As the Ocean Nomads network grew through 2022, more and more sailing travel opportunities were being offered and created by members from all over the world, as well as by us as an organisation. Here is a snapshot of some of the sailing possibilities from that spring and summer to get the ocean in your veins and jump on board to experience travelling by sail. Some crewing opportunities were from vessel members. Some were organised by us. All with similar values and intentions, to connect you to the ocean, adventure, and a meaningful way of travel. At one point this season we had 3 vessels recruiting for an Atlantic crossing alone.
Atlantic Crossings
Sail Across the Atlantic, West to East via the Azores
The ship was sailing in and around Sint Maarten, due to set sail for the Azores in May 2022. The plan was to crew up around the 3rd of May in Sint Maarten and sail around the Caribbean a bit before starting the crossing. Dominican Republic or the British Virgin Islands were on the table, with everything open for suggestions. From there, prepare and wait for a good window for the Azores. A quick pit stop in Bermuda was possible, but if the winds were in their favour they would sail in one go. A small daily contribution plus shared food, drinks, diesel and harbour fees.
“I’m looking for nomads with sailing experience and nomads who are not that experienced yet and want to learn more about offshore sailing (great mile builder). As a crew we will all take part in the watch system to navigate the boat through open waters day and night, and as well in the normal household of the boat.”
The captain
Sail the Atlantic from the Caribbean to Europe with a Sailing Family
A family of five and two dogs, exploring the world on their sailboat, looking for a crew member to help sail the boat back to Holland from Sint Maarten. Departure from early April 2022.
“We are a family of five and two dogs, exploring the world on our sailboat. Living the dream means also work hard so we can play hard. On our boat we are teaching our kids to care and respect every breathing thing. We are looking for a crew member to help us sail our boat back to Holland from Sint Maarten, we want to start heading back from begin April.”
The family
Atlantic Crossing West to East on a 70s Classic
Five spots aboard an old pirate boat style vessel from the 70s, for the Atlantic crossing from West to East. Boarding in Martinique to do the main provisioning for the crossing, 20 to 45 days of food. Around 10 days sailing in the Caribbean Islands first to get to know the boat and do some sailing lessons.
“Do you want to have a unique sailing experience in the company of your friends or your family? Come sail with us in an old pirate boat style from the 70s. We have 5 spots available to do the Atlantic crossing from West to East. One of the big challenges for sailing lovers. This trip is for people who want to get more sailing experience and have the dream to cross an ocean.”
The captain
Mediterranean and Portugal
Sail the Coast of Portugal from Algarve to Porto
Extra hands on deck wanted to deliver one of the Mission Atlantis support vessels from the Algarve to Porto. The 13 metre ketch SV Castaway, skippered by Sarah. A beautiful opportunity to learn, connect with nature full ON. Time to take it easy and explore along the way. First half of May 2022, a few spots.
Mini-Atlantic Circuit: Algarve, Madeira, Azores, Lisbon, Algarve
Adam looking for one or two crew aboard his Starlight 35 (11m), for the summer of 2022 around the Portuguese islands. After a few years of solo sailing, he was after a more social season this time, with time to take it slow around the Algarve, Madeira and the Azores. A mix of anchoring and marinas, exploring, hiking, diving, eating and drinking out. June through August 2022.
“I would like one or two crew to join me. I’ve done quite a lot of solo sailing the last 2 or 3 years but this year would like a more social summer, hopefully meeting more people and get to know some Ocean Nomads. Preferably crew will have some sailing experience as you will be taking watches but a good vibe on board will be just as important. I plan to take my time around the islands, with a mix of anchoring and marinas, exploring, hiking, diving, eating and drinking out. You are welcome to join for all or just part of the trip.”
Adam
Galicia to the Mediterranean on a Westerly Seahawk 34
An experienced couple bringing their well prepared Westerly Seahawk 34 (1986) down from Galicia to the Mediterranean, looking for one crew to share watches and boat tasks. Late May or June 2022 from Galicia, first leg to the Algarve, then through the Strait of Gibraltar, on to Sardinia. A small double cabin to yourself (just have to share with the spinaker sail).
“My husband and I would like to take down our vessel from Galicia to the Mediterranean this summer. Our vessel, a Westerly Seahawk 34 (1986), is a well prepared boat and we have sailed her for more than 4000 NM along the coast as well as offshore in the last two years. So we are an experienced team.”
The couple
Sailing Greece to Turkey on Tjeerd’s Free Boat
The year before, Tjeerd became the lucky owner of a ‘free boat’ offered to the Ocean Nomads community. By summer 2022 it was time to get her up and running. Crew wanted to learn, support, work exchange and join an epic community minded adventure from Greece to Marmaris on this beauty of a vessel.
Sailing Croatia Pre-Season
Alex chartering a boat in Croatia from 13 to 23 April 2022, looking for a mixed crew all under 35 to share food and marina costs. A short, low cost way to get on the water before the summer season properly kicked off.
“Anybody looking to sail Croatia before season? I will charter a boat from the 13th of April until the 23rd of April. You only need to pay for your share of food and gas and marina fees. We will be a mixed crew all under 35.”
Alex
Caribbean and Long Term
Long Term Crew Wanted in the Western Caribbean
Someone wanted long term, a month or more, in the Western Caribbean. Currently in Roatan with a need to reach Bocas del Toro before hurricane season, but other than that not many plans. Route decided together.
“I’m looking for someone who wants to join me long term (a month or more) in the Western Caribbean. Currently in Roatan and need to be in Bocas del Toro before the hurricane season, but other than that not many plans. We get to decide together.”
The captain
A Vessel Available for the Summer
Van de Stadt 43 in the Canaries, Caretaker or Digital Nomad Base Wanted
A Van de Stadt 43, recently bought and freshly out of the boatyard, staying in the Canaries while her owners went home to Switzerland to work for the summer of 2022. They were looking for someone to take care of her and maybe sail her during that time, May through November. Perhaps a base for a digital nomad. Open for good ideas. Sleeps 4 comfortably (1 double + 2 single).
“Hola dear Ocean Nomads. We recently bought a beautiful sailboat. Before continuing on sailing further we have decided to go back home to work over the summer. Our sailboat is a little bit too big for the lakes in Switzerland and will stay here in the Canaries for those few months. Now we are looking for someone who wants to take care of her and maybe sail her during that time. Perhaps she could be a base for a digital nomad? We are very open for good ideas.”
The owners
Our Own Expeditions That Season
Alongside all the member-led voyages, 2022 also marked some of our biggest organised expeditions to date.
Mission Atlantis, Portugal Coast, May 30 to June 15 2022
We joined forces with the value aligned ocean souls of Oceans and Flow Portugal for their ocean impact expedition Missao Atlantis. Two weeks along the Portuguese coast, May 30 to June 15 2022, featuring ocean films, talks, stories, workshops, clean-ups, freediving, SUPping, meet-ups and team-ups, to celebrate and activate ocean love, adventure, impact, and community.
Expedition ON: Around the Atlantic on SV Twister, Winter 2022 and 2023
Winter 2022 and 2023 we sailed around the Atlantic with SV Twister, uniting Ocean Nomads on this beauty of a +100 year old classic vessel, connecting adventure, impact and community. Both of these expeditions have long since sailed. The photos and stories live in our past trips archive.
What Our Vessel Members Said
“What I hoped to gain from this community was the option of finding crew. Instead what I found is a collection of people who get what I do, who understand why we make certain choices, and who are willing to support each other. And that is something I needed way more than just someone to sail with.”
Michiel, Vessel Member
“The big opportunity of this platform is that we are all driven by the same spirit. That makes it easy to build up a team aboard, which for me is the most important thing out on the ocean. Sailing skills are not as important as many people believe. You will learn everything you must know in less than one week, I promise.”
Wolfgang, Vessel Member and Captain
“I always had the dream to go sailing one day, but like many, I did not grow up with it and I thought it was something for the very wealthy. Now, thanks to Ocean Nomads, I know different. After my first sailing trip in Spain I ended up staying a month and a half and sailed as part of the crew from Northern Spain to the Canary Islands. After that I got so inspired I decided to buy my own sailboat. Without Ocean Nomads this would not have been possible.”
Nadiem
Looking for current crew calls?
Spring and summer 2022 has long since sailed, but the tribe is busier than ever. Have a look at what we have coming up, or join us to see live opportunities from member vessels around the world.
