Sorry, due to the volume and frequency of comments we receive, we will no longer be posting them on zeroXTE. But if you've got a question or some advice, please send us an email and we'll respond privately.

Please do not send any attachments or embedded images in your emails - we won't get them if you send them! And until Iridium decides to sponsor our journey, it may take us a little while to respond to your emails, so please bear with us.

< ARCHIVED COMMENTS

January 1, 2015
Dear Friends I hope you are Ok this wonderful christmas, I am very happy, now the relations between our countries are coming better and in the future I hope to see you without problems. Political things are not limit to Friendship, in my opinion. Be Cool every where, the world need peace and love... Your cuban friend Joel

December 30, 2014
Mackenzie and Joanne...............still following you....hope you don’t mind

December 23, 2014
The last time I checked you were in the States touring the Southwest.  I hope you enjoyed the canyons.   My wife and I did the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon back in 1994.  I hope Dreamtime in again in shipshape and ready to go.  The new galley looks real cool.  Another year has gone by  and I am hanging in there.  Still enjoying the adventures of the bravest people I know.  Hope all is well and I hope you both have a wonderful Christmas and very happy sailing in 2015.  I remain that Old Salt in Connecticut.
Dick Sheehan.

December 20, 2014
I have been following your blog for the last year and it is quite inspiring.  Thanks for sharing.

I would like to ask you about Cuba.  I saw that you went there and I wonder if you had any problems from the US government as a result.  I plan on sailing to Europe via Florida in the late spring and I would like to stop in Cuba on the way.  Were you able to just announce your arrival upon entering Cuban waters or did you make special arrangements first? Any info you could give would be appreciated.  It may be a moot point now that the US is starting to open up to Cuba. 

I hope to read more and see your journey through to completion.

Best,

Larry Schmid
Long Beach, CA

December 4, 2014
Hi Catherine and Neville. My name is Ethan Corbett, you probably don't know me but you know my grandfather and his friend. You guys met them while at the san blast, Maybe earlier. His name is Phil Griffin, he was there with his son John and his friend Kenny (Kenny was the sailor). Kenny had his wife with him Jessie. Anyway, I have recently become interested in sailing and am going to learn as soon as I can. I'm 15 now and soon will be 16. My dream is to sail around the world. I have been studying what I would need, what to do and what life on a boat would be like. I have also been reading your journals on your website. I am not very far, only on year 2009. I was hoping you could give me advice for anything I may need to know or should learn. I plan on getting a college degree before I would sail off but would like to leave before the age of 27. If you could get back to me whenever, that would be great. Have safe travels, thank you. - Ethan 

November 4, 2014
Hi, I have owned a 1983 CR 38 for the past 17 years. I am in the process of taking off my teak decks (winters are long here in Maine) and will probably fair and paint with non skid. I know I have to at least replace the core under the foredeck, windlass, and aft bowsprit support. I'm pretty sure the core I have now is end grain balsa at about 1/2 inch. (Is it 1/2 inch all the way down the side and aft decks as well?). I'm hoping I don't have to replace all the deck core, but I'm planning on using Coosa Board 26 where I do recore. We'll see what the moisture readings are once I Finnish getting the teak off. (Only about 1/4 done).  I see you used foam on your project. Thoughts on Coosa board?  It's supposed to be as strong as marine ply, and significantly lighter. I'd appreciate your thoughts. Thanks

John Crispin
S/V Perspective

November 1, 2014
love love the bro trip.....awesome
joanne & mackenzie

September 12, 2014
Neville, been following your adventures for many years now. I see where you're planning a tour of AZ/UT. i just want to suggest a tour of northern AZ just made for Harleys. Hit Flagstaff for a day or so, then jump on Hwy 89A south to Sedona for a Red Rock view unequaled anywhere that I know of. Continue to the mountaintop town of Jerome, an old coppermining site that has since become quite the artists' colony as well as a mandatory stop for Harley riders in the area. From Jerome, you continue up and over the mountain and down one of the twistiest, built-for-bikers stretches of road in the USA right into Prescott, AZ, a town exemplifying all that is great about Old West America. Stop in at The Palace Saloon; we'll buy you a pint or two!

Tom & Kathy Whalen

September 9, 2014
We are really looking forward to seeing how your fridge project turns out. Please post a lot more pictures and details when you get a chance. Our '87 CR38 is also in need of a new fridge solution. We have been thinking about using spaceloft instead of regular insulation though, in order to keep the cubic size of the fridge in line with what we have now.

- alex and lisa
S/V Tiki Trek

August 11, 2014
Take the necessary time to Relax, catchup, clean out storage and finish remodels/fixes to Dream Time! I enjoy your cruising life and postings much….  And anticipate the traveling to begin whenever it starts back up!

Take care!
Jana from Texas

July 16, 2014
Dear friends I hope you be OK like me and my family are. Sometimes I visit your site, is very cool to do that trip, I hope the cultural interchange be good for you both. I'm the same little man you met at Cabo San Antonio, older but I remember those days everytime I look at the pictures we take. This is my personal email, you can write me everytime you want. Well, good luck on your life, your cuban friend Joe. :? Cuba

July 8, 2014
I’m happy to see that Dreamtime is back together and she truly does look to be put together much better than new. Thank you so much for the extensive photos of the damage and repair methods.  I agree that the original structure in this area as from the factory was/is insufficient. It looks like you've addressed it and beefed things up nicely.  One question.  From the photos, it looks like the new backing plate for the forward  pillar is now encapsulated in with the cedar block.  It also looks like the new 14mm bolts now facing up through the deck.  How do you get a wrench to the heads of those bolts to tighten the nuts on top of the bowsprit?  Or did you weld the bolts to the backing plate? 

Great job!  She looks Bristol.

Best regards.

Tom Fuhs
S/V Eclipse

May 19, 2014
Hi, I follow your articles in CW and have emailed before. Something dawned on me today. You have been at sea for seven years, how do you support your lifestyle? A personal question, I know. I see you have sponsors on the website, does that cover your costs? I noticed the boat work you are having done. Must be costly there!
I love the blog.
Cheers, Rich

I grew up sailing in South Africa, was a skipper in the Med with Sunsail and we charter every year (we live in the US now) but ultimately the plan is to buy a yacht (will be a cat) and sail gently around the world. At the moment I am devouring everything I can on getting ready to cruise but one of the areas I cannot really seem to get a handle on is what it costs to cruise. I know that is a potentially difficult question to answer but I would be interested in what you think your annual costs are broken down between boat and maintenance, living and enjoying life (you guys do get to land travel every so often) and any other categories you think are relevant. The reports I read have this annual cost ranging from $20k to $60k - of course it is all size depenedent and how many “toys” you have - I also see the “guidance” that says 10% of the purchase price per year but none of those give me any sense of reality and hence my question to you - I know what you sail, how you travel and therefore I can approximate from there.

The yacht we have set our sights on is the Antares 44i so you have a sense of what we are looking at - not cheap but I like the construction and following a bunch of those crews blogs, the reports are very favourable with respect to strength and resilience.

Look forward to following your continuing adventures

Best Regards, Owen

I'll order a 'CREW' tee-shirt tomorrow (can't remember my Paypal password right now).  Keep on carvin'!

dmc

REPLY:
Free is good, yes, but it's like an App, paying a few bucks and getting the 'full version' is much better! Advice? If you want to do it, and can, come out and join the fleet - we've yet to meet any cruisers, or cruising families, who regret the decision. Hard part? Deciding where to go next. Thanks for ordering the CREW tee - the money goes straight to Oceana.org - so you most likely just saved a sea turtle somewhere - wear it with pride.

Thanks very much for your thoughts.

Cheers, Chris

REPLY:
Thanks for your email. The safest option, which most cruisers choose, is to simply head down to New Zealand. With that said, many still stay up in the islands, but there are a limited number of safe hurricane holes/marinas to tuck in to.

Tonga: Neiafu offers the best natural protection and has a nice cruising ground close by.
Fiji: has very limited space to weather a cyclone, some choose Vuda Point Marina - although we wouldn't.
American Samoa: Pago Pago is supposedly a hurricane hole, some stay there - we wouldn't.
Marshal Islands: is quite popular but due to petty theft it's not a great place to leave your boat unattended if you fly out.
Society Islands: is far enough east that, unless it's an El Nino year, it's considered safe.
Marquesas/Gambier: Popular options, far enough east to be safe.

We spent two cyclone seasons in French Polynesia and loved it (we wouldn’t have stayed there if it was an El Nino year). But one thing to consider if you choose to stay in the tropics is the rain/humidity. We had the best time in the Tuamotus as rainfall is relatively low there. These atolls offer no protection from cyclones, however, but unless it's an El Nino year the odds are in your favor, and if you see something coming you can sail NE up to the Marquesas, or quickly get hauled-out in Apataki.

Hope this helps, and who know, maybe we'll share a waypoint in 2016?

January 6, 2014
Hi folks, We've been reading your blog for 2 or 3 years starting from reading one of your articles in a sailing mag. We have a Cabo Rico 38  hull number 39 ( '81 ) that we rescued after 41/2 years on the hard in North Carolina. That was in 2007 and we've been cruising east USA Bahamas and all round the Caribbean and Central America since. Being Aussies  (although I was born a Pom )we're not in a hurry to get back over that side of the world. Love it round here.
You say in your latest blog that you're going to do some alteration below. Jabiru ,our ( beautiful )girl ,is now almost a cross between an A and a B. You might be interested in a look at Jabiru and us in general at  www.jabiru5.blogspot.com. A higglety-pigglety ,amateur blog compared to yours but then the only thing I know how to work is a saxaphone ! I've often wondered what no. Hull Dreamtime is as she seems to be about the same age as Jabiru. Anyway, cheers and hope to hear from you. Peter and Gail  (Northcott)

REPLY:
Hi guys, Hey, nice boat!
Glad to hear you're enjoying Caribbean cruising. If you hang around there long enough maybe we'll see you when we close the loop - maybe 2020? Dream Time is hull number 40 - we're practically twins!
Love to jam with you, but seeing as I can’t hold a tune to save my life (and I sing my guts out to Dylan when I cetol), you may not want to anchor too close. Question for you guys, where do you typically spend hurricane season? Safe sailing, and happy New Year!

November 30th, 2013
Hello Neville and Catherine, Have been enjoying your  blog for quite some time. My husband Jamie & I own the S/V Opus Cabo Rico 38 1980 hull # 26 with the similar A plan layout as Dream Time. I noticed a picture you posted recently of your cockpit area and your lovely table. Might you be able to post some more picture of your cockpit table on your blog ? My Husband is quite the wood worker and Opus is in need of a new and better cockpit table. Your design looks exactly like what we are looking to build and install. We changed out pedestal last year so the original table can not be remounted.

Opus is currently a fresh water boat sailing in The Great lakes (Ontario Canada)  but one day we hope she will see the oceans again.
Thank you and congratulations on completing your south pacific circle.

Nancy & Jamie Sage
S/V Opus

REPLY:
Hi Nancy & Jamie,
Thanks for your email - it's always nice to hear from a fellow CR owner. I've attached a photo of our cockpit table for you - I hope this will help you in designing your own. However, should you decide to take the easy route (as we did) you can buy this table on the Edson website (varnish not included).

Have a great holiday season and New Year!

Thanks!
Eric Sherer 
Bethlehem, PA

REPLY:
Hi Eric, Thankfully the sharks around here are very well fed, there’s more than enough fish to go around, and I'm sure I don’t look half as appetizing as a nice fat grouper. Most of the 'smaller' sharks (5-6'): greys, blacktip, whitetip etc. are no threat. Lemon and tiger sharks, however, can be much larger (12+') and are known to be more aggressive. So if we see one we keep our distance (or pick a dive buddy who's a slower swimmer).

Thanks!
Alex and Lisa

REPLY:
Hi guys, The Toughbook, which is now eight-years old, still works great - assuming, of course, that you receive this email... Regarding our tanks, we had to replace the aft water tank and the forward diesel tank, the other two tanks and still OK. Safe travels!

May 11, 2013
I have been checking your site several times a week for a very long time.  Thanks for all the great stories and photos! I could ask a million questions but will ask just one for now.  How do you like your watermaker?

Steve Marquart

REPLY:
Hi Steve, Thanks for your kind email, we'll try and keep the entries coming. Regarding our watermaker, we're very happy with it. For the two of us it's a perfect size/amp/product ratio. We run it every 3 days for about 3-4 hours. It draws less than 6 amps and is powered very easily by our two 85-watt solar panels - harmony!

February 6th, 2013
I wanted to reach out and thank you for the wonderful blog you have kept over the course of your journey these last 6 years.  It’s funny, heart warming, informative and confidence inspiring! You see, we too own a 1987 38’ Cabo Rico s/v Eclipse.  We purchased her in August of 2011 in Maryland and have just begun our first of many, many “cruise ready” projects. Have fun and thanks for sharing your dream!

All the best,
Cheryl & Tom Fuhs

October 10, 2012
Have been enjoying your website. It was passed on to us by another sailing enthusiast. My dad was a boat builder and we have one of his 24’ wooden launches (now 60 years old) plus a 20’  1963 fiberglass Person (resolute) day sailer. We are slowing down a bit as we are in our mid 70’s.  Must say that you folks have lots of courage!

Keep having fun sailing. As they say- may you have ‘Fair winds and calm seas”-  Alice Thompson  THOMPSON COTTAGES, SOUTHPORT, MAINE 

REPLY:
The only tips we can give you is keep it simple and let the site grow organically as you cruise - you don’t want it to feel like homework or a chore! We developed zeroXTE primarily for friends and family, so they could follow our progress and so we wouldn’t have to send postcards all the time! If you've got the skills it's nice to have your own site/brand, but if not there are some very easy blog sites out there that offer templates.

Good luck, let us know when your site is live, and who knows, perhaps we'll share a waypoint one day?

September 18, 2012
We came across your site, very nicely put together! We're in the process ourselves of getting our boat ready to take off in a year+. We're also trying to develop a site/blog ourselves, any suggestions where to start? You guys have a beautiful boat too! Safe sailing.

Rob & Sophia
s/v Blue Tale

REPLY:
The only tips we can give you is keep it simple and let the site grow organically as you cruise - you don’t want it to feel like homework or a chore! We developed zeroXTE primarily for friends and family, so they could follow our progress and so we wouldn’t have to send postcards all the time! If you've got the skills it's nice to have your own site/brand, but if not there are some very easy blog sites out there that offer templates.

Good luck, let us know when your site is live, and who knows, perhaps we'll share a waypoint one day?

June 14, 2012
Hello do you remember Michelle and Kortney?  We meet in Aitutaki (Cook Islands) at dinner at the fire dance and had a drink on your boat our last day there.
I just wanted to let you know we think about you and wonder what you are doing and experincing you two are wonderful people and we are happy to have
known you. 

REPLY:
Of course we remember you! We’re still wandering the world (we’re currently in the Tuamotus). So if you ever find yourself in this neighborhood, pop-on over - we'll catch up over a few more drinks on Dream Time!

June 13, 2012
I wanted to take a moment while the whirlwind of getting ready to cut the mooring lines has slowed down to thank both of you for your inspiration and willingness to share your dream. Two years ago I decided that I needed to leave my 20 year career, convince my wife to turn our collective life on its ear and sail the world until we were tired of sailing. In the last two years we have found and restored a boat, I have left my career, we have sold all our stuff and we are now in the very final stages of leaving the dock in Seattle for Desolation Sound in Canada then south to Mexico and points beyond.

I hope both of you continue to have a fantastic adventure that you continue to share with the world. Fair winds and smooth sailing,

John and Kelly

REPLY:
Thanks for your email, and congratulations! Although you haven’t thrown away the dock lines yet, it sounds as if you’re already well on your way – perhaps we’ll share a waypoint one day?

June 3, 2012
I've read your blog from start to finish!  Awesome, it's great to hear about your story - very inspiring. My wife and I want to do something similar and I have no doubt we will take the leap, we have been pursuing our dreams for some time.

I have an odd question for Neville - can you stand up inside of Dream Time?  Can you stand up anywhere or only in some places.  If you can't, does this mean that Catherine prepares all of the food? I'm asking because I'm very tall and I'm not sure if it's necessary to be able to stand up when inside.  Also, I am the "chef" inside of our marriage and if I can't stand up will this limit my ability to prepare food?  My wife had no problem switching roles but I figured if anybody knows - you two do...

I have been researching sailing boats (cats and monos) for appropriate headroom and there are quite a few out there so I don't think it will be a problem if headroom is necessary.  Maybe headroom is only a luxury and ultimately unnecessary?

Thanks,
Dallas

REPLY:
Thanks for your email. I'm 6' 3" so I know where you're coming from. It's not essential that you can stand upright in your boat, but for general cruising comfort
(and if you don't want to return looking like Quasimodo) it would be preferably if you can. There is only one small area of Dream Time where I am unable to stand completely upright, but as I spend most of my time in this area seated, it's not a big deal!

Also, more importantly, make sure that you can comfortably lie down in any berth that you are likely to sleep in - both at anchor and underway, this is vital!

Good luck!

March 21, 2012
I’m envious K!  Very envious of your moment of peace! Beautiful writing about it.

Thank you!
Jana Johnson

February 10, 2012
I've been following your trip and posts for the last 2 yrs and have been enjoying them very much.  Don't think I have missed a single one.
The pictures, animals, stories and people are wonderful to follow and see.  I wish you luck on your continued voyage and keep the posts coming!

I'll write again as you get close to madagascar.  I am sure you get recommendations all the time but there is a wonderful spot to stop on the western side.

Chris Alliman

REPLY:
Hi Chris, Thanks for your email, we’re glad you’re enjoying the posts and we’ll keep ‘em coming.

We look forward to getting your travel tips when we get into the Indian Ocean. Although at our current cruising pace, it may be another 3 - 4 years before we start looking at charts for Madagascar. Got anything for Asia?

February 9, 2012
I've been reading about you in Cruising World, January 2012 issue. Fascinating story. I just retired at 51. Any suggestions for getting started?
Will you be writing a book on your travels? I certainly hope so.

Safe traveling,
Paul Landreville
Minnesota

REPLY:
Thanks for your email, and congratulations on your new-found freedom!

Regarding any suggestions for getting started – the first thing to ask yourself is, what kind of cruising will you be doing: weekend sailing, coastal cruising, off-shore passages, a world circumnavigation? For how long will you be cruising? Will you live aboard fulltime or part-time?

The cruising lifestyle is also very subjective, so to figure out what will work for you, it helps to know what your expectations are. But once you begin answering the basic questions, the rest will fall into place.

Let us know if you have any specific questions, and we’ll do our best to steer you in the right general direction.

February 6, 2012
Happy birthday! Thanks for your reports, pictures and blogs. You are an inspiration and an envy of mine. I am a regular reader of all you write.
Hope to mimic your lifestyle one day. Tomorrow I am heading back to northern Alberta into the frost and snow and hard work.
Enjoy, you are blessed, faire winds, and all the best to you both Andrej Alberta, Canada

January 24, 2012
Hi to both of you, I hope you are having fun :-) I have a quick question, what is the procedure of entering a foreign territory? do you need to call in on the VHS?
How do you get your passport stamps and "permission" to sail in?
Issac

REPLY:
Thanks for your email. Every country is different, but cruisers usually know what to do before they arrive. Most countries are easy – you just sail into an ‘official port of entry’, (which are listed in cruising guide books), and you’re granted a temporary holiday/cruising visa after clearing-in. Most countries require you to notify the officials of your arrival via VHF when you’re entering the port, and some countries (like New Zealand and Australia, for example) even require you to notify them at least 48 hours before you arrive – so an email has to be sent en route, or before you begin the passage.

Hope this helps!

January 22, 2011
What a remarkable adventure in Paradise. Interesting restoration feature and the Gallery is outstanding. I love the portraits!
TB

January 16, 2012
My name is Issac and I am from Palo Alto, CA (south of San Francisco). I have just found your web site. It is beautifully designed and I am enjoying reading through ... (who did you hire to design and build your site?). I am sailing in the bay of San Francisco and I plan to start educating myself in offshore sailing.

Recently I have started to think about the idea of sailing around the world. Any advices? What should I take into account when searching for a suitable boat for such journey? Shall a I sail west- or east-bound? Any other advises that you would find important for me to consider.

PS: how is he French Polynesia? Would you recommend this place for a week of sailing boat chartering with kids on board? I plan to follow your trip and read through as you release more writing and (beautiful) pictures.

Bon voyage, Issac

REPLY:
Thanks for your email, it’s good to have you onboard! We're glad you like the website, my company, i&D, designed it and I maintain it remotely from Dream Time.

So you’re thinking about sailing around the world - nice! It's the best move we ever made. I'll be happy to answer any specific questions you have, although there's no 'magic formula' - there's a wide variety of people, boats and budgets out here, so much depends on your comfort level. One thing's for sure, if you want a comfy ride, sail east to west with the tradewinds (perhaps look at our anticipated route on our website to get an idea of a 'classic' circumnavigation).

FP is fabulous, and you can charter boats from 'Moorings' in Raiatea. There's easy sailing inside the reef around most of the island Raiatea, all of Tahaa - a joined island to the north (which is prettier), and of course you have Bora Bora just 2-3 hours sailing NW - so it's perfect to whet your appetite for a week or so.

I hope this helps, good luck, and keep us posted.

January 9, 2012
Thanks for the BEAUTIFUL videos!   You guys are so very lucky to see such interesting things during your travel.   I don’t know if I’d be able to hold that large crab either, but I would  enjoy sitting and watching those waves come in!   and the water…. I see it, but I cannot imagine just how beautiful and clear it is in person!   Continue traveling and continue sharing with us!

Thank you!
Jana Johnson

December 30, 2011
I'm an avid CW reader and former boat owner CT41. We lived in Amerika Samoa for about a year, our youngest was born there, 25 yrs ago. I'm anxious to get back on a liveaboard but my wife of 27 yrs says no, or it has to be with a new wife! I just found your website so will connect my mac to our big screen and show her your videos. Wish me luck. If you visit pago go to AS power authority and tell willie sword hello from jack bunnell from seattle. Tututila is a lovely place but you can only anchor in pago harbor. Thanks for sharing your life. god's speed Jack Bunnel

December 28, 2011
When I saw the January table of contents with the [Cruising World] article "At Home and at Work, Afloat", I immediately went to page 53 looking for the comprehensive answers to all my questions. I thought, here is somebody that has gone down the same road I'm headed and has provided me with a detailed roadmap. Unfortunately, that was not to be the case. The article was really just a teaser overview with a list of equipment... So unfortunately what I thought was the comprehensive, definitive article, was merely a book jacket to what's really needed. I'm sure that Neville has all that information, so please prevail on him and offer him significant $$ to let us in on his secrets.

Thanks,
Bob Mirabal
Los Angeles, CA

December 27, 2011
I read your article in the 2012 January issue of Cruising the World. I have just spent the last 3 hours reading your blogs and have seen and learned things I would never experienced if I had not had the thought "I am going to go to this website and see what this is all about". Thank you so much for the info, the pictures, your stories. I look forward to returning to your site and enjoying your experiences on the Dreamtime . What a life! You are both blessed to have found each other.

Dorothy..from sunny California!!

December 25, 2011
Hi Neville and Catherine and Merry Christmas. I have just finished reading your article in Dec CW. Then spent the last 2 hours on your website - very cool.
I've been sailing for 40 years, Michigan, Florida, Bahamas and British Virgins. I now live in Cape Coral FL and am presently looking for a solid used boat
to cruise the coastlines. The Dream Time is a beautiful boat and looks very safe and capable for your cruising.

I envy your trip and will continue to keep up with your blog. Be safe and enjoy!

Tim Bayer

December 24, 2011
Still following you and your great adventure.  Just a small note of appreciation on being able to follow a great journey of two outstanding people.
Stay well and happy and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you both.

Dick Sheehan that Old Salt in Connecticut. 

December 23, 2011
I just wanted to wish you guys a great holiday season...........I see you're off to a really good start ! Mackenzie ( my 12 year old daughter ) now asks me regularly where you are.....she & I are very envious....in a good way. health & peace to you

Joanne & Mackenzie
xoxoxox

November 14, 2011
I am viewing your blog. I enjoy it. I am also listening to Margaritaville on Sirius which I enjoy. It makes your blog that much more enjoyable. Shipreck....

REPLY:
Thanks for your kind email, and as long as we’ve got something worth writing about, we’ll keep the blogs coming (and if we can get a descent WiFi connection, maybe a video or two, too).

November 13, 2011
Great videos from Fakarava, Tuamotus… I always look forward to all your pictures, comments and videos you post.
Please keep it coming. Never met ya, but I luv ya!!! MARK A. YELNICK

REPLY:
Glad you like our work – we’re feelin’ the love baby!

November 1, 2011
Hi Neville and Catherine, I have just finished reading your articile in Yachting Monthly and realising you are probably still in New Zealand. We live in Wellington and would love to offer you a meal, on your way past. We also have a 20ft trailer sailer if you had any desire to get onto the water in Wellington harbour. My partner, Ange, and I are keen charterers, and have now purchased a Lagoon 380 currently in Puerto Rico we will start sailing in the Med next May. We would be interested in hearing your tips for sucessful cruising. Regards Deborah

REPLY:
Hello Deborah and Ange! Thanks for your email and lovely offer! However, regrettably we’re going to have to take a rain check - we left NZ in June and are now back in French Polynesia. Although if we ever sail your way again, we'll be sure to let you know. The offer is reciprocated, should you ever find yourselves in FP over the next two years, look us up, we'll have a BBQ and talk 'cruisin' over sundowners.

Let us know if you have any questions about setting off into the big blue. Our advice - just enjoy every second and don’t take anything too seriously!

October 30, 2011
Hi Guys. I enjoy punching in your Quick Fix locations, (Google Earth) however I can't help wondering just how accurate they are.
The latest fix shows a large clearing and buildings to the east of the fix. Can you see the clearing and buildings I'm referring to?
There appears to be a gorgeous beach, south of the clearing and structures. Take care. P.W.

REPLY:
Hi Peter, Glad to know that someone's checking up on us. We're anchored in the very southeastern corner of Fakarava. I don’t know how old the Google Earth images are, but there’s a small red-roofed house (uninhabited) with a red pathway leading from the lagoon up to the property to our east, with a corrugated-roof cistern a little to its south – these are in an area where the palms have been cleared. There’s also a new house (built sometime after 2009) to our south-southwest, on the western tip of the motu we’re anchored off.

And you're right, the beach is as close to perfect as you could hope for.

August 17, 2011
Dear Neville & Catherine,
I can't even express with words how much your blog has enfluenced my life. Back in early June I was the one who skipped a night of sleep to read as much as I could of your blog from the day you set sail. I finally caught up to your current day blog on July 4th while sitting on a deck overlooking the Straight of Juan De Fuca (San Juan Islands, Washington state). It was very rewarding reading your blog from start to finish like a novel. Each time I sat down to read, I felt like I was the wind swooping down to see what Dream Time was up to. Sharing the excitement and emotions right there along with you. Thanks to your inspiring stories, adventures, and the new pile of Cruising books that have taken over our home, my husband and I are planning our future to eventually be driven by the wind and seas. Something that hadn't even really crossed our minds 2 years ago.

With all of the above said, thank you from the bottom of my heart. As we learn more and slowly get closer to planning our journey I'm sure at some point I will get in touch with you again with questions.

In the meantime, enjoy your time in Tahiti!

Very best wishes,
Gwen Bolin

August 15, 2011
Greetings! I've been reading your blog for awhile now as Dana and I dream and scheme our way towards folling in your footsteps 3 years from now. The reason I am writing is I am wondering if you could introduce us (by maybe forwarding this email?) to Gwen Bolin who is listed in the comments section of your blog. Dana and I live in Everett which is very close to Gwen and we'd like to meet other local people who share our dream.

Keep blogging!! Every entry I read at work gives me purpose! (earn big paychecks so I kin get my keel wet) Wayne

July 25, 2011
Hi Guys from the snowed in Wairarapa,
I was wondering what has happened about your forestay?  Have I missed something in your blog?  Are you going to inspect the rest of your rig and/or renew the rest of your standing rigging? Apologies for being a nag but I am a keen follower of your journey and as a yachty this detail seems important to me.  After such a long effort I imagine it must be a bit of a bind doing this blog! 

If you return for another summer to NZ maybe we will catch up in person.  We have ample spare beds in our now empty nest!

Regards to you both,

Robin Murray
Awurua Farm, New Zealand

June 3, 2011
Dear Neville & Catherine, I thought I would drop you a line to let you know that some random person (me) was up almost all night reading your blog. Entry after entry from the beginning, I just couldn't put the iPad down. I first read the short article in June's Cruising World thinking that my head would hit the pillow quickly after that. Little did I know I would be up for hours being entertained and inspired by you both! Thank you!!!

As soon as I get caught up to where you are present day, I'm sure both my husband and I will have some questions as to how we can start planning for a similar life adventure for the years soon to come. We live just 20 minutes east of the San Juan Islands in Washington and are arranging our life so we can soon purchase a boat. But for now I can only "Dream" of the winds carry us from country to country.

I can't wait to return to an evening of 'Dream Time' reading.

Gwen Bolin

June 1, 2011
Enjoyed your article in the latest CW issue... Although my wife was a little alarmed with your closing statement!!! The meaning was to not hesitate and to go out and get into the cruising life if u want to do it... My question to you both is, I have very limited Sailing experence... Basic sailing course and a few bareboat charters in the Carib... I'm in my early 50's and have the means.... My wife likes adventure but is not confident in my skills as a captian... So the question is, u can spend alot of money at different sailing schools... I want to eventually get us coastgard certified.... You both are.. I think I read that on your blog.... What path do u recomend.... ?

Rob...
Dreamer doer!

REPLY:
Hi Bob, Thanks for your email. Well, it seems like you've got the hardest parts out of the way already: an adventurous wife, the means and the passion to sail! One little known fact about our voyage was that initially Catherine wasn't going to join in. Thankfully, however, she grew to love the life as much as I do.

What changed her mind was not only growing to love the boat and the sailing lifestyle, but the confidence she felt after taking the SeaSchool 'Six Pack' captains course. I would highly recommend the organization: www.seaschool.com. Much of the material you probably already know, but if you take the course together, I suspect it will benefit you both.

Also, at the very beginning of our journey, Catherine had serious doubts whether she would enjoy the cruising life, so I told her that worst-case scenario to think of the trip as just a one-year vacation, and that if she didn’t enjoy it (I suspected that she would) that we would return to NY. This took a little bit of the pressure off; suddenly we weren't 'sailing around the world' but were on a much gentler 'one-year cruise'.

Good luck and happy trails!

May 27, 2011
Hi - I just read about y'all for the first time in the June issue of Cruising World.  Your website is amazing.  I'm hoping to leave on an around the world sailing trip myself a year or so from now, likely solo. I know you're busy, but do you have any advice for someone looking to get sponsorships like you have?  Thanks!


Bo Cordle
SailingBo.com

REPLY:
Hi Bo, It looks like, judging by SailingBo.com, that your adventure has already begun! Nice website – one more we can add to our favorites.

Regarding sponsorship, we found it easier to attract sponsors once we got a few articles published. Potential sponsors will want to know what quality and level of exposure their company/product will receive through you. So if you can perhaps get an article or two published about your plans and preparations, it may be helpful. Also, the first few sponsors are the hardest to secure – no one wants to be the first onboard, so it helps if you’re flexible.

Happy trails and let us know how it goes. Cheers!

May 25, 2011
Enjoyed your down to earth article and writing style very much. Please write more. I do not wish to cross oceans, but I do sail a Paceship 23 (Sea Horse)
on Penobscot Bay, Maine, and adjoining bays, on explorations of one to two weeks at a time. Of course our sailing season is rather short, but is certainly fun.
Keep writing.

Duane on Sea Horse

REPLY:
Thank you for your kind email – don’t hesitate to let Cruising World know either :-) In fact, I believe they’re publishing another Dream Time story, of our time on Cast Away Island, in their July ‘Shoreline’ column. Enjoy your summer season on Sea Horse. We never made it up to Maine when we lived in NY, but we’re looking forward to exploring the area when we return.

Cheers!

May 23, 2011
We had  heard about Dream Time  from some mutual friends, and are delighted to have learned more from the latest issue  of “Cruising World”.   Forty years ago, Mary and I started our long-haul sailing, after having sailed and raced since the early  1930s  We have covered a bit over 35,000 miles in our Bristol  ’42 yawl, covering probably  about 80% or less of your ports of call , but we did get to know and deeply appreciate the American East Coast, from Halifax to the Drake Passage.  We were particularly fascinated by the manner in which  you  got started - just get out and do it.  Our hats are off to you both.

We wish you both the very best of time, with fair winds and gentle seas.

Sincerely

Ted

REPLY:
Thank you for your email. We feel, even after four years ‘behind the mast’, like we’re newbies out here and still learning, but we’re having fun … and what a life! You both seem to be far more accomplished that Dream Time’s crew, so perhaps, if we ever share a waypoint one day, we could swap stories and sailing tactics over a cold one?

May 23, 2011
Hi I just read about you on Sail magazine, I am a coastal  sailor from Miami Florida and I wonder, how do you dispose of garbage out in the ocean?
Thanks and happy sailing.

German Plasencia

REPLY:
When passage-making we compress and double-bag all plastic and aluminum cans, and store them in the rear lazarette. All food scraps go overboard and steel cans (beans, canned vegetables etc.) are filled with salt water and sunk. Before we leave on a passage we also discard all cardboard packaging and try to minimize the use of large packaged items to reduce the amount of waste we carry.

Enjoy those Floridian waters!

May 18, 2011
I've been following your passage. You folks are really incredible. I know the trials and tribulations of piloting a craft around the world. But what's more impressive
is that you have spent over 1000 days in such a little space without killing each other. I assume you will write a book about this journey and perhaps get a TV offer.
I wish you luck and the safe passage by the grace of God.

Bob Busso

REPLY:
Hi Bob, Glad to see that you’re still with us! Perhaps, rather than writing about our sailing adventures, we’ll write a book about navigating a relationship at sea – I think that might be a far more interesting read!

Smooth sailing.

John and Kelly Wanamaker
The Emerald Lady
Seattle, WA

February 25, 2011
It doesn't look like you were close to the majority of the damage but, I am looking from half a world away. There are many armchair sailors following you around the world who are hoping you are OK.  Let us know how you are doing and, if you see an organization that is helping those affected by the quake that could use some support, please post that too.

Steve Marquart

February 23, 2011
I just heard about the earthquake in NZ. Are you guys OK?

Marty Solomon

February 23, 2011
In light of the tragedy that just happened to Jean and Scot Adam I hope and pray you will re-route your course away from this hostile area.  When I first heard of their kidnapping my thoughts immediately turned to you both. Also I hope things were secure in your part of New Zealand in light of the earthquake in Christchurch. 

I pray you both stay safe.

Kathy Colvard, AAP

February 9, 2011
Robert Slocum and I were just viewing your website and blog.  It is fascinating!  Needless to say, here with 2 feet of snow on the ground, we are a bit jealous.  Bob sends his best wishes and is keeping you in his prayers for safe travels.   God bless you both.  We will keep in touch.  Thank you.   He is interested in doing a presentation of your trip and Joshua Slocum for the other residents here at our facility.   We wish you both the best.

Janette Leonidas

January 14, 2011
Neville and Catherine, I just met a sailor from England named Pete at the LaBelle, Florida Library, he gave me your website. I'm just saying Hi. You can learn about my boat, life and journey so far on my website. www.jheld.mysite.com

Jon Held

January 7, 2011
My wife and I have followed you all the way from New York and have about a one inch book so far. The question I have, is – have you kept track of your costs?  How much have you budgeted for monthly expenses and are you close to you budget?  I understand that you are a business owner and sounds like you are doing well, but could you do what you are doing in retirement or without making a salary?

Steven

January 2 , 2011
Hello Catherine and Neville,I just wanted to drop you a note wishing you both a very safe and Happy New Year.
With warm regards,

Ron

December 24, 2010
It’s cold here but hearing from you two in the warm southern hemisphere makes me warm too.   Hope you are both doing well, from the sounds of your journey it seems as though you are.   I wish you both the Merriest of Christmas’s and a Happy and joyous journey-full New Year.

That Old Connecticut Salt.
Dick Sheehan
 

December 28, 2010
Wow!  You guys are living the life!   Thanks for the awesome photo!

Jana Johnson (Dallas, Texas)

December 24, 2010
Hi Neville & Catherine,
We continue to follow your adventures and also continue to admire your spirit and courage. We wish you a very Happy Christmas and a safe and adventurous
New Year

Frank & Sue

December 24, 2010
Kia Ora Catherine and Neville, Welcome back to NZ.
We have followed your wanderings with great interest and always look forward to the next installment on your website. We wish you a wonderful Christmas and hopefully great weather. May Santa find Dream Time in a safe anchorage and deliver everything you wish for.

Antje and Linton

December 24, 2010
To my favorite sailors

Just love love keeping up with you guys on your blog, you always have great stories and fabulous pictures, and to think its your life and not a movie……you are so lucky and i know you know it and appreciate it to the fullest ……….that’s what makes it amazing. Have wonderful holidays Take good care of each other, health & peace be with you

Joanne and daughter Mackenzie
Xoxoxoxox

December 24, 2010
Mr Hockley,
Happy Holiday's From The Crew at Tilben Photo & Electronics USA

From, Chet, Steve, Tony, Dean, Jenni & Sue

December 24, 2010
Wholly geeze!  I’m so jealous, and frik’n cold right now. Merry Christmas, and a very Happy New Year!  Be safe.

Greg

December 24, 2010
Hope you are both well and have a very Happy Christmas and a successful New Year!

Pete and Audrey in the frozen South

Mark A. Yelnick

Regards,
Tom and Mili Ryan