S/Y 'KETURAH'

2009-11-11T05:07:00.000-08:00

Simonstown, South Africa, January 26th 2012

In 2011 we crossed the Indian Ocean: from Malaysia touching Sri Lanka, Maldives, two life-changing months in the pristine Chagos atolls, then the Mascarenes, in-depth cruising of Madagascar, across to Mozambique and finally South Africa.
Lots of maintenance, repairs, and upgrades are being performed in preparation for the next challenges: rounding the Cape of Good Hope then crossing the Atlantic (through St. Helena) bound for Brazil and then north towards the Caribbean...
Please read this website entirely before applying.

1990-10-19T23:03:00.000-07:00

I play music a lot. The stereo can take mp3 players and read mp3 CD's, there's really good speakers in the cockpit too for our chilled (or not!) evenings.

Mostly you'll hear a blend of these genres from a large collection of: Jazz, drum and bass, samba, nu-jazz, chill-out, ambient, bossa nova, electronica, reggae, ska, dub, hip hop, soul, funk, world, jungle, deep house...bring all you can musicwise, although head-crushing metals or technos are enjoyed for about 5 seconds after which...skip!
Instruments are welcome but only if reasonably sized, like small percussions, harmonicas etc., full size guitars tend to take a lot of space, bang around and get in the way.
Bring all the books you can, there's never too many books on a boat!
And here some samples of what you can hear on any ordinary day...
2009 mix
The "Second Volume"
And yet another, Dec. 2010...96k-38Mb OR 128k-64Mb extended version

1990-10-02T20:05:00.000-07:00

SOME PEOPLE WHO CREWED WITH US

Greg, 27 from London, UK. Always ready to go and explore anytime anywhere, Greg enjoyed as well the slow times, of which there were plenty whenever doing the long passages or in remote islands in Mozambique, where bad weather kept us segregated aboard with nothing to do for days (nothing to do except gorge on fresh lobsters and octopus!). We had real pleasure sharing with him the boat and the discoveries along the way (sifakas, whales, dugongs).

Embarked in: Nosy Be, Madagascar
Disembarked in: Richard's Bay, South Africa
Approx. miles sailed: 1700

Ken, 29 from Canada. When not gene sequencing back in Vancouver Ken likes to kitesurf his heart out at every possible chance, along with his burning passion for photography. He endured bravely the shifts from Mauritius to Madagascar and got to see "whale highway" while rounding Cap d'Ambre on a seven knots average sail: it was hard getting him OFF the steering wheel!

Embarked in: Port Louis, Mauritius
Disembarked in: Nosy Be, Madagascar
Approx. miles sailed: 1200

Luc, 25 from Ontario, Canada. After saving up from tree-planting in Canada and "ingrish" teaching in Korea, Luc was ready to take on the Indian Ocean with us. Another crewmember with almost zero sailing experience, he turned out to be a natural helmsman and sailed us smoothly from Malaysia to Sri Lanka and then on to Gan, Maldives. Whenever Luc steered, the boat seemed magically to stop rocking and rolling, somehow he had an instinct for taking the swell with a soft hand on the helm. These were the only times we could ever get some sleep!
Boarded in: Langkawi, Malaysia
Disembarked in: Addu, Maldives
Approx. miles sailed: 1900

Stephanie, 25 from London. Three months aboard took her from crazy Singapore to remote beach-combing, night sailing through fields of tankers and cargoes, and discovering what snorkeling can be. We went up the Malacca strait to Phuket and back. She left Keturah to volunteer for a charity in Nigeria.
Boarded in: Singapore
Disembarked in: Penang
Approx. miles sailed: 920

Peter, a Dane born and raised in Thailand. Along with his fishing rods and gear, he brought with him fascinating stories of life among the Karen and Hmong hill tribes. We were going to have squid fishing competition but the squids never materialized for us to have a go.

Embarked in: Kudat, Borneo, Malaysia
Disembarked in: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Approx. miles sailed: 150

Maika and Thorbjorn from Denmark. We had a delightful time sailing up from Sebana Cove to Tioman, had Tulai Island all to ourselves for three days and a great short sail in a stiff breeze coming into Tioman. After an uneventful crossing from Tioman to Miri, Sarawak they continued their voyage onwards to China.

Embarked in: Sebana Cove, Johor, Malaysia
Disembarked in: Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
Approx. miles sailed: 800

Shaun, 21 from UK. Shaun was cruising the Med on a Canadian boat planning to go around the world the wrong way without an anchor windlass. Getting a bit fed up of that he decided to come enjoy the first class comforts aboard Keturah: a dry bunk and a windlass working every other time. He sailed on Keturah from Singapore to Langkawi where he got offered a job on mount Fuji, a new unmissable experience to pursue. I cherish his D&B collection I've copied and his skill in befriending Penang's rickshaw drivers. Currently reformed good boy in college.

Embarked in: Singapore
Disembarked in: Langkawi
Approx. miles sailed: 500

Klaus, 31, from Austria. After graduating this year in Telecommunications, Klaus decided to have his first trip outside Europe, and since he was at it have a spell on Keturah also.
Embarked in: Singapore
Disembarked in: Lumut
Approx. miles sailed: 300

Carlos from NYC came to Kudat after trekking a while in the jungle. He was pretty much the reason I could get out of the boatyard before 2011! We had lots of fun in Kudat in spite of the murderous job of prepping and painting the bottom, then finally went on to Mantanani island, KK, Brunei and all the way to Singapore.
Embarked in: Kudat, Malaysia
Disembarked in: Singapore
Approx. miles sailed: 900

Me and Jennie sailed together a few years back into the Indian Ocean and Chagos. Having kept in touch and hearing that I finally got my boat it has been a long while she wanted to come check it out...and she did. She helped out tremendously with the bottom job in Kudat's boatyard and sailed to a few nice islands before continuing her travels in Asia.
Embarked in: Kudat, Malaysia
Disembarked in: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Approx. miles sailed: 100

Andy is a US airline pilot. Having a month off and wanting to sail, he joined us in Dumaguete. Together we went to Tubbataha reef and then on to Puerto Princesa. We enjoyed dissertating with him on life, religion and politics while crunching some good sailing miles under the keel. Getting a bit stuck waiting for parts here meant that the month pretty much ran out, but not before we went on a motorcycle tour of the area.

Embarked in: Dumaguete, PI
Disembarked in: Puerto Princesa, PI
Approx. miles sailed: 300

Kevin from Manchester came aboard in Port Carmen when we got out of the boatyard;after new paint, new dinghy and new floor the boat was an absolute mess. He really helped out in the cleanup and after re provisioning in Cebu off we went again to Balicasag, Siquijor and Apo islands on our way to Palawan. He got to dive quite a bit and left in Bombonon in order to travel the rest of Asia. He is currently a secret agent in Chennai, India.

Embarked in: Cebu, PI
Disembarked in: Bombonon, Negros, PI
Approx. miles sailed: 150

Cat is a 'traveling nurse', means she is a nurse deployed wherever there's shortage. She arrived in Cebu just a couple days ago and is eager to go see some of the great diving available around here. Keturah complies and already off she dove in Balicasag. She came with us through Siquijor, Caminguin, Apo, Bohol and back to Cebu. She goes on travelling to Singapore and who knows where else.

Boarded in: Cebu, PI
Disembarked in: Cebu
Approx. miles sailed: 400

Fernando worked on a superyacht until the whole crew got replaced by Filipinos. Instead of going back to Ecuador to brood, he decided to hop along. Back in Ecuador he's an experienced off road racer and ace mechanic.

Boarded in: Cebu, PI
Disembarked in: Camiguin
Approx. miles sailed: 300

Nobina is a Marine Biologist from Singapore. She has Japanese origins. She works in luxury motorboats and wanted to see things from "the other end of the spectrum". Used to life afloat, she fitted right in. She is fabulous at mixing drinks and keeping a happy side at all times.
Boarded in: Weno, Chuuk (FSM)
Disembarked in: Yap (FSM)
Approx. miles sailed: 800

Andrew came aboard with Nobina in Chuuk where we threw a massive barbecue for his birthday, taking over an hotel's garden, grill and bar. He also works on luxury yachts, which means he was tidy, observant and competent. He is an historian and so he added an unique perspective in Pacific islands history relating to WWII events there.

Boarded in: Weno, Chuuk (FSM)
Disembarked in: Yap (FSM)
Approx. miles sailed: 800

Cecilia is a 19 y.o. from Sweden and sailed a little in Stockholm.
This is her first trip outside Europe and she decided to go straight for something unusual. She did great on the quite long and heavy crossing from Gizo (Solomons) to Chuuk (Micronesia) and will continue with us all the way to the Philippines.

Boarded in: Gizo, Solomon Islands
Disembarked in: Cebu, Philippines
Approx. Miles Sailed: 2100

TJ from the USA is an English teacher in Berlin. He likes to research things and so he got me charts straight from the Coast Guard office, in his enquiries he actually managed to meet the Solomon Islands PM and even got invited to give a speech at the Parliament! He sailed from Kira Kira to Gizo and patiently waited a couple weeks in Honiara while the windlass got fixed (well, sort of).
Boarded in: Kira Kira, Solomon Islands
Disembarked in: Gizo, S.I.
Approx. miles sailed: 300

Ab is a Dutchman, 63 y.o., was going to sail with a friend around the world but it didn't work out (where did I see that before?), and now is sailing on other people's boat. We had a good time sailing from Port Vila to Luganville. Unfortunately we both had infected cuts after climbing an extinct volcano and so he decided to seek better medical care back in Holland. Hope to see you aboard another time!
Boarded in: Port Vila (Vanuatu)
Disembarked in: Luganville (Vanuatu)
Approx. miles sailed: 300

Michael from Israel. Very congenial, learning fast, lots of fun. In the Israeli Army he mastered missile launching control systems (scary but cool) and knew quite a few secrets about US Navy ships going by. We share a love for herbal recreation, good music and computers, along with love of the sea, of course. After two months of sailing, facing bravely the crossing Fiji to Vanuatu, Michael went back to Eretz Israel to start college. We keep in touch.

Boarded in: Lautoka (Fiji)
Disembarked in: Port Vila (Vanuatu)
Approx. miles sailed: 800

Brian is an American programmer from New England, land of the "Windjammers". After programming the interface of a GPS he wanted some time off to sail and travel, and joined in Fiji for the crossing to Vanuatu.

Boarded in: Lautoka (Fiji)
Disembarked in: Port Vila (Vanuatu)
Approx. miles sailed: 800

Sharon, a friend met in Italy. She and Michael were here for the relaunch in Lautoka and helped me reorganize and finish up preparations for the jump to Vanuatu. Her support and friendship are very appreciated, along with her massage and acupuncture sessions. She practices that in Florida and readjusted my shoulder a few times after aches set in thanks to my moving the new generator around.

Boarded in: Lautoka (Fiji)
Disembarked in: Lautoka (Fiji)
Approx miles sailed: 200

Danica is probably the prettiest-to-a-fault Peace Corper I've ever seen. She is Bolivian-American and was --she's probably done by now-- serving her two years in Savusavu, Fiji. We had some fun evenings while I was recovering from TS-P11 (see Log), and when I felt better I invited her and her Latino colleague for a weekend away from the village. We just went to Cousteau's point and had a great dinner, wine and watched a movie in the cockpit. Considering she could get seasick while the boat was at a mooring in a flat calm day, let's hand it to her in spite of sailing only 6 miles!

Michela, 27, from Italy, never considered going on a boat, until we shared a beer in Paihia (NZ). She never sailed, never been on a boat. After the 10 days crossing from NZ (to Fiji) in December 2006 she now sails, steers, trims, balances the boat into self-steering. She worked very hard on the crossing and she now loves being on boats.
Since then she has been a permanent and irreplaceable presence aboard Keturah.

Boarded in: Opua (New Zealand) on Dec. '06
Disembarked in: Savusavu (Fiji) on Feb. '07
re-Boarded in: Kira Kira, Solomon Islands on Oct. 2007
Approx. miles sailed so far: 18000

Austin is from the US, 18, lived in London the last few years. Plays the hukulele and only took a RYA competent crew before coming aboard. He never bragged like so many others before him, but he also never lost his cool, even when I fixed the steering box while he was emergency tillering astern in a big swell.

Boarded in: Opua (NZ)
Disembarked in: Savusavu (Fiji)
Approx. miles sailed: 2000

Liat came on in Suva and stayed on for our N'gau-Wakaya-Makongai-Koro-Savusavu island hopping. She enjoyed making dolls, writing poetry, she would have enjoyed playing the mandolin if only this last one cooperated a bit more. She left to get herself a biodiesel van in the states and travel around some more.

Boarded in: Suva (Fiji)
Disembarked in: Savusavu (Fiji)
Approx. miles sailed: 600

Max was a pilot for the now defunct Alitalia airline. A keen racing sailor that can relax, always enthusiastic, full of energy and initiative. He joined the boat for a short spell back in New Zealand right after I bought Keturah. We had some serious fun sailing around the Bay of Islands.
Sailed in: Bay of Islands, New Zealand Nov. '06
Approx. miles sailed: 50

You would never be able to tell that Marco is actually a Policeman. I sure can't imagine any bad guy get arrested by him. He came along Max and had never sailed before. He managed to turn seasickness into a funny event, go figure. While he left most of the sailing to us eager ones, he contributed by picking mussels with which we had a great pasta.
Sailed in: Bay of Islands, New Zealand Nov. '06
Approx. miles sailed: 50

Saul (Mr. Soul) came sailing at the same time as Max and Marco. He was supposed to come sail on the crossing to Fiji but decided otherwise.
Sailed in: Bay of Islands, New Zealand Nov. '06
Approx. miles sailed: 50

1990-07-27T16:54:00.000-07:00

Aback(backwind) - The sail filling on wrong side in the case of sq rigger may cause the ship to back up.
Abaft towards the stern.
Abeam At right angles to the keel of the boat, but not on the boat.
Able bodied seamen - A member of the deck crew who is able to perform all the duties of an experienced seamen; certificated by examination; must have three years sea service. Also called Able Seamen and A.B.
ABS - American Bureau of Shipping: A U.S.-based private classification, or standards setting society for merchant ships and other marine systems.
Aboard -On or within the boat.
About - on the other tack
Above Deck -On the deck
Abrest - Along side or at right to
Abyss- That volume of ocean lying below 300 fathoms from surface.
Admeasure- Formal measurement of a boat for documentation.
Admiralty law The "law of the sea."
Adrift- Floating free with the currents and tide, not under control. A rope may be adrift if comes out place.
Aft - At,near or towards the stern
After bow spring line- A mooring line fixed to the bow of the boat and leading aft where it is attached to the dock. This prevents the boat from moving forward in its berth. Its opposite, the forward quarter spring line, is used to keep the boat from moving aft in its berth
.Against the Sun-Anti-clockwise circular motion. Left-handed ropes are coiled against the sun.
Aground -Touching or fast to the bottom. .
Aid to navigation- Any fixed object that a navigator may use to find his position, such as permanent land or sea markers, buoys, radiobeacons, and lighthouses.
Altar - Step in a dry dock
Aloft - up above the deck, up the mast or in the rigging
Alongside - Close beside a ship, wharf or jetty.
"Ahoy" - seaman's call to attract attention
America's Cup: The America’s Cup, dating from 1851, is the oldest trophy in is considered yacht racing’s Holy Grail.
Amas- The outboard hulls of a trimaran.
Amidships - In the middle of the ship
Anchor - A hook which digs in to the bottom to keep the ship from drifting 2) The act of using an anchor
Anchorage-A sheltered place or area where a boat can anchor.
Anchor Ball - A black ball visible in all direction display in the forward part of a vessel at anchor.
Anchor bend- A type of knot used to fasten an anchor to its line.
Anchor Chain A chain attached to the anchor. The chain acts partially as a weight to keep the anchor lying next to the ground so that it can dig in better.
Anchor Chocks- Deck fitting for storing anchor.
Anchor Detail- Crew at the bow to handle the ground tackle
Anchor Ice-Ice, of any form, that is aground in the sea.
Anchor Light - A white light visible in all direction display in the forward part of a vessel at anchor.
Anchor Locker-Storage space used for the anchor rode and anchor.
Anchor Watch - A member or members of the crew that keep watch and check the drift of ship
Anchor Pocket A recess in the bow for storinganchor
Anchor windlass- A windlass used to assist when raising the anchor
ANTI-TRIP CHINE- A flared out aft section of the side/bottom of the boat. The purpose is to prevent the hard chine of the boat catching a wake or small wave on a sharp turn.
Anemometer- A device that measures wind velocity.
Apeak: Said of anchor when cable is taut and vertical.
Apparent Wind-- the direction of the wind as is relative to the speed and direction of the boat
ASPECT RATIO - The relationship between the height of a sail and its breadth. i.e. A sail with a height of 30' and a breadth of 20' has an aspect ratio of 3:2 .A tall and narrow sail is said to have a high Aspect ratio.
Astern - behind the boat
Athwart: Across. Transversely.
Athwartships -At right angles to the centerline of the boat; rowboat seats are generally athwartships.
A-trip: Said of anchor immediately it is broken out of the ground.
Auger A carpenter's tool boat builders use for boring holes in wood.
Auxiliary - A second method of propelling a vessel. On a sailboat this could be a engine.
Avast! - The command to stop, or cease, in any operation.
Aweigh- To raise an anchor off the bottom.
Awash - Water washing over.
Awning. - A covering of canvas spread over the decks of the ship, or over a boat, 'in hot weather, to protect the officers and crew from the heat of the sun. That part of the poop-deck which . is continued forward beyond the bulk-head of the cabin, is also called the awning.

Back- To back an anchor is to carry out a smaller one ahead of the one by which the vessels rides to take off some of the strain.
Backstay - Mast support running to aft deck or another mast.
Backslice- A method of weaving the end of a rope to keep it from unraveling.
Backstaff a navigation instrument used to measure the apparent height of a landmark whose actual height is known, such as the top of a lighthouse. From this information, the ship's distance from that landmark can be calculated.
Backwinded- When the wind pushes on the wrong side of the sail, causing it to be pushed away from the wind. If the lines holding the sail in place are not released, the boat could become hard to control and heel excessively
Bail - Ironrod partially circling the boom to which sheet block is attached 2 To remove water from a boat, as with a bucket or a pump.
Baldheaded Schooner A schooner without topsails.
Baggywrinkle: - chafing gear made from old ropes.
Ballast-Is either pigs of iron, stones, or gravel, which last is called single ballast; and their use is to bring the ship down to her bearings in the water which her provisions and stores will not do. Trim the ballast, that is spread it about, and lay it even, or runs over one side of the hold to the other
Bar-shallow water usually made of sand or mud, usually running parallel to the shore. Bars are caused by wave and current action,
Bare Poles A sailing vessel in a storm carrying no sail
Barratry- Any wrongful act knowingly done by the master to the detriment of the owner of either ship or cargo; done without knowledge or consent of owner .
Barge A long, narrow, light boat, employed to carry the principal sea officers, such as admirals and captains of ships of war, to shore.2A long vessel with a flat bottom used to carry freight on rivers. Barges are usually not powered, being pushed or towed by a tugboat instead
Bare Poles- Condition of a vessel when she has no sails set.
Bark-3 Masted with Sq rigged on fore and main mast
Barge - A long vessel with a flat bottom used to carry freight on rivers. Barges are usually not powered, being pushed or towed by a tugboat instead.
Barnacle-A shell-fish often attached to the submerged parts of a vessel.
Barque: Sailing vessel with three or more masts: fore and aft rigged on aftermast, square rigged on all others.
Barkentine-3 Masted with Sq rigged on fore mast only
Barograph-- An instrument used to keep a record of atmospheric pressure, such as on a paper drum
Barometric pressure- Atmospheric pressure as measured by a barometer.
Batten - a short piece of wood or plastic inserted in a sail to keep it taut
Batten pockets-- Pockets in a sail where battens can be placed to stiffen the sail.
Batten down-Secure hatches and loose objects both within the hull and on deck.
Beacon -A lighted or unlighted fixed aid to navigation attached directly to the earth's surface.
Beam - The widest part of the boat.
Beams Ends- Vessel said to be "on her beam ends" when she is lying over so much that her deck beams are nearly vertical. Method used to repair or paint hull before drydocks.
Beam reach - a point of sail where the boat is sailing at a right angle to the wind
Bearing - The direction of an object expressed either as a true bearing as shown on the chart, or as a bearing relative to the heading of the boat.
Beaufort wind scale- A method of measuring the severity of the force of wind, named after Admiral Beaufort who created the system. 0 is no wind, whereas 12 would be a hurricane.
Bear Off- To thrust away; to hold off. 2 to steer off wind, shore or approaching object.
Bearing - The direction of an object expressed either as a true bearing as shown on the chart, or as a bearing relative to the heading of the boat
Bear Up- to steer up to the eye of the wind, shore or object.
Beckets- Short ropes used in several parts of a ship, to confine large ropes, or to hang up the weather sheets and lee tacks of "the main and fore-sail to the foremost main and fore " shrouds. The noose made at the breast of a block, to make fast the standing part of a fall to, is also called a Becket. (1'1. 2, fig.
Belay - Change order; - To make a line secure to a pin, cleat or bitt.
Belay pin - Iron or wood pin fitted into railing to secure lines to.
Below -Beneath the deck
Bend - to fasten one line to another
Berth-(1) A place for a person to sleep. (2) A place where the ship can be secured. (3) A safe and cautious distance, such as
Bible- A large Holystone
Bight - any part of the rope between the two end.
Bilge- The lowest part of the interior hull below the waterline
Bilge Pump-A mechanical, electrical, or manually operated pump used to remove water from the bilge.
Binnacle A wooden case or box, which contained compasses, log-glasses, watch-glasses and lights to show the compass at night.
Bitter end - the final inboard end of chain or line
Bitt - A vertically posted above deck used to secure line.
Blackbirder - Was the name for ship engaged in the slave trade in the 1800s.
Blanket - To take the wind out of another boat sail by moving to his windward.
Block - A pulley used to gain mechanical advantage,
Block and tackle - A combination of one or more blocks and the associated tackle necessary to give a mechanical advantage.
Bluewater sailing - open ocean sailing, as opposed to being in a lake or sound
Bobstaycable,chain or rod holding down the end of the bowsprit.
Boat -A fairly indefinite term. A waterborne vehicle smaller than a ship. One definition is a small craft carried aboard a ship.
Boat hook -A short shaft with a fitting at one end shaped to facilitate use in putting a line over a piling, recovering an object dropped overboard, or in pushing or fending off.
Boatswain-- Also bosun, bos'n, bo's'n, and bo'sun, all of which are pronounced bosun. A crew member responsible for keeping the hull, rigging and sails in repair
Boatswain Chair - A board rigged with tackle that a crew member can be hoisted aloft.
Bolt rope- A line rope - sewn into the luff of a sail. The bolt rope fits in a notch in the mast or other spar when the sail is raised.
Bollard - Vertical post on dock for securing lines.
Bone in her teeth -- sailing well underway such that spray is thrown out at the stem of the boat
Boom: - a horizontal spar attached to the bottom edge of of a sail, riding on the mast and controlled by sheet.
Boomkin - A spar projecting from the stern to which is attached a backstay or sheet.
Boom Vang -Any system used to hold the boom down. This is useful for maintaining proper sail shape, particularly when running or on a broad reach.
Boot stripe -- a different color strip of paint at the waterline
Boot Top- A painted line, just above the waterline
Bow - The forward part of the vessel.
Bow line -A docking line leading from the bow.
Bow spring line - A bow pivot line used in docking and undocking, or to prevent the boat from moving forward or astern while made fast to a pier.
Bowline - A knot use to form an eye or loop at the end of a rope.
Bowsprit: - a long spar attached to the Jibboom in the bow; used to secure head sails.
Brace- A rope from the deck to the end of the yardarm use to swing yard or trim the Square sail.
Breaking the line - the action of passing one fleets line through the enemy's, with the object of destroying his unity
Breaker-- A wave that approaches shallow water, causing the wave height to exceed the depth of the water it is in, in
Breast line-- A line attached laterally from a boat to a dock, preventing movement away from the dock.
Breeches buoy-A circular lifebuoy used in days now past by lifesaving crews to extract persons from wrecked vessels, usually fired from a cannon onto the deck of the wrecked vessel.
Bridge -The location from which a vessel is steered and its speed controlled. "Control Station" is really a more appropriate term for small craft.
Brig- is a two-masted vessel with both masts square rigged. On the sternmost mast, the main mast, there is also a gaff sail
Brigantine- is a two-masted vessel fore mast being square rigged
Bright work - varnished woodwork or polished metal
Broach - a turning or swinging of the boat that puts the beam of the boat against the waves, creating a danger of swamping or capsizing
Broad reach - a point of sail where the boat is sailing away from the wind, but not directly downwind
Bugeye Oyster -Chesapeake Bay Oyster dredging boat that was made from either logs or planks had raked masts ketch rigged
Bulkhead - Below deck walls within vessel
Bull Rope: A rope used for hoisting a topmast or topgallant mast in a square rigged ship.
Bulward - Solid rail along ship side above deck to prevent men and gear from going overboard
Bung - A round wood plug inserted in hole to cover a nail scre or bolt.
Bunk: - a sleeping berth.
Bunker-A storage compartment aboard a ship for coal or other fuel
BuoyA floating navigation aid.
Buoyage: The act of placing buoys. 2. Establishment of buoys and buoyage systems. Applied collectively to buoys placed or established.
Buntline- Alternative name for brails.
Buoyancy- Degree of floatability
Burdened Vessel - That vessel which, according to the applicable Navigation Rules, must give way to the privileged vessel.
Burgee-- A type of flag used to identify a boater's affiliation
Burthen- A older term used to express a ship's carrying capacity
By the Board: Overboard and by the ship's side.
By the Head: bow lower then stern
By the Lee - sailing with the wind coming from behind, and slightly to the side, that the sails are on.
By the Stern- stern lower then bow
By the Wind- closehauled to wind

Cabin -A compartment for passengers or crew.
Cabin sole -the bottom surface of the enclosed space under the deck of a boat
Cable - The rope or chain made fast to the anchor. 2 .Nautical unit of distance, having a standard value of 1/10th of a nautical mile (608 ft.) or 100 fathoms.
Cable-bitt - Large vertical timbers, morticed into the keel, to which anchor and mooring cables were attached.
Cardinal points- The points of North, South, East and West as marked on a compass rose.
Carlins- Structural pieces running fore and aft between the beams.
Carrick bend- A knot used to tie two lines together.
Carvel planking - Solid wood planks, butted together, fastened to the frames, with a flexible caulking between the planks.
Catamaran- A twin hulled boat. Catamaran sailboats are known for their ability to plane and are faster than single hulled boats (monohulls) in some conditions.
Cat Boat A sailboat rigged with one mast and one sail.
Chafe - damage to a line caused by rubbing against another object
Chafe gear -- gear used to prevent damage by rubbing
Chronmeter - Ships clock
Cam cleat- A mechanical cleat used to hold a lineline automatically. It uses two spring loaded cams that come together to clamp their teeth on the line,
Camber-The arch or slope deck , usually higher in the center so the water can drain off Also known as round of beam
Camel - Hollow vessel of iron, steel or wood, that is filled with water and sunk under a vessel. When water is pumped out, the buoyancy of camel lifts ship. Usually employed in pairs. At one time were usual means of lifting a vessel over a bar or sandbank. 2. wooden float use between dock and ship.
Can Bouy - A cylindrical buoy painted green and having an odd number used in the United States as a navigational aid
Can Hooks - Two flat hooks running freely on a wire or chain sling. Hooks are put under chime of casks, weight is taken on chain sling or wire. Weight of lift prevents unhooking.
Canal A manmade waterway used to connect bodies of water that do not connect naturally
Canoe stern - A pointed stern, such as those on a canoe
Canvas -- slang for sail. Originally sails were made of canvas.
Capstan: - the drum-like part of the windlass, which is a machine used for winding in rope, cables or chain connected to an anchor cargo.
Capsize -To turn over.
Captain- The person who is in charge of a vessel and legally responsible for it and its occupants.
Car - A sliding fitting that attaches to a track allowing for the adjustment of blocks or other devices attached to the car.
Cardinal points-The points of North, South, East and West as marked on a compass rose
Carline Wood stringer support for hatches and cabins
Carrick Bend-. - A knot used to tie two lines together
Cast Off - to release lines holding boat to shore or mooring, to release sheets.
Casting Line- A heaving line
Catamaran- A twin hulled boat.
Catboat- - A sailboat rigged with one mast and one sail
Catenary - The sag in a line strung between two points such as the anchor line.
Calk to fill wooden vessel seams with oakum and cotton using caulking irons and hammer
Caulking- Material used to seal the seams in a wooden vessel, making it watertigh.
Celestial navigation - to calculate your position using time, the position of celestial bodies, and mathematical tables
Centerboard - a fin shaped, often removable, board that extends from the bottom of the boat as a keel
Center line-- The imaginary line running from bow to stern along the middle of the boat.
Center of effort - The center of wind pressure on the sail plan
Checking - Longitudinal separation of the fibers in wood that do not go through the whole cross section. Checks result from tension stresses during the drying process.
Chafe - damage to a line caused by rubbing against another object
Chafe gear -- gear used to prevent damage by rubbing
Chain plate - A steel plate or bar by which the standing rigging is attached to the hull.
Chantey- also Chanty or Shanty - A shipboard song, or chant primarily on merchant ships during heavy work, such as turning the capstan or hoisting a sail, to help coordinate the men's efforts and to pass the time.
Chandler- A dealer in provisions and equipment.
Channel -1. That part of a body of water deep enough for navigation through an area otherwise not suitable. It is usually marked by a single or double line of buoys and sometimes by range markers.2. The deepest part of a stream, bay, or strait, through which the main current flows.3. A name given to a large strait, for example, the English Channel.
Chart datum-- The water level used to record data on a chartchart. Usually the average low tide water level.
Chart table- - A table designated as the area in the boat where the navigator will study charts and plot courses.
Chart -A map for use by navigators.
Chanty - Shanties are the work songs that were used on the square-rigged ships of the Age of Sail. Their rhythms coordinated the efforts of many sailors hauling on lines
Charley noble: - galley stove-pipe
Check: To ease a rope a little, and then belay it..
Cheek block-- A block with one end permanently attached to a surface.such as on the sides of the mast.
Chine -The intersection of the bottom and sides of a flat or v-bottomed boat.
Chock -A fitting through which anchor or mooring lines are led. Usually U-shaped to reduce chafe
Chockablock-- When a line is pulled as tight as is can go, as when two blocks are pulled together. also know as "two blocks"
Chop-Small, steep disorderly waves.
Cleat - A wood or metal fitting with two horn around which ropes are made fast.
Clevis Pin- A metal pin used to attach fittings to each other or their mounts
Clew- Lower aft corner of the fore and aft sail or the lower corners of a sq sail.
Clipper bow - A bow where the stem has a forward curve and sides have a lot of flair. Also called a schooner bow.
Close hauled - sails and boom pulled in tight, enabling the boat to point as high as possible to the direction the wind is coming from
Close reach - Sailing with the wind coming from the direction forward of the beam of the boat. A close reach is the point of sail between a beam reach and close hauled.
Close Reef - To reduce the size to the last reef point giving the minimum sailing area.
Clove Hitch attach a rope to a pole, this knot provide a quick and secure result
Clipper was first a generic name to describe a very fast sailing ship
Coaming -- the raised border around the cockpit, or a hatch to keep out water
Coaster- A vessel that keeps close to land.
Cockpit - the area, below deck level, that is somewhat more protected than the open deck, from which the tiller or wheel is handled
Coil - To lay a rope down in circular turns
Companionway -- staircase that leads to the cabin
Compass -Navigation instrument, either magnetic (showing magnetic north) or gyro (showing true north).
Compass Card -Part of a compass, the card is graduated in degrees, to conform with the magnetic meridian-referenced direction system inscribed with direction which remains constant; the vessel turns, not the card.
Compass rose -The resulting figure when the complete 360° directional system is developed as a circle with each degree graduated upon it, and with the 000° indicated as True North. Also called true rose. This is printed on nautical charts for determining direction.
Colors-The national flag and or other flags.
Cordage- Any rope or line
Course -- compass heading or the angle of the boat in sailing against the wind
Courtesy Flag- A smaller version of the flag of the country being visited. It is flown from the starboard spreader.
Cowl -The bell shape top of a ships or boats ventilator.
Cringle- A fitting in a sail that allows a line to fasten to it
Crosstrees - horizontal pieces of wood or metal that cross the mast up high, acting as spreaders for the topmast shrouds.
Crow's Nest - protected look-out position high on the foremast
Crutch - A support for a spar when spar is no in use.
Current-The horizontal movement of water.
Club footed jib - A jib with a boom or "club" on the foot of the sail.
Cutter- A sailboat with one mast and rigged a mainsail and two headsails. Also see sloop.
Cuddy - A small compartment or cabin

Daggerboard - A blade shaped centerboard that is lifted out of a case when raised. Usually only suitable for small boats.
Daybeacon -A fixed navigation aid structure used in shallow waters upon which is placed one or more daymarks.
Daymark -A signboard attached to a daybeacon to convey navigational information presenting one of several standard shapes (square, triangle, rectangle) and colors (red, green, orange, yellow, or black). Daymarks usually have reflective material indicating the shape, but may also be lighted.
Davits: -small cranes, usually located aster, that are used to raise and lower smaller boats from the deck to the water.
Dead ahead -Directly ahead.
Dead astern-Directly aft or behind.
Dead reckoning-A calculation of determining position by using course speed last known position
DEADEYE A block with three hole in use to receive the laniard of a shroud or a stay to adjust tension.
deadhead -- a floating log
Deck -A permanent covering over a compartment, hull or any part of a ship serving as a floor.
deck plate -- a metal plate fitting on the deck that can be opened to take on fuel or water
Deep-Vee - A hard chine power boat having a 15 degree or more angle deadrise at the transom.
Dinghy A small boat, usually carried on hauled behind a bigger boat
Displacement-The weight of the water displaced by the vessel.
Displacement hull- A type of hull that plows through the water, displacing a weight of water equal to its own weight, even when more power is added.
Displacement speed hull speed. The theoretical speed that a boat can travel without planing This speed is 1.34 times the length of a boat at its waterline.
Ditty bag: - a small bag for carrying or stowing all personal articles.
Ditty Box: Small wooden box, with lock and key, in which seamen of R.N. keep sentimental valuables, stationery, and sundry small stores.
Dock -A protected water area in which vessels are moored. The term is often used to denote a pier or a wharf.
Dodger A wind or water screen many time of canvas to protect the watch from the weather
Dog - Lever like handles found on hatches and bulkhead doors when turned force the unit to be water tight . OR V. Tightly secure a hatch or porthole.
Dog Watch-Half watches of two hours each, from 4 to 6 and from 6 to 8 P.M. to prevent a person from standing the same watch every day.
Dorade-A horn type of vent designed to let air into a cabin and keep water out.
Dory-Small, flat-bottomed rowing boats manned by one or two fishermen. Used for cod-fishing off Newfoundland. The name is derived from the Portuguese pescadores meaning fishermen
DOUBLE HEADSAIL RIG - Two sails forward of the mast as in a cutter.
Downhaul-A rope used to haul down jibs, staysails and studding sails.
Double Sheetbend -Join small to medium size rope.
douse To drop a sail quickly
Draft-The depth of water required float a vessel
Drift- A vessel leeway
Ease -To slacken or relieve tension on a line.
Ease Sheet-To let the sheet out slowly loosen a line while maintaining control,
Ebb -- tide passing from high to low, with the current going out to sea
Egyptian Galley - Sailing and rowing vessel on the Nile river 1600 B.C.
El Niño -- a warm inshore current annually flowing south along the coast of Ecuador. About every seven to ten years it extends down the coast of Peru , where it has a devastating effect.
EPIRB Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. An emergency device that uses a radio signal to alert satellites or passing airplanes to a vessel's position.
Even keel -When a boat is floating on its designed waterline, it is said to be floating on an even keel.
Eye splice-A splice causing a loop in the end of a line, by braiding the end into itself or similar methods.
Eye of the wind-The direction that the wind is blowing from.
Fairlead -a means of leading a rope in the most convenient way 2. a fitting used to change the direction of a line without chafing
Fall-The hauling part of the tackle to which power is applied.
Fake- One circle of a coil or rope. To coil or arrange a rope ornamentally with each fake flat, or almost flat, on the deck, usually in a circle or figure-of-eight pattern.
Fantail-Rear or aft overhang of vessel.
Fast -Said of an object that is secured to another.
Fathom-Measurement of six feet.
Fender-cushions used over the side to protect a vessel from chafing when alongside another vessel or dock
Fetch-
The distance that wind and seas (waves) can travel toward land without being blocked. In areas without obstructions the wind and seas can build to great strength, but in areas such as sheltered coves and harbors the wind and seas can be quite calm. Fetch is also used to describe the act of sailing to a location accurately and without having to tack.
Fid -A pointed tool used to separate strands of rope.
Fiddle-A small rail on tables and counters used to keep objects from sliding off when heeled or in heavy seas.
Field Day - Time set aside for cleaning
Fife Rail-A rail around the mast with hole for belaying pins
Figurehead - carved figure on the front of the ship
Figure Eight knot - A stopper knot for the end of the rope
fix -- the determined boat's position
Flame arrester -A safety device, such as a metal mesh protector, to prevent an exhaust backfire from causing an explosion; operates by absorbing heat.
Flare -The outward curve of a vessel's sides near the bow. A distress signal
flood - incoming tidal current
flotsam -- floating items of a ship or its cargo at sea, floating debris.
Faking Line Box - Board with spindles along the end to keep the line fair and prevent fouling when projectile is shot is fired from the Lyle Gun
Flying bridge -An added set of controls above the level of the normal control station for better visibility. Usually open, but may have a collapsible top for shade.
fluke - the digging end of the anchor; also wind irregularity
Following Sea -An overtaking sea that comes from astern.
Fo’c’sle / fore castle The extreme forward compartment of the vessel
Foot - the bottom part of a sail.
Force 8 -- gale force wind on the Beaufort Wind Scale
Fore the forward part of the vessel
Foredeck - the forward part of a boat's main deck
Foremast:the mast in the forepart of a vessel, nearest the bow.
Foresail: - is set on the foremast of a schooner or the lowest square sail on the foremast of Sq riggers
Fore and aft -In a line parallel to the keel.
Forward -Toward the bow of the boat.
Fouled -Any piece of equipment that is jammed or entangled, or dirtied.
Founder -When a vessel fills with water and sinks. .
Frames: - the wooden ribs that form the shape of the hull.
Freeboard -The minimum vertical distance from the surface of the water to the gunwale
Fronts-Used in meteorology to describe bounderies between hot and cold air masses. This is typically where bad weather is found.
Futtock- A curved or vertical timber that fasten together make the ribs of the ship.
Full and by -A sailing ship with all sails set and full sailing close to the wind
Full keel-A keel that runs the length of the boat. Full keels have a shallower draft than fin keels.
Full-rigged-ship a fully square rigged ship with three or more masts.
Fully battened -A sail having battens that run the full horizontal length of the sail.
Furl - to fold or roll a sail and secure it to its main support

Harbor -A safe anchorage, protected from most storms; may be natural or man-made, with breakwaters and jetties; a place for docking and loading.
Hard over - turning the wheel as far as possible
Halyards: - lines used to haul up the sail and the wooden poles (boom and gaff) that hold the sails in place.hanks -- metal hooks used to secure a sail to a stay; to hank on a sail is to hook it on a stay using the hanks
hard over -- turning the wheel as far as possible
harden up -- to steer closer to the wind, usually by pulling in on the sheets
Hatch:- an opening in the deck for entering below.
haul around -- change from a run to a reach
hawse hole-A hole in the hull for mooring lines to run through.
Head-ship toilet 2Also the upper corner of a triangular sail.
Head to Wind - the bow turned into the wind, sails luffing
Heading -The direction in which a vessel's bow points at any given time.
Heads up- watch out
Headsails: -any sail foreward of the foremast.
Headstay - a wire support line from the mast to the bow
Headway -The forward motion of a boat. Opposite of sternway
Heave to -To bring a vessel up in a position where it will maintain little or no headway, usually with the bow into the wind or nearly so.
Heel -To tip to one side. .
Helm-steering apparatus
Helmsman - the member of the crew responsible for steering
Hike - leaning out over the side of the boat to balance it
Hitch -A knot used to secure a rope to another object or to another rope, or to form a loop or a noose in a rope.
Hoist - to raise aloft
Hold: - the space for cargo below the deck of the ship
HoggedA vessel whose bow and stern have dropped.
Hook- anchor
Horse/traveler-Metal or rope traveler to sheet a sail.
hull The main body of the boat, not including the deck,mast or cabin.
hull speed - the fastest a sailboat will go, usually dependent on length of the hull at the waterline the longer the faster
Hurricane-A strong tropical revolving storm of force 12(65 mph) or higher . Hurricanes in the northern hemisphere revolve in a counterclockwise direction.
Hypothermia -- the loss of body heat -- is the greatest danger for anyone in the water. As the body loses its heat, body functions slow down. This can quickly lead to death.
Idler- A crew man that does not stand watch
in irons- A sailboat with its bow pointed directly into the wind, preventing the sails from filling properly so that the boat can move
Inboard -More toward the center of a vessel; 2 a motor fitted inside the boat.
Irish Pennant- Any loose or unsecured line, or any fray line, flag or pendant.
Inspection Port - A watertight covering, that may be removed so the interior of the hull can be inspected or water removed
inverter -- electrical power converter; converts square-wave DC current to sine-wave AC current
I/O (Inboard/outboard)- A propulsion system that uses an inboard motor, mounted at the transom, with a propeller assembly, similar to the bottom of an outboard, mounted on the outside of the transom, bolting to the motor with the transom sandwiched between.
iron spinnaker -- auxiliary engine
Jack line-A strong line, or a wire stay running fore and aft along the sides of a boat to which a safety harness can be attached.
Jacobs ladder-A rope ladder.
Jettison: -to throw overboard.
Jetty-A man made structure projecting from the shore. Breakwater protecting a harbor entrance
Jib: - a triangular foresail in front of the foremast.
Jib Sheet The lines that lead from the clew of the jib.
Jibboom -Spar forward of bowsprit
Jibe. To go from one tack to the other when running with the wind coming over the stern
Jigger-Aft sail on the mizzen mast of a yawl or a ketch. After mast (4th mast)on schooner or sailing ship carrying a spanker.
Jones John Paul-US (Scot.-born) naval officer & hero in American Revolution; as captain of ship
Junk-A native sailing vessel common to the Far East Seas

Kayak - A canoe type usual closed deck boat used for paddling
Keckling. - Any old rope wound about a cable, to preserve the surface of it from chafing against the ship's bow or bottom. ( from The Art of Rigging)
Kedge -To use an anchor to move a boat by hauling on the anchor rode; a basic anchor type.
Keel: - centerline of a boat running fore and aft; the timber at the very bottom of the hull to which frames are attached.
Keel-haul-To drag a person backwards and forwards under a ship's keel, for certain offences.
Keel stepped -A mast that is stepped (placed) on the keel at the bottom of the boat rather than on the deck. Keel stepped masts are considered sturdier than deck stepped masts.
Ketch-Two-masted boats, the after mast shorter, but with a ketch the after mast is forward of the rudder post
Kevels.. -Two crooked pieces of timber, whose lower ends rest
in a step, or foot, nailed to the ship's sides; the head branches out
like horns, to belay the ropes to. from The Art of Rigging)
King spoke-Marked top spoke on a wheel when the rudder is centered.
Kinking - The curling up of a rope when twisted too hard, or drawn hastily out of the coil. from The Art of Rigging)
Knees-Supporting braces used for strength when two parts are joined.
Knittles or nettles- are small lines, composed of two or . three ropeyarns, either plaited or twisted, and used for various purposes at sea, particularly to, fasten the service on the cable; to reef the sails by'" the bottom) and to sling the sailors' ham- mocks between decks. Knittle is also a name given to the loops, or buttons of a bonnet; likewise to bend the'square-sails to the jack-stays, in lieu of rope-bands. ( from The Art of Rigging)
Knockabout: - a type of schooner without a bowsprit.
Knot A speed of one nautical mile per hour. (6076 feet) per hour.
KNOT. - A large Knot formed on, the extremity of a rope; gen- erally by unlaying the ends thereof, and interweaving them regularly amongst each other. There are several sorts of knots, which differ materially in form, size, and name, according to the uses for which they are designed; as, bowline-knot, buoy-rope- knot, diamond-knot, reef-knot, stopper-knot, &c. (from The Art of Rigging)

Launch - A large, open motorboat
Lanyard - A short line used for making anything fast
Latitude - The distance north or south of the equator measured and expressed in degrees.
Lazyjacks: - lines from topping lifts to under boom which act as anet to catch the sails when lowered.
Lazarette- A storage compartment in the stern.
League - measure of distance three miles in length
Lee - The side sheltered from the wind
lee cloths - a cloth hung on the lee side of a berth (the down side when the boat has heel to it) to keep one from rolling out of their bunk
lee shore -- a shore that wind blows onto; it is best to stay well off a lee shore in a storm
leeward --The direction away from the wind. -downwind
Leeway -The sideways movement of the boat caused by either wind or current.
LeechAfter edge of a fore and aft sail
lifeline -- stout line around the deck of the boat to keep crew from falling overboard
list -- inclination of a boat due to excess weight on one side or the other
Lines: - ropes used for various purposes aboard a boat.
Lizard- A short line with a loop or a block which another line may be run.
Lodestone- The stone or magnetized iron that was the early compass
Lodestar -a guiding star such as the north star
Log a navigation instrument used to estimate a ship's speed.2A record of courses or operation.
Longitude - The distance in degrees east or west of the meridian at Greenwich, England
Lookout-Some one that is stationed on deck to observe and report what he see and hears.
Loose-footed-sail a fore and aft sail that is not secured to boom.
Lubber's line -A mark or permanent line on a compass indicating the direction forward; parallel to the keel when properly installed.
Luff Up-To steer the boat more into the wind, thereby causing the sails to flap or luff
Lyle Gun-A line-throwing gun is a short-barreled cannon designed to fire a projectile attached to a rope to a boat or victim in distress
Mainmast: - the tallest mast of the ship; on a schooner, the mast furthest aft.
Mainsail: - The sail set on the mainmast.-the lowest square sail on the mainmast.
Marlinspike - A tool for opening the strands of a rope while splicing
Mast: - a large wooden pole used to hold up the sails
Measured mile-A course marked by buoys or ranges measuring one nautical mile.
Messenger-A small line used to pull a heavier line or cable.
Mizzen - the shorter mast behind the main mast on a ketch or yawl.
Monohull -A boat with one hull.
Mooring -An arrangement for securing a boat to a mooring buoy or a pier.
Mooring buoy -A buoy secured to a permanent anchor sunk deeply into the bottom.
Nautical mile -One minute of latitude; approximately 6076 feet - about 1/8 longer than the statute mile of 5280 feet.
Navigable-An area with sufficient depth of water to permit vessel passage.
Navigation-The art of getting vessel from one port to the next port.
Net Tonnage-Vessels measurement of cargo carrying capacity.
Nun Bouy-Red tapered navigation bouy.
Oakum tarred hemp or manila fibers made from old and condemned ropes which have been picked apart. They were used for caulking the seams of decks and sides of a wooden ship in order to make them watertight.
Oar- A long shaft with a blade at one end most often used in pairs on on each side of the boat (rowing)
Oarlock- a fitting (or fulcrum) on a boat that holds the oars in place while the boat is being rowed.
Oilskin- Garments treated with linseed or other oils for waterproofing. Also maybe used as a slag for foul weather gear
Old salt -- a very experienced and/or old sailor
Outboard -Toward or beyond the boat's sides. A detachable engine mounted on a boat's stern.
Outhaul - the line that adjust tension along the foot of the sail along the boom
Outdrive -A propulsion system for boats with an inboard engine operating an exterior drive, with drive shaft, gears, and propeller; also called stern-drive and inboard/outboard.
Overboard--Over the side or out of the boat.
Painter -A line attached to the bow of a boat for use in towing or making fast
Q flag -- all yellow signal flag meaning "My vessel is healthy and I request free pratique.
Quarter - The sides of a boat forward of the stern aft of the shrouds
Quartering Sea- Winds and waves on a boat's quarter
Quay -- wharf used to discharge cargo
Queen topsail: - small stay sail located between the foremast and mainmas
Reach - sailing with a beam wind
Ready about - prepare to come about
Reef - to reduce the size of a sail
Reefing-The operation of reducing a sail by taking in one or more of the reefs.
Reef-bands- Pieces of canvass, about six inches wide, sewed on the fore part of sails, where the points are fixed for reefing the sail.
Reef Points-short line thu the reef band to secure the foot of the sail
Rigging: - the lines that hold up the masts and move the sails (standing and running rigging).
Rode - The anchor line and/or chain
ROPES. - All cordage in general, above one inch in circumference, which bear different names, according to their .various uses, Bolt Rope is the rope sewed to the skirts or edges of sails. Buoy Rope. - A rope fastened to the buoy of the anchor. Breast Rope is fastened along the laniards of the shrouds, for safety, when heaving the lead in the chains. Davit Rope is the lashing which secures the davit to the shrouds, when out of use. Enter- 1ng Ropes hang from the upper part of the stanchions alongside the ladder at the gangways. Guest Rope is f?-stened to an eye- bolt in the ship's side, and to the outer end of a boom, project- ing from the ship's side, by guys, to keep the boats clear off the sides. H eeZ Rope is to haul out jib-booms, and the bowsprits of cutters, &c. Passing Ropes lead round the ship, through eyes'
in the quarter, waist, gangway, and forecastle stanchions, for- ward to the knight-heads. Ring Ropes are occasionally made fast to the ring-bolts in the deck, and by .cross-turns round the cable, to confine it securely in stormy weather. from the The Art of Rigging
Royal- Sail above topgallant on Square rigger
Rudder: - a fin or blade attached under the hull’s stern used for steering.
RUNNING LIGHTS-Navigation lights tell other vessels not only where you are, but what you are doing
Running Rigging- lines which run through pulleys and block and tackle, that are used to adjust the sails and yards Running Rigging of a Merchant Ship
Sail: - a piece of cloth that catches the wind and so powers a vessel.
Sailing rig: - the equipment used to sail a bost, including sails, booms and gaffs, lines and blocks.
Salon -- also saloon; main social cabin of a boat
Sandbagger a type of broad shallow open or partly decked center board boat sailing boat which originated around the 1850 They carried tremendous sail area for their size .
Scarfed - A method of joining two timbers or two plywood panels together by a diagonal joint.
Schooner: - sailing ships with at least 2 masts (foremast and mainmast) with the mainmast being the taller. Word derives from the term "schoon/scoon" meaning to move smoothly and quickly. ( a 3-masted vessel is called a "tern")
Scull - moving the rudder or oar in the stern back and forth in an attempt to move the boat forward
Scuppers: - holes through the ship sides which drain water at deck level over the side.
Scrimshaw - A sailors carving or etching on bones, teeth, tusks or shells
Scurvy - disease historically common to seaman -- was caused by lack of Vitamin C
Sea Anchor: Any device used to reduce a boat's drift before the wind.
Sea Cock - A through hull valve, a shut off on a plumbing or drain pipe between the vessel's interior and the sea.
Secure - To make fast
Serving is encircling a rope with line or spunyarn,&c., to keep it from rubbing and chafing.
Serving MALLET. - A cylindrical piece of wood, with a han dIe in the middle; it is used for serving, .
Shackle -- a metal link which can be open and closed for joining chain to anchor, etc.
Shake out - to release a reefed sail and hoist the sail aloft
Sheet: - piece of line fastened to the sail and used to position relative to the wind.
Sheetbend is knot used to tie two ropes of unequal thickness together
Sheepshank is a shortening knot, which enables a rope to be shortened non-destructively.
Sheave - the wheel of a block pulley
Ship's Bells The bell is rang every 1/2 hour to announce the time of the day starting at 0030 which would be one bell ever 1/2 hour their is an addition bell until 8 bells would be at 0400 , 0800, 1200, 1600, 2000, 2400. 8 bells would normally indicate it was time to change the watch. you would then start over with one bell at the next half hour.
Shroud: - a line or wire running from the top of the mast to the spreaders, then attaching to the side of the vessel.
Sloop-A single-masted fore-and-aft-rigged sailing vessel with a single headsail set from the forestay.
Spanker- The after sail of a sailing ship or bark
Spar: - a pole or a beam.
Spreaders -- small spars between the mast and shrouds
Spring line -- a line tied between two opposing forces that has a neutralizing effect. At the dock with a bow line and stern line tied off, a spring line is often added to limit the movements of a vessel even more.
Sole: - the inside deck of the ship.
Square Knot used for tying two ropes together.
Squall-A sudden violent blast of wind.
Stay: - a line or wire from the mast to the bow or stern of a ship, for support of the mast (fore, back, running, and triadic stays).
Starboard - right side of the ship when facing forward
Standing Rigging shrouds and stays that secure the yards and mast in place .Standing Rigging of a Merchant Ship, 70 Tons
Stay sail: - any sail attached to a stay.
Stem: - the timber at the very front of the bow.
Stern - after end of a vessel
Surf-The breaking of the sea upon the shore.
Surge-A large, swelling wave. 2.To surge a rope or cable, is to slack it up suddenly where it renders round a pin, or round the windlass of a capstan.
Tack-The lower forward corner of the sail
Tackle -Any combination of ropes and blocks that give a mechanical advange
Taffrail log -- a propeller drawn through the water that operates an meter on the boat registering the speed and distance sailed
Tender - a small boat used to transport crew and equipment from shore to a larger boat
Tide: The rise and fall of water level in the oceans.as a result of the attraction of the sun and the moon
Tiller:-A bar or handle which fits into the head of the rudder usedfor turning a boat
Topgallent Sail- Sail above Topsail on Square Rigger
Topmast: - a second spar carried at the top of the fore or main mast,used to fly more sail.
Topping lift -- a line or wire for lifting the boom
Top Sail - A sail set above the gaff On a Schooner, On Square rigger the second or the second and third sail above the deck23
Topsail Schooner- a normal schooner rigged vessel carrying sq sails on the foremast
Transom: - the planking that forms the stern and closes off the sides.
Traveler - a device that the mainsheet may be attached to which allows its position to be adjusted
Trim - to adjust the sails, also the position of the sails
True wind: The actual direction from which the wind is blowing.
Tuning - the adjustment of the standing rigging, the sails and the hull to balance the boat for optimum performance
Turnbuckle: -A threaded, adjustable rigging fitting, used for stays, lifelines, and sometimes other rigging.

Underway - Vessel in motion, when not moored, at anchor, or aground.

V

V-berth -- usually the forward berth of the boat, located in the bow
Vane-A small flag worn at each mast head to show wind direction
VHF -- very high frequency radio

Wake - Moving waves, track or path that a boat leaves behind it, when moving thu the water
Water-line- The line made by the water's edge when a ship has her full proportion of stores, and crew on board.
waterline length - The length of the boat at the waterline.
Weigh - To haul up; as, weigh the anchor.
Wheel: - device used for steering a boat
whip - To bind the strands of a line with a small cord.
Whisker pole - a light spar which holds the jib out when sailing downwind.
White Caps - Foam on top of waves
Whole Gale -Wind velocity of 48 to 55 knots {force 10 on Beaufort scale)
Wide berth - To avoid something by a large distance.
Winch - a small horizontal drum device used to assist in hoisting.
Wind scoop - A funnel used to force wind in a hatch and ventilate the below decks area
Wing and wing-The situation of a fore-and-aft vessel when she is going dead before the wind, with her forsail hauled over on one side and her mainsail on the other.
Windjammer - a non- nautical term describing square rigged sailing ships and large sailing merchantman, especially in the last day of commerical sailing. The orginal term windjamer was intented as insult from the crews of steamships. The return insult from the sailors was stinkpotter.
Windlass - A mechanical device used to pull in cable or chain, such as an anchor rode.
Widow-maker: - a term for the bowsprit (many sailors lost their lives falling off the bowsprit while tending sails).
Windward - upwind
wing and wing - A method of running before the wind with two sails set. Usually the mainsail on one side and the fore or headsail on the other, or one headsail on each side.
Worming Wind a small rope in the contlines of the strands of cables, shrouds, or stays ; and spunyarn in those of ropes

X

Y

Yacht A sailboat or powerboat used for pleasure, not a working boat.
Yankee: - a fore-sail flying above and forward of the jib, usually seen on bowsprit vessels.
Yard - a spar usually fixed horizontally to a mast to support a square sail.
Yardarm-That part of the yard that lies between the lift and the outer end
Yarn-A sea tale.
Yawl boat: - smaller powered boat used to provide steerage-way when not under sail.
Yawing - The motion of a ship when she deviates from to the right or left.

Z

Zenith-The point of the celestial sphere which is directly overhead.
Zephyr-A gentle breeze. The west wind.
Zodiac-Trade name for inflatable boat.
Zula time --GMT- Greenwich Meridian Time, also known as Universal Time

Parcel a rope - Is to put a narrow piece of canvass round it before the service is put on.
Pay out: - to feed line over the side of the boat, hand over hand.
PEAK- Outer end of the gaff -upper aft corner of a gaff sail
Pennant - a triangular flag
PFD Personal Flotation Devices (PFD), better known as life jackets
Pier -A loading/landing platform extending at an angle from the shore.
Pigstick-The staff at the truck of the mainmast from which a pennant is flow

Pilothouse: - a small cabin on the deck of the ship that protects the steering wheel and the crewman steering.
Piloting -Navigation by use of visible references, ,
Pinch - to sail as close as possible towards the wind
Pintle- a vertical pin forming part of the hinge of a rudder. it may fit in to a gudgeon or ring on the sternpost
Pirate -One who commits piracy by engaging in robbery, pillaging, or plundering at sea
Piracy- The act of taking a ship on the high seas from those that own it.
Pitch -1. The alternate rise and fall of the bow of a vessel proceeding through waves;2. The theoretical distance advanced by a propeller in one revolution;3. Tar and resin used for caulking between the planks of a wooden vessel.
Pitching-The movement of a ship, by which she plunges her head and after-part alternately into the hollow of the sea.
Pitchpoling -boat being thrown end-over-end in very rough seas.
Planing hull -A type of hull shaped to glide easily across the water at high speed.
Preventer- line and/or tackle which limits the movement of the boom, usually for the purpose of preventing accidents or-An extra rope, to assist another-
Propeller -A rotating device, with two or more blades, that acts as a screw in propelling a vessel.
Planking: - wood boards that cover the frames outside the hull.
Point - to turn closer towards the wind (point up)
Port - left side of the ship when facing forward
Port tack - sailing with the wind coming from the port side, with the boom on the starboard side
Privileged vessel - the ship with the right of way
Purchase - Any sort of mechanical power employed in raising or removing heavy bodies. Purchase To purchase the anchor, is to loosen it out of the ground

1990-07-25T02:57:00.000-07:00

THE ROUTES WE SAILED TO GET HERE

The trip so far 2006-2011

Pacific and South East Asia (above) - 2006/2010

Indian Ocean: Malaysia to South Africa, 2011

---------------------------------------------------------------------

First stop: NZ to Fiji Dec. 2006-June 2007

Fiji to Vanuatu / June-October 2007

Solomon Islands Oct. 2007-Jan. 2008

Micronesia January-June 2008

Philippines June-December 2008

Dumaguete to Kudat, Malaysia Dec. 2008- Jan. 2009

Kudat to Singapore / Feb.-March 2009

The Malacca Strait March-September 2009

Return to Philippines October-November 2009

Attempted return to the South Pacific Dec. '09-Jan. '10

Back to Malaysia and up to Samui February-July 2010

From Samui to Singapore and up to Phuket August-November 2010

Mauritius-Madagascar-South Africa August to November 2011

1990-07-21T05:13:00.000-07:00

KETURAH: BOAT SPECS, SAFETY GEAR

Keturah is a Sayers ferrocement ketch built professionally in New Zealand in 1979. She is a sturdy and comfortable boat, equipped for long term cruising and blue water navigation. Keturah has sailed safely and (more or less) comfortably over 23000 miles in the last five years.

L.O.A. 13,72 m (44')
Draught: 1,8m
Beam: 3,86
Gross tonnage: 17 t
Engine: Ford 130 hp, 6 cyl. Diesel
Water: 1365 l + 150 l emergency
Diesel: 763 l
Cabins: 2
Bunks: 7

Gaff sailing dinghy, (new) Maxwell 1200 electric windlass, furling main (two sets), stereo (reads mp3 cd's and has line in for MP3 players), 2xVHF (one fixed, one handheld), Raymarine ST-40 depth sounder, 2 x GPS (1 FURUNO GP 32, 1 Deluo USB), 3700 GPH electric bilge pump, 2 manual b. pump, 150W inverter + 1500W inverter, sea drogue. Three 80 W solar panels, 260 Amp Trojan house battery bank, Jabsco fresh water pump, Barlow 36 winches. 2xMain, mizzen, 130% Genoa, 110% Genoa, Working Jib, #1 Jib, storm Jib. 3 x C-Map ready laptops, Zeiss sextant, star navigation books.

-IRIDIUM 9505A Satellite phone
-EPIRB 406
-New 6 persons Off-shore Viking life raft, 3 x fire extinguishers (tons of flares, food and water ratios)
-Offshore Cat I life jackets, jack lines
-Grab pack with survival kit

Ground tackle:
100 meters all chain rode, CQR 50 pounds, Bruce 20 kg.

1989-11-27T14:51:00.000-08:00

VIDEOS

Indian Ocean 2011

Asia 2009 - Ambiance

Micronesia 2008 - Ambiance

Sailing Micronesian Canoes

One year of Keturah

Nguna Island, Vanuatu

Keturah daily life

Savusavu

Daily life

Entertainment

Next stop paradise

Max as usual

1979-02-20T16:32:00.000-08:00

APPROACH

Keturah is about getting to remote spots unspoiled by our materialistic values and ways. It is not a "booze cruise", a charter boat, a hostel or a restaurant, neither a mean for the captain to feel cool, get rich or get laid, but an experience in progress made by those helping the boat reaching where no airplane or ferry arrives, places no travel guide has yet written about. Moving through the seas is an unique way to get where tourists as such are unknown, to get in touch with peoples scattered in remote islands and villages, where your enthusiasm and friendliness are valued more than your bank account.
A boat by definition is a place where everything renews itself day after day, everyday something new to do, learn, explore, see, understand or figure out.
Enjoying time on Keturah means enjoying not having a schedule to adhere to, a set role, a predigested route, but going with the flow of nature and chance. Whether a reef teeming with colorful life, a village where few or no westerner has been before, a new challenge with some boat project, Keturah wants to thread lightly, and everything within the boat's limits is done to pollute as little as possible.
Loving nature, cultures, being excited at a horizon concealing new adventures and questions, making it through the challenges that sea voyaging poses on a daily basis is what makes your time aboard unique and memorable. It can be frenzied action, it can be hard work, it can be hours of tedious slow sailing in a sweltering calm day, hours of staring at waves, birds or beaches...waiting somewhere for parts, or struggling to fix something with some creative solution. As much as possible naturally is none of that, but good sailing, swimming, hiking, snorkeling, reading, relaxing, music, discovering, exploring, tasting and maybe surfing, climbing etc. in some beautiful and amazing location.

1979-02-20T16:31:00.000-08:00

THE CULPRIT

My name is Francesco Silva, I was born in southern Tuscany, Italy in 1970. My parents used to cruise the Med back in the 60's so my first trip on a boat was at eight months old. Apparently I was quite content both in good and bad weather and never cried once. Later we kept sailing locally, me going through courses, while they ran a shop in the local harbor. I'd visit the harbor master every day in his office, he'd give me a candy and let me stare at the barometer, explaining how things worked and letting me stick around for a couple hours. I was hooked: you never know what harbor masters put in those candies. Meanwhile my parents bought a caravan and so we traveled through Tunisia, Algeria a bit of the Sahara etc., and we kept traveling pretty much through my whole youth.

I started working and traveling (on my own) at 14, then at the first chance I moved out of my small town to NYC, to pursue bigger dreams: I worked for fashion black and white printing studio, for an international news photo agency, but also as a cook, painter, babysitter, home renovator, antique restorer, translator, interpreter to make ends meet. NYC was an absolute blast (long long story), but somewhere I was getting that it wasn't really me for life. After five years then I wanted to move closer to my family and friends, so I quit NYC and went to work in Rome. I moved in with an old friend in the center and got work for a music video TV channel, and then in Italy's second largest photo agency (but it was never about me taking pictures, I know I'm not that good). After two years I could feel the "sea bug" coming back: luckily my neighbor had a little boat parked in his garden he didn't plan to use, and let me have it for nothing. Nothing in fact was left of it but the hull and the mast, and after two years of scrounging around boatyards I got her back in the water and got sailing again, dreaming and not quite believing I would be able and confident enough to shoot for the "BIG dream". But so I was, and after a couple summers I decided to go for it, and started crewing in the winters. That led me to a 1904 100' schooner in Costa Rica where I stayed six months, and then sailing in Baja, Mexico, going to Namibia to a boat that was supposed to go look for wrecks but went nowhere (meanwhile I got to hitch a ride on a commercial truck through South Africa, then ride a motorcycle and camp in the Namib desert, feed cheetahs and shoot a wounded springbok). In the meantime I worked at a charter company for two summers doing maintenance and deliveries, at an hotel, moved to Poland for a while, traveled to Tokyo for a fashion show, lived in Japan under entirely different circumstances, exported silks from India...you know, the usual. After this I got an offer form my old friend Tom of Karaka (old friend since we sailed together for six months on the Ranger -pictured on the right-) to go sail the Malacca strait and from there 1400 miles o Maldives and Chagos in the Indian Ocean. After six months, gone back home, I got another sailing gig but I worked hard and never saw a penny, which set me off in fury to go out there and get what I really wanted: a good budget (insert laughter here) boat to cruise on. The learning curve has been rough, since having no money I couldn't go off partying while the boat was made new in a boatyard...but while I renovated the boat one piece at a time, I managed to sail Keturah from New Zealand through a big chunk of the Pacific (Fiji-Vanuatu-Solomon Islands) then up to Micronesia, Palau, then Philippines and Malaysia, across the Indian Ocean and soon the Atlantic, for a total so far of well over 30000 miles. It's been a wonderful five years of cruising!
Ciao

1979-02-20T16:29:00.000-08:00

THE NECESSARY EVIL

I ask of every person coming aboard 20 Euros per day/person (one month minimum) as contribution to the running costs of the boat, plus a share of diesel and food. The food&diesel contribution averages to 250 euros per month per person, but it varies depending on countries, engine time, amount of provisioning required for the trip ahead.

Please settle your monthly contribution first thing upon boarding (in Euros preferably), it's polite not having me ask for it.

To apply for a crew position on Keturah here's the standard things I want to know from you:
CREW APPLICATION FORM

1979-02-19T20:07:00.000-08:00

WHAT YOU SHOULD BE LOOKING FOR

A boat is a small floating community. Being able to function and thrive aboard depends on one's ability to adjust along a different time line, habits, priorities. Experience on boats isn't really a requisite as long as one is able to adjust gracefully to a whole different way of living and doing things we take for granted in every day life. Consideration for others, self-awareness, good humor, accepting instructions without taking it personal are virtues that come much ahead of knowing a number of knots or owning the 'right' sailing gear.

A cruising boat is also an exercise in economy of resources. Water, electricity, food, are to be used wisely as they are all hard to come by one way or another. Crewing on Keturah does not have the requirements of a job, neither is another form of 'army' life (far from it!), but there are of course priorities, common and uncommon guidelines and chores to attend/respect before everyone can just relax and go enjoy themselves. Nobody is there to cater to your needs or serve you, your participation and interest in every aspect of living aboard and running the boat as a communal effort is essential for harmonious living together and your own enjoyment. This is not a trip you're buying, and this is not a service you're using, this is an opportunity for you to experience the unique reality of a boat cruising around the world. Always keep in mind that you are coming to experience how a cruising boat functions, you are required to adjust to it and not the other way around.

Please read on the rest of the website and then use the form on the COSTS page to apply..

1979-02-14T19:59:00.000-08:00

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS & REALITY CHECKS

--What amount of work and maintenance is expected of me?

Working to maintain the boat is in everyone's interest and a great way to learn new skills. Good crew is always looking for ways to fix and improve things. Keturah can stay affordable only with everyone's personal cooperation and involvement.

--What food will we be eating aboard?

We usually split a big shopping when in a city, then have a kitty for small purchases of fresh stuff, bread etc. We all put in a certain amount in the kitty until it runs out. Simple. We try to patronize local markets.
Chocolate, snacks, sodas, alcohol are personal choices, so you'll have to purchase them on your own. We have meals together and at the same hours, for logistic reasons it cannot be otherwise, people used to snack at random times will have to adapt to that.
I am often asked a figure of what the food expenses will be, usually anywhere between 200/300 Euros a month per person is usually more than sufficient, but this is a general idea, not a set rate (and it does not include diesel).

--Computers and cameras

The boat has now 3 x 80w solar panels and a 260 ah battery bank. Charging cameras and mp3 players is no problem anytime, while running of computers is subject to other power needs, especially during passages. Computers, telephones and other gear present aboard is for personal use and not for sharing with the crew. The Iridium satellite phone we carry aboard is for boat emergencies and personal use.

--Seasickness, health and fitness
Seasickness is often underestimated as a problem by potential crew: it is by far the mayor reason why you may find yourself very unhappy to be aboard and spoil everyone's time in the process. Although some people are able to control it, or suffer from it only in extreme situations, those suffering from seasickness whenever aboard any type of craft are strongly advised to stick to other ways of traveling. Medications treating seasickness often do not work, and in all cases it is unrealistic to take seasickness medication for months at a time. Many people think the main stress of living aboard is in the sailing part proper, while in reality there are a myriad other physical challenges your body will have to cope with: from the heat and occasional discomfort, to climbing up and down shaky things (dinghies, ladders etc.), being agile and having a considerable amount of balance in your legs is quite important for you to function and be aboard safely. Heavily overweight and/or out of shape people are not suitable to our style of boat and routes.

--Daily life and passages

Since Keturah is a participatory experience and not a packaged vacation, not a youth hostel, etc. you will be required to share in all the aspects of living aboard (setting up table, cleaning, washing, tidying up etc.). It is expected of you to respect -be kind to- the boat gear and the space you will be either occupying and/or sharing. Everyone's goal is to get the boat moving, so if you slouch and just hang on you're prolonging the boring part of necessary work for others. The boat's needs always come before yours.
When doing overnight sailing or passages you will be assigned a watch. A watch is a certain amount of hours in which you will have to steer the boat and keep a lookout for other boats and other possible random dangers. Whether you are seasick or scared of the dark, you can't be excused from this duty, since other people can not be expected to do double duty to cover for you. You will not be required to take important decisions, the skipper or someone competent will be available day and night.

--Dates, itineraries and destinations

Clearly, a boat depends on several factors when deciding where and when to move: Seas, winds, weather, repairs, provisioning, information on locations obtained along the way, desirability or non desirability of locations, the general mood and desires of the whole crew etc. A boat is the worst place where to expect a planned route with dates/destinations being respected, so you must be flexible with time and dates.

Reality Checks

--I need to know more before I can make the decision to join.
I always expect new crew to read the books on seamanship aboard Keturah. You can definitely learn a lot, although all of these things will not give you an ultimate insight, as all situations differ from one another, boat by boat and aboard sometimes minute by minute. There is no replacement to getting on a plane, getting to the boat and doing it, rather than dreaming on a river of emails. For some it works great while others find out it's just not their thing, that's life. In all cases when aboard, it is up to you to apply yourself to learning by looking and listening to the more experienced people, it is up to you to be proactive in the learning and observing the workings of the boat and cooperating in the daily chores. I cannot spoon feed you with all the notions required, neither make you acquire through talking the skills and confidence that can only develop through practice, time aboard, common sense, a can-do attitude and a natural curiosity for learning. At first you'll just have to go along with things, don't try to question everything new to you, things will be explained or understood in time and new things will be taught to you as soon as the skipper sees you have mastered the basics (without which any further instruction is useless).

--I think I want to learn (but really, I just want a vacation I can brag about/prove that I'm like, sooo adventurous)
Unfortunately many people decide to go on boats not because of true passion and desire to learn, but simply because they have to fulfill some romantic notion, or check something off some petty list of things to have done in one's life, or to do something tougher than their friends. In a challenging situation where readiness of action is required, a person who has only superficially applied him/her self to the understanding of systems aboard might endanger both him/her self, other members of the crew or the boat as a whole. You can write me the most convincing message in the universe (I get more than I can handle!), but if you're just embellishing or lying (about your experience, commitment, physical fitness etc.) it will show rather quickly once aboard...so don't lie to me, you'll be lying to yourself and will not last long wasting both my and your time and effort.

--I'd like some references from past crew-members! I want to see your qualifications! I expect to come for free!

I feel justified in asking a money contribution, though people with no experience in boating/crewing, while doing research and looking for a crew position on the Internet, might be induced to think differently. Be aware that no for-profit boating business insures its clients against injury or other damages (besides those incurred TO the boat), so no matter what you read around it is ludicrous to expect that anywhere. This is not a commercial enterprise, (and least of all a moneymaking/profitable commercial enterprise), therefore if you do not agree with the concept and the costs presented here it is no point arguing it to us, if you don't like what you see here you can surely find another boat. You take all responsibility for joining at your own risk.
If you believe permits insurances and paper qualifications outweigh in importance the presence of proper safety gear and safe operation of the boat, besides the proven experience of years on the water and thousands of miles sailed, I suggest you reassess your perception of what this is all about and what it involves in the "real world" (paperwork does not save your ass out there).

This said the boat is legally registered in the state of Delaware, the captain is competent and qualified to carry his -private- vessel wherever and with whomever he sees fit. Safety oriented behavior comes from an alert state of mind, not from the number of lifelines, gizmos etc.

If after reading this whole site you still have doubts this is some elaborate scam or something, just "walk away". Don't engage me in correspondence just to prove some point you want to argue against the people, the concept, the costs etc.

You can also read some remarks from past crew-members on their life aboard Keturah in the Facebook group HERE and/or become a Keturah FB friend to get updates on what goes on aboard and coming plans (plus lots more pictures).

1978-06-30T08:33:00.000-07:00

Crew Application Form

DO NOT APPLY OR COME ABOARD JUST BECAUSE IT’S THE CHEAPEST SOLUTION FOR YOUR HOLIDAY!
Only commitment and desire to do this experience will make you enjoy it.

-Period of intended stay on the boat, how long, starting when etc. (one month minimum)
-Age, sex, nationality, height, weight (only below 100kg considered), current location
-Are you currently employed? Doing what?
-Do you have any practical skills? What makes you an asset aboard?
-Health status, allergies or alimentary restrictions (vegan, vegetarian)
-Swimming ability/confidence in the water
-Sleeping habits/drinking habits/cigarette smoking
-Do you practice any sport? If yes, which and how often? If not, did you use to?
-Do you perform well under stress?
-Do you maintain any website/FB profile? If yes, which one/s
-Are you taking any medication? Have you ever been treated for depression/psychological disorder?
-Have you read and understood the whole website and agree and understand all conditions for being aboard, including COSTS?

Please keep in mind that I need to understand who you are and why you wish to do this experience and why I should take you aboard.

TO SECURE YOUR BUNK

-Sometimes a small deposit might be asked via bank transfer, usually 100 or 200 Euros.

YOU MUST BRING:
-2 x sheets (mattress cover and cover sheet) + 2 x pillow case
-Mask, snorkel and fins (only if sailing in warm climates)
-Two sarongs/pareu
-Dry bag (at least 20l)
Upon boarding you will be required to fill and sign the following crew agreement.
Please bring two copies with you.

DO NOT BRING
-Heavy clothing/foul weather gear
-Boots and heavy shoes or 'sailing' shoes
-Large or non collapsible luggage
-Check with me for any bulky equipment you may want to bring (guitars, boards, pet crocodiles etc.)

1970-11-10T01:23:00.000-08:00

It seems these days that "being green" and "sustainability", are slogans in everyone's mouth. This however is too often just trendy posturing, as posing is far easier than acting in accord to one's proclaimed beliefs. We are no hypocrites, and recognize that even sailboats have a certain ecological footprint, on Keturah several small steps and some mayor decisions have been observed in order to better match our beliefs with our actions.
Here are a few examples.
--Separate garbage. In most third world countries there are always people scavenging and reselling cans, glass and often even cardboard. We always separate these to make sure that all recyclables are collected when possible, either by individuals or by dumping them in the appropriate recycling bins.
--All biodegradables end up in the sea. Rather than in a plastic bag.
--Buy in bulk to reduce packaging and avoid buying over-packaged items and definitely no Styrofoam.
--Always reuse all that can be reused, including zip-locks, glass and plastic jars, as many times as possible.
--With a 200 Euros investment in a 1500W DC to AC Inverter we avoid running the generator to run power-tools 99% of times, we therefore do not burn fuel inefficiently, instead our tools are powered through the solar panels.
--When our batteries are getting low, we reduce/curtail our consumption instead of using the engine or generator to recharge. A small sacrifice is well worth a clean conscience and less fuel consumed!
--We have NO watermaker. It makes no sense for our comfort to burn fossil fuels in order to make water...which falls from the sky! The filters in a water-maker are also completely un-recyclable, any boat calling itself "sustainable" with a water-maker is a joke!
--We do not have neither want an outboard motor. A bit of rowing or sailing the dinghy is much greener and more enjoyable/healthy than having an outboard which is another convenience not really strictly necessary and very polluting (and constantly breaking & leaking gasoline and grease into the water).
--Dispose of all engine oil and filters in the appropriate receptacles.

Crew Agreement

1970-06-11T22:43:00.000-07:00

Crew Agreement

General aspect

The fact of having a document of this kind might give a negative impression, because it will necessarily be very formal and you might wrongly assume that we are too. None the less it is the simplest and most straightforward way to make clear each party’s obligations and responsibilities.
This is an agreement, made between the Sailing Yacht Keturah, through its owner Francesco Silva, and the crew member _____________________________, designed to anticipate problems that might occur while aboard, both at sea and at anchor, and thus avoiding them. I suggest you send a copy to someone you deem appropriate. It is always wise to keep someone at home informed of your plans.
Crewing on a ship works best when all are considered equals. You will be consulted, when appropriate, as part of the decision making process, but you must also be willing to share all work, difficulties, dangers, and costs agreed upon. As a crew member, you also agree that all final decisions rest with the captain, and that the crew must obey all lawful orders. In completing this agreement, you take full responsibility for your decision to join the team, and agree that you are willing to accept everything that life and sailing on such a vessel involves. There have been no inducements or promises or considerations that are not fully described in this agreement.

Seaworthiness

I, the owner, hereby declare my belief that the ship is properly equipped and prepared for the planned voyage, and that I am fully competent to manage, alone or with crew.

Medical details

It is a fact that voyaging offshore and in foreign countries on a sailing boat is a dangerous activity. It can happen that you break an arm or a leg, got appendicitis or a toothache, bleed to death after losing a finger while cutting onions, fall overboard, get hit in the head by a boom, smack your little toe against a deck fitting, get eaten by a shark, stung by a jellyfish, get malaria, cholera, dengue fever, leprosy, plague… In short, you may be seriously injured or even die... So even if sailing on Keturah is after all no more dangerous than living in a major city and driving to work everyday, we are taking some precautions. The ship has a well equipped medical first aid box. Any knowledge necessary is provided by first aid manuals present on board. The ship is equipped with a satellite phone, in order to get in contact with medical help and get assistance or advice when needed. However, you must agree to take full responsibility for any current or past medical conditions that may recur, or any medical or health problems that may occur during or as a result of your trip on board this boat. Make sure that you have ample medication for at least twice the length of your intended stay on board. You must inform the captain of any potentially serious conditions that could affect safety at sea. Give details below of any known allergies, conditions that might recur, current medications, bad hearing, etc:
____________________________________________________________________
Medical insurance may save your life. List details of your medical insurance, and all contact details for next of kin:
____________________________________________________________________
Apart from being a real nuisance and spoiling your trip, seasickness in crew members gets on the nerves of those who are not affected. It can prove dangerous or even fatal in certain situations. Unless you know from experience that you aren't affected, you have to take proper measures against being seasick. Ask around for medications that work.
It is your responsibility to be available when you are needed.

Passport, visas, repatriation

You need to have a valid passport and all necessary visas. When you enter another country, you may need to have a visa and be able to prove that you can get yourself out of the country. Most of the time, this present agreement would be proof enough that you are crew on the boat, and will exit the country by this mean. Nonetheless, sometime proof might be asked that you can exit by other means to a country you have full right of entry. In all cases, in the view of the local authorities, the captain will be responsible for you and all on board. You can either have a credit card, cash or a plane ticket. You are responsible for this and you understand that you may have to furnish proof to the captain that you have met this requirement. You also agree as part of this agreement that under no circumstances will you attempt to force the ship or the captain to pay for any travel or repatriation expenses.

Trip interruption

You understand that should you leave the ship, for any reason, at a port other than which you agreed with the captain, you will be responsible for all your own travels and related costs. You also agree that if you are asked to leave the ship for lack of competence, inappropriate behavior, crew incompatibility, illness, or the inability to carry out required tasks, which in the captain's opinion is endangering the safe and/or efficient operation of the ship, you will also be responsible for your own onward travels and repatriation expenses. However, in this event, the captain will take all reasonable measures to disembark you at a suitable port along the intended route from which you can arrange your travel home.

Costs

You accept that your contribution isn't the price of a charter, or a passenger fare or for the benefit of the captain, but represent your own share of the running costs.
This share is of 20 Euros a day per person, or equivalent in local currency. This includes everything but the food and diesel costs which will be shared by all on an equal basis.

Crew information:
Full name: _______________________________________
Date of birth: _____________________________________
Passport #:________________________________________
Nationality : ______________________________________
Issue date: ______________
Expiration: ____________
Address and phone
number:____________________________________________

Crew member's declaration

I have completed the above details fully and honestly. I have understood and accepted all information provided. I have volunteered any further information I am aware of that may affect the safe enjoyment of the planned trip by all aboard.
I do not have any illegal drugs or weapons in my possession, nor will I bring any on board the ship. I am fully aware of the extreme severity of the law regarding this subject in some of the countries visited, and can't hold the captain of the ship responsible for my misbehavior, aboard, or ashore. In the same respect, I will not carry any packages for any third parties without first requesting permission from the captain.
If the ship or the captain is held financially responsible for bailing me out of trouble ashore, I agree to immediately reimburse any cost incurred.
I understand and accept that sailing voyages are by their very nature uncertain, and I will not hold the captain or the ship responsible for transportation to the original destination should the ship not reach it.
I take full responsibility for the necessities and costs relative to my entry and exit of the countries visited by the ship.
I will make myself familiar with the location and operation of all safety equipment and fire extinguishers aboard the ship.
I will seek to learn all aspects of seamanship by reading appropriate manuals and books aboard, and by asking for help from the captain and other crew. The responsibility is fully mine to learn and to ask to be taught any skills I feel I am not mastering.
If there is anything happening aboard the boat about which I am uncomfortable, I will discuss with those concerned as soon as possible, understanding that resentment is much more serious aboard than ashore.
I agree to share all work aboard, and obey all lawful orders given to me at all time.
I am aware that there are risks inherent in sailing that may cause substantial injury or death, and I fully assume them with no inducement.
I, or my heirs, next of kin, legal representatives, successors and assigns, in consideration of my acceptance as a crew member aboard the ship, do hereby waive any and all claims which I may have against the Sailing Yacht Keturah, registered at Wi. Delaware, USA, its owner Francesco Silva, arising out of, or in any way connected with my participation as a member of the crew of the ship.
I confirm than I am a co-participant in a private leisure activity, not a passenger nor an employed sailor.

Crew member: _________________ Owner/captain: Francesco Silva
Signature: _________________ Signature: _________________
Date: _________________ Date: _________________