By: Gavin McClurg, CEO and Captain
The blueprint for Offshore Odysseys started in 1998 when we went offshore for the first time. Over the next 7 years we sailed half way around the world, over 45,000 blue water miles. Our clients loved our trips, we learned what works and what doesn't at sea, and we had some amazing life changing adventures. I haven't drafted a balance sheet since business school, but I've learned to hold my breath to hunt for fish and lobster, sail a boat safely in violent weather, use the stars for navigation and the sun to gauge the time. Though I didn't realize it at the time, those past voyages were more than an education, they were the foundation for an extraordinary future journey.
That journey is The Best Odyssey. We've taken what works, thrown out what doesn't, added everything we would want to make for an expedition that is as close to perfect as we can create for our owner's, for our sponsors, and our crew. Kitesurfing expeditions to the last frontiers on earth; spearfishing and surfing adventures that no magazine has ever published; sailing itineraries the cruising guides could never envision.
The Captain
My goal in life is to live from one series of moments to another. To stay out of the future and stay out of the past, and concentrate on the NOW. The Best Odyssey allows us to spend time and create trips with people who are as passionate about exploration and enjoying life as we are.
Other than sailing, my hobbies and passions include spearfishing, kiteboarding, surfing, paragliding, cooking, reading, writing and planning incredible trips. I'm passionate about protecting the environment and always seek ways of contributing positively to the places we visit. I grew up in Lake Tahoe, Nevada and spent my youth ski racing before getting an international business degree at the University of Colorado.
I have the following licenses and training's: USCG 100 tonne Master Captain's License. New Zealand Launch Master. Wilderness First Aid Responder, Swiftwater Rescue Technician, Celestial Navigation, CPR, First Aid. Alpine Intensive, River Intensive, Alpine Site Management, and River Site Management training's for Outward Bound, who I instructed for for three seasons.
Photographer and Co-Founder
Jody MacDonald grew up in Saudi Arabia to Canadian parents, the youngest of four children. She's traveled the world and excels in any sport she's ever tried (tame sports like paragliding, snowboarding, kiteboarding, skateboarding...). Jody is the co-founder of the expedition and it is her vision and drive for excellence that has made the Best Odyssey a reality. Her images adorn the pages of our web site and are viewed regularly around the world in dozens of publications. She's recently been published in Outside, Forbes, Outside Go, Kiteboarding, Stance, Cruising World, Kiteworld, Cross Country, Hang Gliding and Paragliding and many others; and was recently awarded on the National Geographic web site.
Chef
The Best Odyssey is as much a culinary experience as a kiteboarding, surfing, paragliding, and sailing expedition. We take food very seriously and our chef, Bobby Sofyadi from Bali is one of the best we've had. He combines a lifelong background of Asian specialties and a fine appreciation and knowledge for ethnic cuisines from around the world. We welcome Bobby enthusiastically to our team and you will as well!
Chef
Julienne Loppacher grew up in East Java, Indonesia and Switzerland, but spent most of her life on the East Coast of Australia. Her extensive travel experience and passion for food has inspired her to create and learn a wide range of foods that have wowed our guests (and our crew!) from the first day she arrived. She has that perfect blend of adaptability and flexibility and brings what she calls "Asian Fusion" cooking to our 4th year of the expedition. Whatever you want to call it, one thing is for sure- the food is amazing!
The Food
First Mate
To get to Discovery in the Maldives from the UK during the volcanic ash cloud disruption this April Tim had to traverse 8 countries on a hellish trip that took 8 days. That kind of dedication hasn't faltered since. Quiet and capable Tim is the missing piece of the puzzle that makes this expedition crank onward. Skilled with a lens, as well as on a surfboard he's managed in short order to tackle just about every aspect of my job and then some. You've got to fill a lot roles as the First Mate on board Discovery and Tim handles them all with patience and grace. Since his arrival we've had some major obstacles and challenges, and I've yet to see him fazed or falter. Welcome to the team Tim and hope we get to see much of this wacky planet together!
Relief Crew
Joaquin Hubbard was born in Santa Cruz, CA to parents that were heavily involved in the sail boat building and racing industry. He grew up spending everyday on or in the water, sailing everything from Lasers to legendary boats like the Merlin. Joaquin has an abundance of ocean sailing experience, including Olympic campaigns, One Design racing, ultra lights/maxi racing, and an Americas Cup Campaign with Oracle. Through the years he has worked as a sail rigger, marine diesel mechanic, marine welder, and delivery boat skipper crossing the Pacific, Atlantic, and into Central America.
A Firefighter/EMT (emergency medical technician) for 12 years, Joaquin now works for the Seattle Fire Department. He has numerous certifications in emergency medicine, fire/rescue and people management. He has taken classes specifically oriented to sea going and wilderness emergencies. Joaquin is an avid recreational diver, is a member of a dive rescue team, and naturally- is an awesome kiteboarder! He sailed Discovery from Tonga to the Marshall Islands in November of 2008.
