Frequently Asked Questions:
What do the Seaward Adventure Voyages Include?
Your per-person cost includes a private berth, all meals that are served on board, wine and beer with dinner, all ship's expenses and fuel costs, on-board instruction from our professional crew, and use of the ship's equipment, shore boats, safety gear, etc. (Note: each voyage is different and some will include the option to dine ashore at your own expense).
Can you describe the SEAWARD?
SEAWARD, the flagship of Call of the Sea, is an 82-foot, US Coast Guard inspected vessel with a sturdy steel hull and beautiful wooden decks. Built in 1988 to the highest standards and equipped for ocean use, she is safe, comfortable, and a nimble ship underway. Thanks to her powerful and versatile staysail schooner rig, she moves easily under all points of sail. Her thick and sturdy steel hull cleaves the water gracefully. And her interior has the classic elegance of a wooden yacht with a roomy navigator's cabin, comfortable main salon, and a large single berths with privacy curtains. SEAWARD is certified for 21 people overnight, however, we will normally be operating with ten participants and four crew.
Who makes up the crew?
Our crew is comprised of professional sailors and experienced educators who have joined our organizationbecause of their love and knowledge of the sea and their ability to share their experiences. Each expidition will have a Captain, First Mate, Deckhand, and an additional Deckhand who will also act as the on-board chef.
Captains Alan Olson and Rick Whiting will be leading this year's voyages. Alan Olson has been involved with Call of the Sea for 20 years and has led many voyages to Baja California, in addition to expeditions in the Atlantic Ocean, throughout the Pacific Ocean, and as far away as China. This will be his 12th journey to Mexico. Alan holds a US Coast Guard 100-ton Master's License. Our First Mates are USCG licensed captains as well. Rick Whiting is also an experienced and licensed Captian, and has spent many years as a marine surveyor.
What about Safety?
Safe voyaging is a priority for our Adventure Voyages, and we adhere to the highest safety standards. Although nobody can eliminate risk entirely, we can and do manage it properly with careful planning, training, and emergency drills that include: man overboard rescue, life raft operation, pumping systems, firefighting, EPIRB operation, and safe on-deck procedures. The Schooner SEAWARD meets and exceeds all US Coast Guard requirements for offshore vessels. We will never compromise on safety.
What is it like to live aboard SEAWARD?
When we're underway, the ship and crew are operating "24/7," and we encourage participants to join the crew as your experience and abilities allow. Whether you're a novice or experienced sailor, we encourage you to join us in sailing the ship, navigating, studying marine life we encounter, and even sharing culinary skills. While our cook will prepare delicious and wholesome meals, your help is always welcomed in the galley. As this is not a charter boat or cruise ship; we all pull together to make this a truly great and memorable experience. Galley cleanup is shared by all, as are daily cleaning duties above and below decks.
Everyone on board is encouraged to get the most out of every day, whether sailing offshore or hiking on a remote island. Once aboard, the participants are assigned a berth and offered to join a watch; on coastal passages, watches can consist of three to four people. While on watch, participants are invited to share in the ship's duties, including steering, navigating, sail handling and the ship's system checks. Off watch, your time is your own, unless extra help is needed on deck.
How firm is the itinerary for each voyage?
Schedules and destinations are a general guideline and are always subject to safe weather and local conditions. We keep a flexible attitude about our destination and the Captain will usually provide you with several alternatives, depending on the interests of the participants.
Can I bring my own food or alcoholic beverages?
Yes. If you have special dietary preferences or favorite spirits, we will be happy to stow them in the galley for your personal consumption. Please note that we enforce a strict no inebriation policy on board the SEAWARD. Anyone breaking this rule will be put ashore at the nearest deserted island.
What's the climate like?
The Climate in the Sea of Cortez is arid and very agreeable in the winter. This unique climate is the result of a mix of dry desert heat that's complemented by a cool sea breeze. In Baja, even the winter temperatures range from the high-70's to low 90's.
What should I bring?
We reccommend bringing quick-drying clothes you can layer. Be prepared for warm sunny weather (bring shorts, sandals, sun hat, sun screen, etc.) cooler weather (bring long pants, long-sleeved, shirts, a jacket, hat, etc.), and for wet conditions (bring a waterproof jacket and foul weather pants for longer voyages). Snorkelling gear, a camera, an extra towel, and a cell phone (cell phones and 3G networks work in larger towns) are also good things to have. We provide blankets, pillows, sheets, and a towel.
How do I get to the boat when it's in Cabo San Lucas and La Paz?
The international airport closest to Cabo San Lucas is San Jose del Cabo International Airport (SJD). The international airport closest to La Paz is Manual Marquez de Leon International Airport, which is also known as La Paz International Airport (LAP). Tickets to SJD are typically less expensive than tickets to LAP. SJD can be used to get to La Paz in conjunction with ground transportation: you can rent a car and make the 3-hour drive yourself (a beautiful drive!), or you can catch a shuttle bus from the airport (shuttle bus link) . Flights to both of these airports are easily searchable on the internet, and keep in mind that changing your travel dates by a day or two can make a big difference in ticket prices.
