Hanse Performance Not sure if you still get posts form this blog, but I wanted to find out your opinions on the overall performance of your Hanse 470. I am considering a newer version (2014) as a liveaboard cruiser and wanted to get an opinion from someone who has considerable passage experience.
E-mail direct if easier for you.
Thanks in advance
Hi Hi Everyone,
Another interesting read but I was wondering do u guys ever argue?? Everyone just seems to get on so well, it's fantastic. I can see why you r so proud Alsy! I have just cme back from Bali and caught up with all my local friends which was lovely. Ha d a bad experience where an Aussie lady (who was staying at our hotel) and a 15yr old boy were in a motorbike V's truck acco about 20 metres up from our hotel. As u can imagine, it was horrific and I held her leg together. Her face was smashed but she was concious but had blood coming out of her ears and died 4 hours later. The boy was operated on and will survive with no lasting physical injuries but the mental scars from knowing her killed his friends mum will last forever!!
It has shaken me, as the woman was Mum to 3 kids, 2 of which were in Bali with her and saw her like that. Back in my cop days i would not have lost a nights sleep but this has really stirred something up and have not had much sleep (like u guys!!)
I go back to work on 6th - yuk! all still the same there. Study going well but currently doing Law, Govt and Politics and I hate politics. Full on stuff happening here with out first female PM. Don't think it will last for long but what do I know!!!!
Love to u all, sail safe and I still want an answer to the argueing question!! LOL
Fxxxxx
Tropical Delights what am i doing sitting at my desk in the cold of the Coffs winter?
great to read more of the sunboy family adventures......sorry i missed your call sparksie..........all is good for us in coffs and i very much look forward to sharing your seafaring tales in a few months time......safe sailing and very best wishes from all at Coffs
Hi Guys, thankyou for transporting me to a wonderful part of the world. Al your words really make you feel like you are there... I could smell the bread.xxxx Cherie and Pete
Wonderful place Hi Guys, That looks liks such an interesting place. Love the picture of the lady with all the birds. Gee u guys could do a world trip on land and have accomodation all over the world. You have met some wonderful people on ur travels. Sending a big hug to u all. Love Fxx
Great Pictures Thank you for sharing your trip to La Coruna and Santiago. We are only going to be in La Coruna for the day off a cruise ship and wondered if there was enough there or did we need to take the bus to Santiago. Your description truly came to our aid. Thank you so much.
Hi Guys - Happy New Year etc Just tracking the blog and great to read you are all ok. Just heard from Kat and Brad on Ghost they are up in Antigua waiting to head out down to Bonaire then canal to Pacific. Maybe worth the contact to have a sailing buddy from Carib onward? Keep us posted, love to all
JOHN and SUE xx
wow! Finally found your website, how cool! Lost your Carib number, please text it to the satphone. All here is well, had a very nice christmas on Mustique just behind the beach with small nest. Now we are back at Bequia, but on the eastern shore, friendship bay, nice!
We are of to pick up some familyfriends in Kinstown the 30th, Small nest is gone south allready. But we will meet again. Will be in Curacaou around the beginning of feb. Hope to see you guys!
Love Elenacrew!
Oi from Coffs Oi saprksie[es]
great to google this blog...........we have been thinking of you heaps.........what a life changing experiece.........congratulations and well done!!
The booths
Congratulations Congratulations with your crossing and thanks for posting these wonderful blogs. Makes me feel closer to my brother Willem and my family (or should I say crew).
Anton
GLAD YOU CROSSED THE ATLANTIC Alan and family,
I am pleased to know that you have got across the Atlantic in one piece and I have enjoyed reading your blogs.
When you are planning your Pacific leg you may care to let me know.
For about ten years I was marine consultant to Dept of Foreign Affairs and during that period I was involved in numerous Australian aid projects projects in the Pacific. I got to know the South Pacific pretty well
When you have nutted out your Pacific itinerary you may care to let me have a look at it and maybe I can suggest some good places for you to have a look at.
All the best in envy.
Noel Riley
Pancakes coming up Hi Everyone, I've cut and pasted the recipe and I'm going to give it a go. Think I'll use chicken as I'm not much into duck. I can't believe the gourmet delights u guys think up whilst in the middle of the Atlantic. I still can't believe 5 of u live on that "little" boat!! I love reading about all of it.
Just been in Coffs for 10 days and had a great time with the Blacks and Garrels. Funds are short so might just go back up there in Feb and hang out. They are all such great company and I feel like part of a family when I am with them.
Works work and I'm still waiting for the lotto win!!! Uni is going really well and I still enjoy it.
Anyway think of u all often, stay safe,
Love Frannie x
Well Done Just logged in and noticed that you have completed your crossing. Looking forward to hearing from you soon with all the tales from your voyage.
Washed overboard I am a serving member of the royal navy and while heading for Gibraltar in January transiting through the Bay of Biscay i was swept over the side of my ship by a huge swell which hit the front of our ship and took me into the bay.It was absolutely freezing and quite a hairy experience to say the least. I only spent about ten minutes in the water which was long enough before i was rescued by my ship. I have crossed the Bay many times and most of the time it is beautiful this time though very scary.
Message from The Ford Hi to all of you..... from the blog you guys seem to be having a really lovely time..... seeing so much of the world. Cowes must seem so far away now....well all the very best of luck for the ARC John and Dad are sooo envious. Lots of love to you all. Bev Daisy Mick and John xxxx
Keep on keeping on Hi guys,
Great to hear your first big cross went well, keep on keeping on, just keep heading south, can't wait to see you again, we really miss you.
Stay safe,
Lots of love
The Blacks.
Brilliant news Hi Allan, Debs and the girls.
Very good news and very exciting for you to do the ARC. As for the trip beyond the Carib you will have a ball and very best wishes to you all for the adventures to come. If you get chance, stay over at the San Blas Islands before going to Panama and then Las Perlas islands after Panama and keep a good look out for Whale sharks. They are harmless and HUGE! I will be very interested in hearing on your blog where you get to. Also don't forget plenty of fishing gear - nothing like a bit of fresh fish!
Good luck and enjoy Philip and Jo
Homewards sounds great guys - bang goes the Med holiday- no problem I'll change the ticket ( in my dreams !!!)... send me the SpotMe emails so I can dream along in real time.
WOW WOW WOW!!!! U Guys!!!!! What a tale you will have to tell. I really admire you all. The last 2 emails really show how much preparation and knowledge is required when living on a boat. Where do u think u will be in Feb? Caribbean? Got a month off and not really sure what I'll be doing. All depends on the $$ really. Can u make sure I'm on the email list for google earth updates please as I LOVE reading them and knowing all is well.
Sending big hugs
Love Frannie xx
The travel memoirs of Al Sparkes and his family, on board their yacht Sunboy, with lots of stories and photos about their 16,000 nautical mile journey over 19 months from the United Kingdom back to their home port of Coffs Harbour on the east coast of Australia.... full info
Paul Britton
non-member comment
Hanse Performance
Not sure if you still get posts form this blog, but I wanted to find out your opinions on the overall performance of your Hanse 470. I am considering a newer version (2014) as a liveaboard cruiser and wanted to get an opinion from someone who has considerable passage experience. E-mail direct if easier for you. Thanks in advance