top of page

Is conveyor belting for me?

Conveyances, is it for me?

By Robert Corbeil, AKA Captain Jack
​
This article aims to give you a good overview of what to expect when you participate in a delivery. We will establish a list of "pluses" and "minuses",  give an idea of the costs involved and outline the roles of each. We will also identify some qualities of being a good captain. At the end of this article, we hope that you will be able to have a better understanding of what the experience of a ferry ride means, allowing you to objectively assess the situation and thus be able to make an informed decision. before embarking on this adventure.

 

Several sailors or neophytes toy with the idea of acquiring a sailboat in order to sail around the world, or even to sail in the tropics, near paradisiacal beaches and thus discover the richness of the islands, the local culture and the customs of the islanders. Others would simply like to go away for a week or two in a small group in order to sail and explore Martinique, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, etc., go snorkeling, sunbathe on the beautiful beaches or for the more active, go for a hike or visit certain historic sites.

 

The delivery, for its part, consists of bringing a boat from point A to point B. Some deliveries are of short duration (3 to 5 days), such as when a sailboat is brought from Tadoussac to Sorel, from Toronto to Cornwall or even from Quebec to Montreal. Other convoys are much longer (20 to 30 days).  For example, conveying a sailboat from Plattsburgh to the Bahamas, from Puerto Vallarta to Vancouver or even making a transatlantic crossing between the Bahamas and France. It is therefore another dynamic, as you will have understood.  

 

So let’s start with an analysis of the “pluses”  :

​

MORE - Top 10

  1. A unique life on board experience . Live aboard a sailboat with other crew members, see breathtaking landscapes, discover new territories, participate in beautiful discussions, observe sunsets, moonrises, share moments of laughter , find out who the other crew members are, make friends, sail, have time for yourself and experience moments of great happiness. That's a nice portrait, right?

  2. The love of wide open spaces. The city, the traffic, the queues, the horns, the stress... versus the sea as far as the eye can see, the great lakes, the starry skies... the choice is simple. For some it is not a choice but a need! How good it is for the soul to contemplate the sea . You will experience this feeling of happiness and feel that you are one with nature.

  3. The marine CV. Yes, it's also a way to add Nautical Miles to your marine CV . Lots of miles! The captain will distinguish between daytime hours and nighttime hours. He will be able to complete your FVQ sailing logbook and sign it. Do not forget it!

  4. Travel inexpensively . Normally, the Captain is remunerated for the ferrying. A contract between him and the owner is established. Crew members must pay an amount that varies between $500 and $800 depending on the duration of the navigation, which comes to about $20/day. The second does not have to pay these costs. You will also have to pay the costs to get to the starting point and for the return. These costs therefore depend on where you live and where the departure takes place. Finally, the crew and mate will have to cover the costs for food for them and the captain. We are talking about a budget of approximately $20 to $30 per person/day. It is strongly recommended that everyone take out travel insurance.

  5. Living in the moment. When you are at the helm, you can only be in the present moment ! All problems disappear. You will also have moments to collect yourself, reflect, moments for yourself.  

  6. A moment of renewal . Some come to escape from their reality, others live this adventure like a “Compostelle” on the water. It's time to do some introspection and grow from this experience. We can normally share without fear with the other team members What is said on the sailboat stays on the sailboat. ☺

  7. Beyond its limits. You will have several opportunities, along the trip, to contribute in your own way to the quality of life, to repairs... and you will be surprised at your contribution. Sometimes you will find it difficult, but in the end you will come out grown and happy to have exceeded your limits .  

  8. The heat of the sun. In hot regions… no need to draw a picture… often associated with beautiful sandy beaches and palm trees. In regions like the North Pacific or during transatlantic races, the sun is a source of energy (for batteries) and vitamin D. This is an undeniable plus.

  9. Sailing by motor. In some cases, motor navigation is necessary. Often it is to get to a given point more quickly. Normally this means less gite. For cooking, it's fine. The purr of the engine can be comforting if you're at 1800 rpm or less.

  10. Navigate at night. The light pollution of our cities means that we can barely see a few stars. But at sea, everything takes a different turn.  See thousands of stars and constellations : Orion, Pegasus, Ursa Minor, Cassiopeia, Hercules, Scorpio, etc. Not to mention shooting stars… not to be confused with satellites which have a constant speed.

​

Cons - Top 10

  1. Seasickness. You may get seasick . The problem is that when (especially for long deliveries) you find yourself quite far from the coast, a return to land can mean the end of the trip for you. You will then have to manage to get home on your own. The crew will therefore have to organize with one crew member less! It is therefore wise to bring your medication for seasickness. The captain will give you some tips.

  2. You have to manage the 5 F. 1) Hunger 2) Fatigue 3) Cold 4) Jitters 5) Fuel (smell). You need to eat regularly and avoid spicy food, get plenty of rest, dress for the weather and have a change of clothes, manage the weather well and avoid smelling gasoline as much as possible.  

  3. Sail at night. Most deliveries involve night navigation. Here is an example of a shift for 3 team members. You will therefore sleep in blocks of 4 hours . This can become tedious and it would be frowned upon to pass your turn,  unless you have a good reason. Fortunately, during the day you can take a nap and regain energy.:

    1. Crewman 1: 2000 to 2200

    2. Crewman 2: 2200 to 2400

    3. Crewman 3: 2400 to 0200

    4. Crew 1: 0200 to 0400

    5. Crew 2: 0400 to 0600

    6. Crew 3: 0600 to 0800  

  4. Sleep on board. You think you can sleep a good 8 hours straight… you dream in color. Think more in 4 hour blocks. If you have the choice, always take an aft cabin, especially if you are sailing upwind. If so, the sailboat will ride up the waves and slam back down! You will levitate for 1-2 seconds before falling back onto the bed. It's not very pleasant . Usually the square is reserved for the Captain. This gives him quick access to commands when needed.  

  5. Participation in meals. You will have to participate in the on-board cash register and the preparation of meals . There is usually no designated chef and everyone will have to  take turns preparing meals.

  6. Difficulties concentrating. Reading or any other task that requires a great level of detail could be difficult to achieve especially if you are working in the cabin. It is possible, but be aware that many people feel nauseous when they are in the cabin.  

  7. Limited internet access. We had to talk about it. Internet access may be limited by location or completely absent in the case of transatlantic. You normally find network if you go along the coast… there will be network except that you should not expect to be in 5G at all times. Cell phone addict… you risk being in withdrawal!

  8. Lots of engine. The captain must normally respect a delivery schedule. So we have to expect a lot of engine power, especially if the wind isn't picking up, if a depression hits us or if we're behind schedule!  

  9. Sailing maneuvers are limited . Maneuvers are normally limited to maneuvers necessary for the route to be followed. As the sailboat belongs to the owner, it is not possible to practice docking, jibing or recovering a man overboard. The captain, since he is responsible for the safety of the crew and the sailboat, will be responsible for the maneuvers dock or other urgent manoeuvres.  

  10. The weather and flexibility in the schedule. The sun might not be out. It is necessary to anticipate that there may be rain and bad weather. Depressions are also to be anticipated which sometimes means that we will have to shelter in a port for a few days. You should be prepared to add a few days to your schedule.

​

The roles of each:

  • The Captain ensures the safety of the crew and the sailboat. He updates the logbook. He defines the routes to follow and makes sure to give clear instructions to the team members;

  • The second works in collaboration with the Captain. He is a full-fledged crew member and responds to the Captain's orders;

  • The crew carry out the Captain's orders, do the dishes, cook and take part in maneuvers.

 

A good Captain:  

  • Has experience;

  • Is calm;

  • Surrounds himself with team members who have complementary skills (Ex. motor, electricity, cooking, etc.);

  • Gives clear and realistic instructions;

  • Remains available to respond to any request regardless of the time of day or night;

  • Plan your route well. He must have up-to-date maps and a good tracking system (Ex: Navionics);

  • Follows the weather closely and knows when to return to port to avoid major depressions. He plans ports of refuge;

  • Has a communication system to be able to communicate (weather or emergency) at all times (ex: Iridium);

  • Listens to team members;

  • Manages the crew well and makes sure everyone is part of the team and feels their best.

​

Was this article helpful to you? Share it or leave a comment!

​

Grrr...

Captain Jack

​

LES PLUS - Top 10

  1. Une expérience de vie à bord unique. Vivre à bord d’un voilier avec d’autres équipiers et équipières, voir des paysages à couper le souffle, découvrir de nouveaux territoires, participer à belles discussions, observer des couchers de soleil, des levers de lune, partager des moments de fou rire, découvrir qui sont les autres équipier.e.s, se faire des ami.e.s, naviguer, avoir du temps pour soi et vivre des moments de grand bonheur. Voilà un portrait agréable, non ?

  2. L’amour des grands espaces. La ville, le trafic, les files d’attente, les klaxons, le stress... versus la mer à perte de vue, les grands lacs, les ciels étoilés… le choix est simple. Pour certains ce n’est pas un choix, mais un besoin ! Que cela fait du bien à l’âme de contempler la mer. Vous vivrez ce sentiment de bonheur et ressentirez que vous ne faites qu’un avec la nature.

  3. Le CV marin. Eh oui, c’est aussi une façon d’ajouter des Miles Nautiques à votre CV marin. Beaucoup de miles! Le capitaine distinguera les heures de jours et les heures de nuit. Il pourra compléter votre carnet de voile de la FVQ et le signer. Ne l’oubliez pas !

  4. Voyager à peu de frais. Normalement, le Capitaine est rémunéré pour le convoyage. Un contrat entre lui et le propriétaire est établi. Les équipiers doivent s’affranchir d’un montant qui varie entre 500$ et 800$ selon la durée de la navigation, ce qui revient à environ 20 $/jour. Le second n’a pas à débourser ces coûts. Vous devrez aussi débourser les frais pour vous rendre au point de départ et pour le retour. Ces frais dépendent donc d'où vous habitez et où a lieu le départ. Enfin, les équipiers et le second devront couvrir les coûts pour la nourriture pour eux et le capitaine. On parle d’un budget d’environ 20$ à 30$ par personne/jour. Il est fortement recommandé que chacun souscrive une assurance voyage.

  5. Vivre le moment présent. Lorsqu’on est à la barre, on ne peut être que dans le moment présent ! Tous les problèmes disparaissent. Vous aurez également des moments pour vous recueillir, réfléchir, des moments pour vous. 

  6. Un moment de ressourcement. Certains viennent pour s’échapper de leur réalité, d’autres vivent cette aventure comme un « Compostelle » sur l’eau. C’est le moment de faire une introspection et de sortir grandi.e de cette expérience. On peut normalement partager sans crainte avec les autres équipier.e.s. Ce qui se dit sur le voilier reste sur le voilier. ☺

  7. Dépasser ses limites. Vous aurez plusieurs occasions, au fil du voyage, de contribuer à votre manière à la qualité de vie, aux réparations… et vous serez surpris de votre apport. Quelques fois, vous trouverez cela difficile, mais en bout de ligne, vous sortirez grandi et heureux d’avoir dépassé vos limites. 

  8. La chaleur du soleil. Dans les régions chaudes… pas besoin de faire un dessin… souvent associées aux belles plages de sable et aux palmiers. Dans les régions comme le Pacifique Nord ou lors des transatlantiques, le soleil est source d’énergie (pour les batteries) et de vitamine D. C’est un plus indéniable.

  9. Naviguer à moteur. Dans certains cas, il est nécessaire de naviguer à moteur. Souvent c’est pour se rendre plus rapidement à un point donné. Normalement, cela veut dire moins de gite. Pour faire la cuisine, c'est bien. Le ronronnement du moteur peut être réconfortant si on est à 1800 tours et moins.

  10. Naviguer de nuit. La pollution par la lumière de nos villes fait en sorte que l’on voit à peine quelques étoiles. Mais, en mer, tout prend une autre tournure. Voir des milliers d’étoiles et constellations : Orion, Pégase, la Petite Ourse, Cassiopée, Hercule, le Scorpion, etc. Sans compter les étoiles filantes… à ne pas confondre avec les satellites qui ont une vitesse constante.

LESS - Top 10

  1. Seasickness. It's possible that you're seasick. The problem is that when you find yourself far from the coast (especially on long convoys), a return to land can mean the end of the trip for you. You'll have to find your own way home. The crew will have to get organized with one less crew member! It's a good idea to bring your own anti-seasickness medication. The captain will give you a few tips.


  2. You have to manage the 5 Fs. 1) Hunger 2) Tiredness 3) Cold 4) Scared 5) Fuel (smell). You must eat regularly, avoiding anything too spicy, rest well, dress according to the weather and have a change of clothes, manage the weather well and avoid smelling fuel as much as possible. 


  3. Sail at night. Most convoys involve night sailing. Here's an example of a 3-crew watch. You'll sleep in 4-hour blocks. This can get tedious, and it would be frowned upon to skip your turn unless you have a good reason. Fortunately, during the day, you'll be able to take a nap and recharge your batteries:

  4.  

  5. Crew 1: 2000 to 2200


  6. Crew 2: 2200 to 2400


  7. Crew 3: 2400 to 0200


  8. Crew 1: 0200 to 0400


  9. Shift 2: 0400 to 0600


  10. Crew 3: 0600 to 0800 

  11. Sleeping on board. You think you can sleep a good 8 hours straight... you're dreaming in color. Think more in 4-hour blocks. If you have the choice, always take a cabin aft, especially if you're sailing close-hauled. If you do, the boat will ride the waves and slam back down! You'll levitate for 1 or 2 seconds before falling back onto the bed. It's not very pleasant. Usually, the saloon is reserved for the Captain. This gives him quick access to the controls when needed. 


  12. Participation in meals. You'll have to help with the ship's till and meal preparation. There is usually no designated chef, and everyone takes turns preparing meals.


  13. Difficulty concentrating. Reading or any other task requiring a high level of detail may be difficult to perform, especially if you're working in the cabin. It's possible, but be aware that many people feel nauseous when they're in the cab. 


  14. Limited Internet access. We had to mention it. Internet access can be limited in places, or completely absent in the case of transatlantic flights. There's usually a network if you're sailing along the coast... but don't expect 5G all the time. Cell phone addicts... you may be going through withdrawal!

  15. Lots of engines. The captain normally has to respect a delivery schedule. So we can expect a lot of engines, especially if the wind isn't right, if a low-pressure system arrives or if we're behind schedule! 


  16. Sailing maneuvers are limited. Sailing maneuvers are normally limited to those necessary for the route to be followed. As the yacht belongs to the owner, it is not possible to dock, gybe or recover a man overboard. The captain, who is responsible for the safety of the crew and the yacht, will be responsible for docking and other emergency maneuvers. 


  17. Weather and schedule flexibility. The sun may not shine. You need to anticipate the possibility of rain and bad weather. Lows are also to be anticipated, which sometimes means we'll have to take shelter in a port for a few days. You have to be prepared to add a few days to your schedule.

The roles of each :

  • The Captain ensures the safety of the crew and the yacht. He updates the logbook. He defines the routes to be followed and ensures that crew members receive clear instructions.

  • The chief officer works in collaboration with the captain. He is a full crew member and responds to the Captain's orders.

  • Crew members carry out the Captain's orders, wash dishes, cook and take part in maneuvers.

Un bon Capitaine :

  • Experienced

  • Is calm

  • Surrounded by team members with complementary skills (e.g. engine, electrical, cooking, etc.)

  • Gives clear, realistic instructions

  • Remains available to respond to any request, regardless of the time of day or night

  • Plans his route well. Must have up-to-date maps and a good plotting system (e.g. Navionics).

  • Follows the weather closely and knows when to return to port to avoid major depressions. Plans ports of refuge

  • Has a communication system to be able to communicate (weather or rescue) at all times (e.g. Iridium).

  • Listens to crew members

  • Manages the crew well, ensuring that everyone is part of the team and feels at ease.

  •  

  • Did you find this article useful? Share it or leave a comment!

Capitain Jack

 
 
bottom of page