Adventure On Purpus

BOSS is offering a special opportunity for qualified sailors to obtain their Advanced (ASA 106), Coastal Navigation (ASA 105) and Catamaran Cruising (ASA 114) certifications during a 14-21 day passage from Key West, Florida to SVG aboard Purpus (short for Purple Octopus), a 2019 Bali 4.1 catamaran.  This adventure will be led by Ian Joseph, one of BOSS’ most experienced instructors and an ASA Instructor Evaluator, who will be Skipper (Master) and Instructor.

About Purpose

Purpose is a Bali 4.1 Catamaran.  Special features include:

• 4 cabin, 4 head layout
• large fresh water and fuel capacity
• integral aft platform joining the two hulls

About the Key West Florida to SVG Passage

This 1800 mile passage is organized in 3 main phases, to provide opportunities for topping up provisions, fuel and water

• Phase 1: Key West to Nassau in the Bahamas (~300 miles)
• Phase 2: Nassau to USVI, St. Maarten, or whichever other east Caribbean port is most suitable depending on need for fuel and provisions. (~1000 miles).
• Phase 3: Reach to SVG (~500 miles)

Phase 1:
In Phase 1, sailors will meet on the boat on November 1, and prior to departure for Nassau, will:

• undertake a thorough inspection of the boat
• participate in a comprehensive safety briefing
• provision the boat
• conduct a 1 day training / shakedown trip

Departure date is subject to weather considerations.  Conservatively assuming 120 miles per day, the trip to Nassau should require 3-4 days, including a crossing of the Gulf Stream.

Phase 2:
After updating provisions, fuel and water as necessary, the trip  will continue east to USVI, St. Maarten, or whichever other east Caribbean port is optimal based on the chosen routing.  This should require approximately 8-10 days, depending on wind and sea conditions.  The most important navigational consideration in this phase is obtaining the easting necessary to reach down to SVG with favourable winds.  The routing will be selected to maximize favourable wind angles against the prevailing easterly trade winds.  In addition, this passage typically requires motorsailing to optimize easting, and the vessel will carry extra fuel accordingly.

Phase 3:
The final phase should require in the order of 4-6 days to reach south to SVG, and will provide opportunities to pass close to many of the Leeward and Windward islands.

Qualifications for Participants

BOSS is recruiting 3-6 participants for this passage.  Preferably, participants will be seeking ASA Advanced Cruising certification, and will participate in self-study and online training prior to the passage, and practical on-water training during the passage.

Participants seeking certification should have ASA 104 as a pre-requisite, and must already have a prior ASA 105 certification or be prepared to write the ASA 105 exam prior to departure.

If space permits, BOSS will consider participation by experienced sailors who wish to join for the extended cruising experience and are not seeking ASA certification.

Each participant must provide official documentation indicating that he or she is fully-vaccinated against Covid.

Further details on pre-requisite qualifications, required personal safety equipment, and the Crew Agreement will be provided to those expressing interest.  Regardless of qualifications, all prospective participants will be interviewed by Ian Joseph and are subject to approval by BOSS and Ian Joseph.

Participant fee

The fee for participation (at discounted introductory rates) is $3,500.

Former BOSS students (and their partner if joining as a couple) will be entitled to a 10% discount from the above pricing.

This pricing includes:

• Provisions (food and beverages) during the passages
• Instruction and coaching according to ASA 106 Standards.  This includes instruction related to the Ashore Knowledge assignments for ASA 106 (to be completed prior to the passage), as well as the practical instruction that will be provided during the passage.  ASA 114 is also availabile.
• Providing guidance on self-study resources related to ASA 105 Coastal Navigation, and marking exams for ASA 105
• Shared accommodation (possibly including hot-bunking) aboard the boat at sea and while in port before or between phases
• Boat running costs (diesel, other supplies) and boat entry and port fees

This pricing does not include:

• Travel costs from or to your home
• ASA certification or membership fees (typically ~US$ 30 per certification obtained, plus ~US$ 80 if you are not already a member)
• Personal snacks (since only you know your snacking preferences)
• Provisions or dining ashore while in port
• Alcoholic beverages while in port (consuming alcohol will not be permitted while at sea).  Because we will be crossing international borders, recreational drugs will not be permitted on board.
• Entry fees assessed on individual crew members by countries visited
• Sightseeing expenses while in port

Expressions of interest

To enquire about participating in one or more legs of this unique opportunity, please contact us.

Additional documentation that can be provided to interested parties will cover:

• Details on required qualifications for participants
• Passage Plan
• ASA 106 Advanced Cruising Standard, including prerequisites for Coastal Navigation (ASA 105)
• ASA 114 Catamaran Cruising Standard
• Details on safety equipment on Purpose
• Requirements for safety gear and recommendations concerning other clothing and equipment that each participant should bring with them
• Crew Agreement