad and Tobago , Peakes Marina
Language spoke aboardEnglish
Boat descriptionBluevana is a new and well equipped Lagoon 42, 4 cabin catamaran. She has an all electric galley (induction cook top and microwave/convection oven), good inventory of cooking/storage supplies, 6 fridge/freezers, plenty of storage with custom cabinets and drawers. There are 5 efficient air conditioners and a 105L/hr watermaker. All the onboard electrical is powered by a large Victron lithium house bank (30.6kW) that is fed by 2000w solar and two Integrel power generators. Safety is a top priority so the boat has all the standard gear as well as vessel EPRIB, MOB1 on 3 offshore lifevests, 8 person life raft, well equipped grab bag, aux high output bilge set up and many spare plumbing, electrical and engine spare parts. There are extra fire suppression units and fire balls throughout the vessel. She performs very well under sail due to code 0, a furling gennaker and folding props. The boat has upgraded 57HP Yanmar engines. All electronics are Raymarine and has AIS, Quantum 2 radar and autopilot with windvane setting.

Skipper

NationalityCanadian/American
Age56
GenderMale
Fluent languages English
Qualifications ASA Bareboat Chartering (Intermediate Coastal Cruising)
ASA Basic Keelboat
ASA Coastal Navigation
ASA Cruising Catamaran
International Certificate Of Competency (ICC)
PADI - Open Water
Sea Miles 10,000+

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First time sailing ever

This was my first ever sailing experience & Im glad it was with Mark. We spent 20 days Nov/Dec 2024 in the Caribbean. Everyday was a blast! I was intimidated and needed hand holding to learn but Mark was great about it, very patient & always very kind and thorough in teaching me the basics. He let me take my time learning. Active guy with tons of energy and larger than life (literally a big healthy in shape guy with a lot of personality.). Everyday was fun with so much swimming & hiking. The food was delicious & very plentiful. I was comfortable the whole time w/ ac, plenty of water, ample refrigeration & a spacious comfortable boat. This was a wonderful trip!!!!!

15th Dec 2024

AngieSt

Very trip to Trinidad, Mark is great!

I crewed on Bluevana's June 2024 trip from Martinique to Trinidad. What an absolute blast! Mark is a responsible and caring captain, and made sure we sailed to all the best spots. 3 week trip, everyone got along well thanks to Mark's interviewing, planning and logistics. I enjoyed every minute of the sail. This was my first time on a Cat, and my first time sailing the Windwards. I sail my 37 monohull, to Maine for 40 summers, and to the Bahamas / ICW for 1 year. I am looking forward to the next trip with Mark on Bluevana.

14th Oct 2024

Djerickson

Trans Atlantic on Bluevana

In January,2024, I joined Mark and Bluevana in Mindelo ( Cape Verdes) for the Transatlantic reposition to Grenada. Mark sails a very well equipped and maintained vessel. He is very capable as a skipper, and a delight to sail with. For this trip we had a total crew of 4 who literally flew in, met for the first time and pushed off for a transatlantic within 48 hours. Mark was instrumental in coordinating the logistics and (optional ) provided daily calisthenics. My basis for providing this recommendation is that this trip was my 6th Ocean crossing. It started with a great vessel and Captain and was successful for that reason. Unqualified positive recommendation!

29th Sep 2024

Capt Tim

Mark & Bluvanna Checked Off Another Bucket list Item for Me! Great boat and skipper!

Three of us joined Mark on Bluevana for a terrific voyage down the Eastern Caribbean from Martinique to Trinidad. I have cruised and charted in New England and the Virgin Islands but never the Lesser Antilles. My goal was to try and visit as many islands as practical on our 3 week Island Hopper Tip. Mark and Bluvana delivered, as we made multiple stops in Martinique, Saint Lucia, Bequia, St Vincent, Mustique, Canouan, Union Island, Tobago Cays, Caribou, Palm Island and Trinidad! Bluevana is very well equipped and beautiful. But more importantly Mark is a great host and is very accommodating to ensure his guests are enjoying the trip. He is very easy going and we all really enjoyed our time together. Highly Recommended - I am personally staying tuned to see what other cruising journeys Mark develops.

29th Sep 2024

BostonDave