What kind of trips are offered each year?
- 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.
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.
How is the yearly itinerary determined?
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
inbetween 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.
I'm a beginning kitesurfer- does The Best Odyssey work for me?
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 onboard for personal instruction. Please contact us for details.
I'm not into kiteboarding but like the concept- can I join?
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.
Why choose The Best Odyssey over a charter?
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!
How can The Best Odyssey cost so much less than a charter?
Several reasons:
- Our unique yacht share concept spreads the risk and costs of owning and operating a luxury
yacht out to make it much more affordable.
- 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.
- The crew will also maintain the yacht rather than contract the work out,
saving thousands in maintenance costs each year.
- 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.
Do you offer financing?
Yes we do. See the cost page.
Will the yacht be insured?
At all times. A full comprehensive blue water plan will cover the asset. By purchasing shares
in the LLC there is no personal liability.
When and where do we travel?
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.
How long does The Best Odyssey last?
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.
What amenities are onboard/ can I expect to use?
Will there be taxes on the investment?
No.
What if I want out?
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.
What if we can't take a trip one of the years?
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.
Can the boat be booked privately?
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.
How do we reserve our time?
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.
What if something happens to the crew or the boat for our trip?
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.
How do you handle medical emergencies?
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.
Will we be sharing our time with any other guests or owners?
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.
Can we bring guests or kids?
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.
Who is in charge of the expedition?
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.
How are we protected from the Captain and Crew leaving?
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.
As owners, can we be liable for injuries onboard?
No. Our insurance policy will have medical and third party liability coverage and as we are
incorporated, you cannot be sued.
Can I leave my share(s) in my will?
Absolutely.
Do you have any references?
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.
What about a contract?
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.
To see what other's have asked, please visit the forum.
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