1. 10 Adventures, 10 days in length (unless otherwise stated) of kiting in paradise, diving the unknown, surfing where none ever have, or making passages across the big blue.
2. 7 Kitesurfing Epics, 14 days in length. Remote, radical, beyond the boundaries kiteboarding. Miles of downwinders through unexplored atolls, endless tradewind days where no kites have ever flown, radical wave kiting, pro-clinics, filming; if it hasn't been done, it will be here.

Going around the world is not an exact science, but it's close. On the most basic level, we will always be moving west with the wind. 5 months north of the equator (generally December-April) and 5 months south (June-October), with two months in between for transit, maintenance and crew leave. We start very generally by studying cyclone seasons, wind, currents, almanacs, pilot guides, cruising guides, etc. Then we take into account good places to lay the boat up for maintenance each year (cost and services). Then we start pencilling a route, doing more specific research by any means available on each location: anchorages, ports, provisioning, airports, previous experience, etc. Then we hand off the itineray to Kevin at Martin Travel Services who researches exactly when and how you can get out to and from the boat, which leads to inevitable tweaks in dates and locations. Some places turn out just too tough to get to. Once the dates and locations are hard-wired then the real research begins- we tap into local knowledge, other cruising reports, study the charts, Google earth and surf reports for waves and other spots of interest. Creating the itinerary is without doubt one of the most arduous and yet exciting aspects of the expedition.

Very few of our trips will be oriented around those wanting to learn, because many places we ride are not suitable. You should be able to stay upwind before joining the expedition. We recommend taking at least a week long intensive course before joining. If you are an owner you can elect to have a pro on board for personal instruction. Please contact us for details.

Absolutely. A wandering boat cannot always operate in the tradewinds or good places to kite. Many of our owners' spouses do not kite and everyone also takes interest in all water activities. Each year there will plenty of opportunity for offshore passages, diving, surfing, snorkeling; plenty to do when the kiting isn't on.

A number of reasons: Charters are only offered in very confined regions- areas that are hardly "remote"; boats used in charter are equipped with the bare minimum of accoutrements, and maintained at a basic level; charter crews are not versed in kiteboarding and don't know where to take their guests; our cuisine is world class...The list goes on and on. The Best Odyssey is an expedition to find the most remote and idyllic places to explore, sail, kite, surf, and dive the world has to offer. We are a private boat, going to incredible places with an amazing group of passionate people. And finally- a boat like Discovery, equipped and crewed with a Michelin accredited chef like we have costs over $1,500 US per person, per day at the bottom end. Ours costs under $300 and you own the boat!

Several reasons:

1. Our unique yacht share concept spreads the risk and costs of owning and operating a luxury yacht out to make it much more affordable.
2. Discovery operates year-round, allowing more usable days to our owners where a typical charter yacht must recoup expenses in a much shorter time frame.
3. The crew will also maintain the yacht rather than contract the work out, saving thousands in maintenance costs each year.
4. By selling shares on a per cabin basis rather than the whole boat, we spread the cost even more, but our screening process guarantees you'll be sailing with a cool group.

Yes we do. See the cost page.

At all times. A full comprehensive blue water plan will cover the asset. By purchasing shares in the LLC there is no personal liability.

We will be sailing the world, seeking the best spots to have Adventures and Epics for no less than ten months of each year and be docked or at anchor for maintenance the remaining months. Our itinerary will be developed 6 months in advance to allow owners plenty of time for planning your trip.

The yacht share lasts 5 years from launch in February of 2007. Discovery will be sold at the termination of the expedition and monies distributed amongst the shareholders.

Please check out the What to Bring Page.

No.

Simply sell your shares at market price. We ask that you first post your shares for sale in the forum to give other owners the opportunity to buy them before offering them to market. In some cases, we will buy the unused portion back from you.

Simply sell, gift, or swap your trip to anyone you like- they are your share(s), to do with as you please. If you wish to swap your trip for another, a simple post on the forum will notify the other owners that your trip is available. Or you can use Offshore Odysseys to sell your time to our database of interested parties.

Yes. As 1 share represents 1 cabin and we have 3 owner's cabins, you can purchase 3 shares (Adventure or Epic) to book the boat privately each season and bring whomever you want.

Time requests will be submitted near the middle of the season for the next season's sailing (November of each year) and all be handled on our reservations page. Time can be swapped with other owner's or possibly adjusted on consultation with the Captain. A points system will ensure every owner has equal opportunity for their first requests.

It would be very unusual for a trip to have to be cancelled (we haven't had a single cancellation in 7 years). In the unlikely event that we experience health issues with the crew, or we have a critical breakdown that cannot be repaired in time for sailing, your trip will be cancelled and rescheduled at a convenient time.

Firstly, your captain is trained in wilderness first response (basically, remote EMT) and we have a medical kit onboard for EVERY eventuality. However, if outside help is needed we have an on-call medical director (ER doctor) which we can contact anytime via satellite phone. We also have internet access. If you are a diver, PLEASE buy DAN insurance, which covers evacuation and decompression chamber expense.

Discovery will always sail with all 3 owner's cabins fully paid up (there are 4 owner's cabins on Discovery in the event we need the flexibility). Some owners will want to have the yacht for themselves for a period of time. By selling shares on a per cabin basis you have the added flexibility to trade share time with other owners so it will be possible to have the yacht exclusively one year and perhaps choose to sail with other owners another year.

As one share equals one cabin, the easiest way to ensure you can bring others is to buy another share. Short of this, we anticipate several owners will not be able to take their trips for various reasons some years, in which case they would post their trip as available on the forum, and you could then buy that trip from them.

Gavin McClurg will be in charge of all aspects of management, running the yacht and developing the yearly itinerary. Kevin, at Martin Travel Services is our in house travel agent and will handle all the logistics (air, hotels, visas, etc.) of getting to and from the boat, if you desire.

Crew will be under contract for the duration of the expedition and given ownership incentive to stay onboard throughout the voyage. In the unlikely event that the crew leave the operation acceptable replacements will be found in a timely manner.

No. Our insurance policy will have medical and third party liability coverage and as we are incorporated, you cannot be sued.

Absolutely.

Yes, many. We can send you a list of our clients over the years, as well as current owners and their contact details. Check out the latest testimonials in our forum.

You will be sent one upon acceptance of your application. You will also be sent detailed financial pro-formas and a copy of your share certificate.