My name is Chris and I’m looking for crewing opportunities up to the Pacific Islands from New Zealand or Australia during May 2026. I’m a calm, easy going and fit 52 year old seeking to expand my costal sailing experience into ocean blue water sailing. I’m a veterinary surgeon by training and after raising three kids with my wife Kate, I am building experience before we buy our own boat. My work has recently taken me to both Fiji and Vanuatu so I’m familiar with both these countries.

Experience wise, I used to teach dingy sailing in Plymouth, UK and since moving to New Zealand in 2002, I’ve have had day sailing experiences with friends, most when visiting the UK. In the past six months I have sailed six days with my wife in the Bay of Islands and a further 5 days completing my practical RYA day skipper with Sail Nelson in the Tasman Bay area in February. I also hold the IYT competent crew qualification plus have a VHF license.

I am also a qualified surf lifeguard and marine search and rescue squad member, so I’m comfortable in challenging inshore conditions utilizing inflatable rescue boats and rescue jet skis. I also hold a refreshed pre-hospital emergency care qualification (advanced first aid) and have had plenty of experience using these skills over the years as a volunteer firefighter and surf lifeguard. Being a vet also helps with practical applications of first aid away from help.

I also enjoy scuba diving, fishing, cooking and enjoy working as part of a team willing to roll my sleeves up with all aspects of crewing including watch keeping. I’m also very practical and can turn my hand to fixing most things. I’m working towards my Yacht master theory. I have both NZ and UK passports and I’m happy to meet up prior to the voyage to check fit.

I’m looking to join a boat with an experienced skipper that I can learn from, and also enjoy the experience cruising up to the islands. My only limitation is I am only available during the month of May, but fully flexible within this month.