Skip to content. | Skip to navigation

Personal tools
The global site for cruising sailors
Sections
You are here: Home / General / Messageboards

Messageboards

General

Maybe the NEW noonsite Forums are the best place to post your message.
The Cockpit Locker puts sailors wishing to buy or sell surplus boating equipment in touch.
Routing and Weather is where cruisers can help each other with advice.
Crewing Opportunities Forum is the place to post your advert or look for opportunities.
Convoys and Cruising in Company Forum is where those wanting to get in touch with other cruisers planning the same passage can post a message.

It takes only a few minutes to register for the forums - don't miss them!.

Noonsite Messageboards Include:-
 Cruising Families - Messages from families with children wishing to meet up with others.
Regional Cruising - Questions relating to a particular cruising area.
Personal - Enquiries regarding other cruisers.
Equipment - Queries about specific items or makes of equipment.
General Queries - Queries which do not fit anywhere else!
Yacht Search - Information on overdue or stolen yachts.
Yacht Search Archive - Messages posted more than 2 years ago.

How to post a message: Just send a brief message with your yacht name and any other details you want to include to noonsite@noonsite.com and we will post it as soon as possible. Please remember to send us updates if your contact details or other information changes, thank you.

Cruising Families

ADVICE: Single Parenting a Cruising Family
Posted January 2010
I am a former liveaboard/cruiser with 2 daughters 5 and 2, and I would dearly love to return to that life. Does anyone have experience they could share about single parenting a cruising family? Alex - SV Vingilot

Haynes Family
Posted March 2012
We are an Australian family with a boy aged 12 and girl aged 6 cruising the Med in 2012/13. Currently in Marmaris, Turkey, looking to meet up with any other cruising families in the Med this year. Cheers, Venessa and Gary Haynes.

MEXICO TO BRITISH COLUMBIA - 2012
Posted May 2012
The crew of Del Viento (1978 Fuji 40) is Michael and Windy with daughters Eleanor (8) and Frances (6). We are slowly heading north from Mexico (2011) to British Columbia (2012) where we plan to winter over to get a jump on the summer 2013 cruising season around the inside passage. After that we will likely race back south to warm ourselves back up. Eventually we may get to Japan. We are always on the lookout for other kid boats. Please feel free to email us or check our blog.

PACIFIC: Crossing - US to Australia - November 2010
Posted 8 November 2010 - updated Feb 2011
Drew Collins and his family are departing the US around the first week or two of November 2010, sailing down the coast of Central and South America, and then after several stops along the way sailing across to Australia. Drew has set up a forum for any kids under 19 who live on board and want to talk about their sailing adventures, give ideas or tips, or just chat. Soon Drew will be adding a google maps so you can pin on the map where you are. Update February 2011

SCOTLAND - Shetland Isles
Posted December 2012
We are a Scottish family and having sailed around the Med during 2010 and 2011 have now returned to our home, the Shetland Isles. We have two daughters, aged 8 and 7 years old, so if any sailing families are coming North we would be more than happy to show them around.
Cheers, Ali and Linda

SE ASIA - E Indonesia Westwards 2013
Updated January 2013
Our family of five is in currently in eastern Indonesia and heading west through SE Asia during 2013. It is always great to connect with other "kid boats", either out here or virtually. Please feel free to email us or check our blog. We often write about kids & cruising. The Giffords - Behan, Jamie, & the 3 swabbies - Niall (13) Mairen (10) and Siobhan (8). SV Totem (Stevens 47)

Regional Cruising

Malaysia - Dive Permits
Posted 29 July 2010
I have just recently visited Sipadan island, Malaysia, and discovered (a bit late, unfortunately) that the authorities have closed the island to all diving visitors EXCEPT those who have applied for (and paid for) a permit. Permits are issued for a limited number of visitors (no more than 200 divers per day) and cost about 50 Ringgit. As an infrequent user of the net I was unaware of this and had to return to Semporna to get the paperwork done. So the question is: are there any other areas in Malaysia that are off limit or require a permit? As far as I am aware, Sipadan is the only one besides Layang Layang (permit required, excessive paperwork, but no fees). The Jabatan Laut (Marine Department) is of the same opinion - but then, on the other hand, they misinformed me about Sipadan in the first place. Other parks such as Tioman, Payar, Tungku Abdul Rahman etc. are still free for cruisers to enter - aren't they? Has anyone been to those parks recently? I passed Malaysia en route to the Philippines and Palau in 2007, so my info might be outdated. Silja Ruebsamen (Germany)

Papua New Guinea, Ninigo Islands: Looking for Yachts to deliver gifts
Updated March 2013
We are the family crew of Australian SV Anui, who returned from PNG last year and are now settled back in Yamba, NSW. We made particularly good friends with the people of Mal in the Ninigo islands, West of the Hermit Islands and are trying to continue to help them and their community in small ways. We manage to stay in touch with the community through a family members of theirs who lives on the main island of Manus and has a mobile phone, so messages can occasionally be relayed to the island. We would always be very glad to hear from yachts that might be heading to the North of PNG and may consider a stop-over in Ninigo as we would love to be able to send letters/ gifts/ photos of our growing kids (who both have namesakes now on Mal!). Sometimes we also have up to date information about ways in which the community needs help – particularly the wonderful little school there. If you or any of your friends are cruising in that region, please contact Sarah and Scott Armstrong.

Schengen Countries: Non-EU Visitors Exceeding their 90 day Limit
Posted May 2013
We are an Australian yacht, currently in Turkey, and are keen to hear from fellow non-EU cruisers who have had any experience, good or bad, with the Immigration Authorities when they have exceeded the 90 day limit (in a 6 moth period) when visiting the Schengen Area countries?
Stephanie & Pete Peterson
(Editor's note: See Noonsite page/General/RegionalAgreements)

Equipment

Adams Carina 44: Problems with the centreboard
Posted May 2013.
We have an Adams Carina 44 and are having problems with the centreboard. It became stuck in the up position. We slipped the boat and jacked the centre board out and this was accompanied by about a bucketful of water being released from the slot when the centreboard became free of the slot in the keel. Our first question is where did this water come from? We found a small crack in the fibreglass on the trailing edge of the board. We allowed the board to dry, repaired this crack, ground the surface of the board (a few mm each side) especially in the areas where there appeared to be scratch marks, and replaced the board. When we put the boat back in the water, the board wen tup and down with no problems. When we used the boat a week later, the board came up with no problem, but then became stuck again. We would like to hear from anyone who has had similar problems or has some ideas as to what the cause of this problem might be.
Lesley and Phil, SY Paseafique

General Queries

Cruising Boat Designed to fit in Container
Posted April 2010 , Reviewed January 2011
About six years ago, a rather novel concept was put forth as an alternative to traditional cruising logistics. I'm not certain, but I think it may have been a Robert Perry design. The idea was that the hull, keel & mast would all fit into a standard 40' container. IF ANYONE can remember any of the details or where to start trying to track down information I would be MOST appreciative. Thanks for any and all help John ("JB") Bill

Yacht Search

Aruba to Colombia: SY Jeri last seen 22 December 2012
Posted 21 January 2013
Dutch yacht "Jeri" and skipper Frederik Wustenhoff, having departed Marina Santa Marta in December last year, have currently not arrived in Aruba. Frederik is officially a missing person and his family and friends are asking for any assistance fellow sailors can give. See full report above. Contact the family via their website: http://frederik-wustenhoff-vermist.anna-karina.nl/contact/.

Atlantic: Looking for SY Isabelita Betancor built 1948
Posted May 2013
I am looking for a sailing vessel by the name Isabelita Betancor. It was built in Las Palmas in 1948. It was 15,26 meter long. In December 1969 it was moored at Muelle Santa Catalina in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria. After this they probably sailed to Brazil via Cap Verde Islands. I would be extremly grateful for any information about the boat. Ingrid Frohlich (Sweden).

Catamaran Minx lost in the Coral Sea
Posted January 2012
S V Minx was abandoned in the early hours on Wednesday Dec 21, 2011 during a dramatic, life threatening rescue. Position : 17*20' S 154*13' E approx - 380nm East of Mackay on Australia's Eastern Coast. Any feedback, a sighting or information relating to Minx would be appreciated. Many thanks Jon Howard

France, Lorient: Oceanis '45 "Ere Nahia" Stolen
Stolen 9 October 2013. If you see this yacht, contact the harbour office and the owner (contact at the end of the film).

Looking for Yacht 'Windigo'
Posted November 2012
British registered sailing yacht 'Windigo' was abandoned about 430 miles southwest of Tonga on the 7th November 2012 after being damaged in a severe storm. The owners, Stephen Jones and Tania Davies were rescued but very much wish to reclaim their uninsured home. Its last reported position was 24 degrees, 49.3min South, 179 degrees, 49.2min East. It can also be identified by the SSR number 141391 on the stern. Please email Steve and Tania with any information.

Looking for news of Abandoned Yacht Freewind
Posted December 2012
S/V Freewind, a 55 foot ketch rigged sailing vessel, suffered a total steering system failure during her trans-Atlantic passage and after consultation with the Coast Guard, it was decided to abandon her. She was abandoned late on 26th Dec 2012 – the last known position was N 22 18.2 W 026 45.4 some 700 miles WSW of the Canary Islands. The crew of S/V Freewind, Frank and Jan Balmer, were taken on board a cargo ship bound for the port of Trombetas, Brazil. The last report was that there were no injuries and Frank and Jan are expected to arrive in Brazil on 4th Jan 2013. Before abandoning her, Freewind had been sealed against water ingress but reportedly suffered some damage during the crew transfer to the freighter. If anyone sights this vessel, please contact Edmund Steele.

MIssing Catamaran BLUE II
Posted December 2012
Tel:+49-4331-1452-83 Fax:+49-4331-1452-85
It is possible this catamaran sailed with the ARC fleet to the Caribbean. We assume that there are two young German men on board. It is a 36ft Beneteau SCAT catamaran with a white hull and blue stripes. Dutch registration from Den Oever. Hull no. 0144085-800311. If you have any information about the present situation please don't hesitate to contact us. Olaf Sabel

Missing Spanish Registered Sloop Danarah - MAL
Posted May 2012
Any information on the whereabouts of 45 foot wooden sloop Danarah would be greatly welcomed. This Spanish Flagged vessel has the word 'MAL' on the stern. It was last positively identified off Marseille on 6th July 2006. At that time the three men on board made it known they were making for Spain. Any information at all would be welcome. Many Thanks J Smith

NW Spain, Vigo: Abandoned Boat, reward on offer
Posted 25 June 2013
Tel:+358505463779
Boat was abanoded: 17th June at 21.00
EPIRB stopped working: 23th June
Current location: 150-200nm to W from Vigo, Portugal
Current direction of the boat S, SE
Boat description: Malö 50: "Serena" (38ft), Finnish flag, broken windshield, 2x sails slighly out and visible. Crew had to abandon due to a heavy storm. 15.000€ reward.

Search for Sea Bear, 22 ton ketch
Posted February 2012
I saw the G L Watson designed Sea Bear when cruising the Azores in the summer of '68 and on the Clyde in the early '70's. She was a fine cruising vessel and I would be interested to hear if she's still sailing. Thanks for any information. John Guthrie

St. Vincent & the Grenadines: Yacht Stolen
Posted 20 June 2013
On Friday 14th June a company yacht “La Sorella” of Sail Grenadines, was stolen from Clifton, Union Island in St Vincent and the Grenadines. She is a Bavaria 45 (2012 version), white, monohull with grey UV strip, grey bimini and a large white radar reflector on the very top of the mast. The boat is British flagged. We would like to ask all readers of noonsite to keep a good look out all over the Caribbean and would appreciate any information or news that may be of help in finding the yacht. Any further information can be sent immediately on reply to this email.

Yacht Stolen in Marshall Islands
Posted 7 January 2012
My Wharram Tangaroa catamaran "Taraipo" has been stolen in Majuro, marhsall Islands, North pacific. See link. If you see my boat somewhere please report it to the nearest police station, and mail me. Thank you. Laurent.

Yacht Search Archive

Disappearance of Flying Lady - Formosa 68
Posted June 2009 , Updated January 2011
Flying Lady, a 1987 Formosa 68, was last seen on 10th December 2007 in Adra in Southern Spain, when the owner was absent. There has been no trace or sightings since. She is likely to still be in the Mediterannean, possibly on the African side, but also may be in the Atlantic Islands – Madeira, Canaries, Azores. Any sightings, please contact PANTAENIUS UK Limited. Update June 2009: Following an extensive search, this yacht has still not been found. However, distinctive vessels such as this one can turn up after some considerable time so if you have any information, please do get in touch. Update January 2011 - there has been a possible sighting of her in the Bristol Channel area recently. Keep looking please!

Searching for SV Rasmus - Oyster61.
Posted November 2009 , Reviewed January 2011
I want to contact the owner of SV Rasmus. An Oyster 61. 18.5 meters length. His name is Hannas Fehring and he usually sails with his wife Stefi. Anyone who knows where I can find him can they please send me an email but would appreciate any sightings. Thanks all - Regards - Barry Sadler January 2011 - I am still searching for the owner of SV Rasmus so would appreciate any news or sightings. Barry. January 2012 - If anyone knows the wherabouts of an Oyster 61 " Rasmus " flying a German Flag and if the owner Hannas Fehrinbg is on board would appreciate a mail to sadler@celeiros.com. Last known location of Rasmus was Rodney Bay Marina, St Lucia. Thanks B. Sadler.

Sly Mongoose Stolen In Caribbean
Posted June 2009 , Reviewed January 2012
Last seen St Thomas USVI May 11 2006, could be anywhere. One-off Derecktor boat built 1971, 54' sloop, white hull but could have been painted blue and name changed. Contact BOATEAM International Marine Surveyors for photo and more details. Update June 2009: This yacht has not been located and the case is still not closed, therefore if you have any information please do get in touch. January 2012. The search continues and any news would be welcome - thanks - Barbara

Reports

The Power of the noonsite Messageboard

Un-Charted Sandy Banks in Coral Sea

Wanting Information on Hauling Out in Belem, Brazil

International Boatwatch
The BoatWatch Net is administered by ShipCom Ltd through their public coast station WLO in Mobile Alabama. Based on the last known place and date and the intended destination and plans, they will target the inquiry to those of their members who are in the area. The website provides a form with questions on missing yachts.
Sailing Networks
Social networking site for sailors.
Yacht Pals
Online Boating Community
Platinum Sponsors
World ARC Rally http://www.worldcruising.com/worldarc

Your adventure starts here! World ARC is the voyage of a lifetime. A 26,000nm tradewind circumnavigation with our team in every port ensuring a warm welcome. World ARC is a mix of cruising in company and free time to explore. Make a full circumnavigation or sail half a rally. The pace keeps the fleet together, enjoying the shore-side activities as a group, while staying with the best weather. Families with children, retirees or a ‘grown up gap year’ - all are welcome as part of World ARC. Our dedicated rally team ensure you make the most of your time ashore, and provide peace of mind at sea. Starts from Saint Lucia, Panama and Australia.