Recreational (unpaid) Crew Wanted for Voyage Hilo, HI to San Diego May 2025
Depending on schedules and weather, we plan to leave between May7 and May 15. The passage could be approximately 21-28 days.
Vital Spirit is a 39’ Bruce Roberts Cutter Rigged Center Cockpit Documented Sailing Vessel. She is equipped with solar panels, inverter, Starlink Internet, Hydrovane wind vane steering, Yanmar engine, Autopilot, Spinnaker, Roller furling main, Jib and inner foresail, refrigerator, freezer, propane range, oven, and rail-mounted grill, EPIRB, VHF, AIS transponder, Life raft, dinghy, electric windlass, two anchors, 60’ of chain, 200 feet of rode, 80 gallon water and 60 gallon diesel tanks.
I am Chris Reading, captain, and have been sailing since 1970. I raced in the Texas Offshore Racing Circuit (Foredeck on a 60-foot sloop) in the Gulf of Mexico, including crossings from Galveston, TX to Vera Cruz and to Progresso, MX. I helped deliver a 48’ sloop from St. Petersburg, FL to Galveston, TX during winter storms. I built Vital Spirit from blueprints in the 80’s and sailed her in the Gulf of Mexico. I shipped her to San Diego and sailed her to Redwood City in the Bay Area; then sailed her back to San Diego. I helped deliver a 65’ trimaran from the Caribbean, through the Panama Canal to Chiapas MX, and a 30’ Trimaran from Ensenada, MX to Santa Cruz, CA.
I am looking for 2 competent crew members, non-smokers, US State Boaters Card, not prone to sea sickness, blue water experience preferred. We will share sailing, watches, cooking, cleaning, choices of music on wireless speakers, fishing, and the joy of blue water cruising.
Safety is a top priority, including life vests and harnesses to a jackline whilst out of the cockpit. You should have foul weather gear and deck boots for unexpected weather. Most of the trip may be in shorts and t-shirts, or swimsuits, but deck shoes are required when out of the cockpit. Also, a couple of sun hats and pairs of sunglasses with cords.
We will also adhere to environmental guidelines regarding pollution.
We look forward to meeting you. Applicants please contact me to assess experience and compatibility.
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