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Description
WHEN FACED WITH THE PROSPECT OF LIVING IN A BROKEN WORLD,
BY THE RULES OF THE WORLD BREAKERS,
WHAT COULD YOU POSSIBLY DO???
🏴☠️🏴☠️🏴☠️🏴☠️🏴☠️
YOU CAN BECOME,
THE CIRCUS PIRATE,
YOU WERE BORN TO BE!!
🏴☠️🎪🏴☠️🎪🏴☠️
do me a favour me hearty,
PLEASE READ EVERYTHING!!
Before sendin yer scroll!!
“⛵ Audentes Fortuna Iuvat ⚓” –
FORTUNE FAVORS THE BOLD!
Ahoy hoy, me hearties!!
My name is David and I am a man from Sligo with a dream.
Rather than accepting the ordinary, I have chosen to embrace the outlandish and downright ridiculous task of restoring old wooden ships and eventually sailing them around the world while delivering a Pirate themed Circus to the masses!
To do this we need wild hearted wanderers and salty souls to live together and build together. We have created a beautiful life and community around these boats already, and we are always excited to grow our pirate family.
We want to work on wooden ships alongside circus shenanigans in order to eventually voyage on circus ships and bring the circus across the seven seas.
🎪🏴☠️🎪 THE PIRATE CIRCUS 🎪🏴☠️🎪
The Pirate Circus is literally just starting.
There is no finished show.
There is no formula.
There is no established circus.
We are looking for creative energy to start it up.
We want to restore old wooden ships through circus shenanigans.
Circus skills, pirate theme and aesthetics, fencing and stage combat, acting and theatre, music, storytelling, costumes, boatbuilding and practical construction can all become part of this strange experiment.
⭐ Somewhere in your message, include:
“Ive packed me chest , so I can run away to sea, with the circus pirates.”
She is a Norwegian gaff-rigged ketch , converted in the 80's from a Hardanger Kutter fishing boat, with stories in her bones and rot in her timbers. She’s a beautiful rascal who is extremely demanding but hopefully absolutely possibly worth it!
⚓⚓⚓🏴☠️ WHO’S NEEDED? 🏴☠️⚓⚓⚓
This isnt a holiday experience. Although at times it probably absolutely fits that description. This is a floating project, home, sanctuary, and experiment. No two days are the same — and every week brings a new tide.
WE LOVE
🪵 CARPENTERS, woodworkers, and boatbuilders!!!!!
🔧 MECHANICAL MINDS!!
🤺 FENCERS AND STAGE COMBAT PEOPLE!!
🎭 ACTORS AND THEATRE PEOPLE!!
🎪 CIRCUS PERFORMERS!!
🧵 COSTUME MAKERS!!
🎨 ARTISTS, stitchers, painters, dreamers!!!
🍲 COOKS who care and feed with joy!!
🎶 MUSICIANS, storytellers, chaos gremlins!
☀️ POSITIVE PEOPLE
📱 Social media & nonprofit wizards
🧘 Yoga guides, sea witches, and kind-hearted souls
We encourage each other and we try our best to be kind to one another!!
You will be expected to do the same!
All identities, orientations, and backgrounds are welcome. If you’re kind, curious, and willing to work — you’re already halfway here. If you cannot sit at a table with people you have different opinions to. You would not be welcome at ours.
🌊⚓🌊 LIFE ABOARD 🌊⚓🌊
We are now a static operation based on the River Glomma in Fredrikstad.
Think of it as a shanty floating village.
The boats are our homes, workshops, gathering places, and stages.
This project is now run by the volunteers and core crew.
We have Bosun who leads the meetings and provides assistance.
We have Quartermaster who is in charge of provisioning and usually foresees/oversees the galley being kept shipshape.
Volunteers will attend a meeting after breakfast and they can choose a task for the day.
Tasks are varied between repairing boats in the fleet. And diy projects that focus on improving our communal living spaces.
Volunteers have daily tasks which are shared on a weekly chore list.
Checking water levels in bilges and pumps is part of this.
Cooking and cleaning for large groups is also included.
Tasks can be logistical, mechanical, artistic, carpentry or whatever needs doing that day.
Days may include dumpster diving, shopping, painting, cooking, cleaning, fixing, walking into town for parts, organising or rowing in the mist just to feel alive.
There are kayaks. Small sailing dinghies. Occasional local sails. Music nights. Long conversations. Bad coffee. Sometimes magic.
⛵🌫️🎶☕🌊
Sailing is possible but it's not always guaranteed. If you want it to happen you need to organise yourself and gather others and make it happen!
"Navigare necesse est, vivere non est necesse."
To sail is necessary; to live is not.
❄️🌨️🧤 WINTER ABOARD 🧤🌨️❄️
Norwegian winter is cold, dark and wet.
We need hardy souls.
Who want a challenge.
Living aboard in winter is a very different experience.
Layers are your friend!!
🧶 Wool layers
🧦 Wool socks
🔥 Warm base layers
🧥 Warm jacket
🌧️ Waterproof jacket and trousers
🧤 Warm gloves
🧢 Warm hat / beanie
🧣 Scarf / neck warmer
🥾 Warm waterproof boots with good grip
You don't need to arrive with expensive winter gear.
There are second-hand stores in Fredrikstad where you can find things cheaply, and we also have spare communal clothes and winter gear.
Not everyone can afford expensive winter gear, and we understand that.
🛏️⚓🛏️ SLEEPING ABOARD 🛏️⚓🛏️
I cannot guarantee a physical bunk for every volunteer every night.
Sleeping arrangements are flexible.
You might get a bunk.
You might sleep on a couch.
You might sleep on a deck.
You might sleep in a tent.
You might sleep in a hammock.
It depends on how many people are here and what spaces are available.
If you understand the sleeping situation is flexible please say
⭐ “I could sleep in a tempest, I could!”
🖤🖤🖤 ON SOBRIETY, STRUGGLE & PURPOSE 🖤🖤🖤
This space has quietly become a refuge for those who need it — especially those healing from burnout, addiction, or just too much world.
If you’re sober, sober-curious, or simply looking to reconnect with yourself and others in a deeper way, you are welcome here. 🖤
I decided myself to give up alcohol and smoking years ago, and I've seen how much easier it can be to make changes when you're surrounded by people, meaningful work and things that give you a reason to get out of bed.
We've had plenty of people come here intending to cut down on drinking or smoking, and find that they naturally do so while they're here.
Sometimes having something useful to do all day, being part of a community and having somewhere to socialise where drinking isn't mandatory makes a surprisingly big difference.
And, of course, alcohol and cigarettes are bloody expensive in Norway! 😂💰🇳🇴
That said, we can't make anyone sober.
We're not a rehab centre, and we're not trying to create a community where everyone has to live the same way.
People make their own choices.
Some people drink.
Some don't.
Some smoke.
Some don't.
The important thing is that everyone respects the people around them.
There is no hash or weed smoking in communal spaces. If someone chooses to use it, that needs to happen on a private boat or off-site, away from the communal living areas.
The same principle applies generally: your choices are your responsibility, and other people's choices are theirs.
If you're trying to make a change, we'll happily support you.
If you're already sober, you're welcome.
If you're sober-curious, you're welcome.
If you're simply looking for a place where you can spend your time doing meaningful things and meeting people without alcohol being the centre of everything, you're welcome.
This isn't rehab.
But it can be a good place to remember who you are.
💌🏴☠️💌 IF YOU WANT TO JOIN 💌🏴☠️💌
Read this fully. Sit with it. Then, if it still stirs something in you:
⭐ Start your message with:
“J’arrrr matey I be wantin’ to join yer crew, I be applying for the salty position o’ ship’s…” (insert your spirit or skill)
Tell us a tall tale (a wee fib or fable is fine). Maybe something like:
“One day I seen an enchantment I dids, the skies were mischievous that day, they was...”
I love the stories.
🌊🌊🌊 A FEW FINAL WAVES 🌊🌊🌊
This is my home, not a hostel. It’s not a business. There is no pay — but food, shelter, and a place at the table are shared with those who pull their weight and bring their heart.
Plans change with the weather. I can’t promise a space months in advance — if you want to come, message as close to the time as you can and be flexible, You can message early to make contact, just understand I cannot confirm spaces until closer to the time.
This lifestyle isn’t just about sailing. It’s also about being still, and learning how to live with the boat when she isn’t going anywhere and living in close quarters with many other amazing humans.
You’ll learn a lot here — about boats, people, sailing, circus, and probably yourself. I’ll give you my time and knowledge in person. I just don’t have the energy to answer dozens of Q&A messages by phone.
I am working and studying at the moment, and I am super tired a lot of the time.
So please be gentle with me, me hearties. 🖤
I talk to a lot of people, and I'm in school and working most evenings. So please understand I don't have the energy to answer all questions.
We have a Bosun in the crew who will take your calls and questions.
Just ask for the Bosuns contact if you need it.
Once you are accepted to the project and you have made travel plans I will put you in the incoming pirates group chat. Which has more information and also has more crew inside who can answer questions!
If you’ve made it this far — thank you. You’re already rare.
This project needs people like you. People with soul and guts and calloused hands. People who want to build something real. Even when the world feels a little unreal.
If you also are looking to buy a boat and start your livaboard life Norway has tonnes of cheap boats and even free ones given away all the time. I can help you FIND A BOAT!
⚓⛵⚓
Per aspera ad astra
— Through hardships to the stars!
So bring your courage. Bring your craft. Help us keep this dream afloat.
Always remember and never forget,
A flappy sail,
Is NOT a HAPPY sail!
“Fair winds and the unflappiest of sails,
— Your Captain
A filthy pirate from the Emerald Isle ☠️☘️”
🏴☠️🗺️🏴☠️ THE FINAL TREASURE HUNT 🏴☠️🗺️🏴☠️
If you've made it this far, you're probably one of the strange ones.
There are five little prompts hidden throughout this profile.
Please read everything.
Try your best to answer them.
You don't need to make your message perfect.
Just show me you've actually read it.
⭐ Somewhere in your message, include:
“No your a towel”
🦜🌊 NOW BRING ME THAT HORIZON!! 🌊🦜
The poem below is for the lost ones.
The ones looking from the outside trying to find the way.
A few words to the curious,
If ye be hidin in the deep,
If ye be climbin up the keep,
If ye be lookin to the seas,
To be findin, what might please
If ye be scrimpin, low in coin
Saunter down and surely join
Send yer scroll, use yer mind
Keep on lookin youl surely find.
Spy your glass, fetch a dram
Measure it, by the GRAM
Reel it in and look fer Pam
underneath her transom
letters held at ransom
Poseidon's ledger holds the key
Sailing closer to the lee
Ram Jam cousin to Pam
And after notes and rest
The chorus says it thest.
Woah Spaghetti
PAM BALAM!!!!!!
🏴☠️🏴☠️🏴☠️
And also most importantly
Let's find the
ONE PIECE!!!!!!!
🏴☠️🏴☠️🏴☠️ -
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Light gardening
Creative DIY projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Light maintenance
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Interests
Events & social
Culture
Charity work
Writing
Plant care
Photography
Music
Languages
Hitchhiking
History
Gardening
Drawing & painting
DIY & crafts
Cooking & food
Carpentry
Books
Blogging
Art & design
Animals
Architecture
Yoga / Wellness
Water sports
Sailing / Boating
Outdoor activities
Nature
Mountain
Adventure sports
Cycling
Camping
Hiking -
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Our crew is forever growing and the project becomes more structured each day.
We run meetings every work day (Monday-Friday) at 10.30.
In the meetings you can choose a pod to join for the day.
Pods are run by Pod leaders and focus on pod specific tasks for the day.
Volunteers are encouraged to step up and become pod leaders themselves or take on other various roles of responsibility.
So far Pods are
Mechanical
Self explanatory.
Homestead
Making sure communal spaces are tidy and meals are prepared for all the crew. There are 3 a day.
Runners.
Logistics, moving of boats and or materials, fixing of tarps and preparing for rain or wind.
Loggers,
The procuring and processing and storing of firewood.
We also have Quartermaster in charge of all provisioning across the fleet.
And we have Bosuns, who run the meetings and give the pod leaders their tasks for the day. The Bosuns are responsible for the day to day running of the project while I am at school and at work.
You have the opportunity to learn many skills here and we are always open to improving the current systems we have already in place. -
Help
Mainly looking for crew, to help with everyday tasks on board. Varies from steering the boat while I take up the anchor or take out the sails. To some cooking, some cleaning, and odd jobs that need to be done. Like some painting maybe decorating.
It will be the responsibility of the crew to prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner each day.
Crew are also responsible for keeping the saloon tidy. This includes doing the dishes and refilling our water jugs. Keeping the table relatively uncluttered is particularly helpful for our minds and is also doubly important at sea.
Emptying bins is also a beautiful thing to do.
Making tea and or coffee is also always a small act of love that keeps the crew smiling and thriving.
Games are always welcome and crew are encouraged to spontaneously start them. Who am I is a classic staple on the ship.
I'm always happy for ART onboard if you have an idea let me know and we can buy the supplies and make it happen!
Always while sailing it's important to have a good rain jacket. Waterproof trousers are also good to have. (You can get cheap ones of these in most outdoor stores) and nice warm layers. Wool is great because it stays warm when wet. Outdoor hiking fleeces are also good.We now have a shower onboard. Hurrah! We will also be washing our clothes by hand onboard. If this doesn't suit you then life at sea probably won't either.
You do not need to bring anything special. Apart from clothes that suit the weather when you are coming. If you do not know what the weather is. Then look it up. Thermal wool layers are really useful in cold seasons.
In terms of bedding, if you can bring a sleeping bag it means theres more blankets to go around. And if you can't we will find some for you.
Boat is currently in Norway I am doing a boat building course so we will be here at least two years.
Disclaimer.
We sometimes have crew onboard who when weather allows feel comfortable enough to be nude.
We also source some of our food from dumpster diving. This is usually bread pastries fruit and vegetables and sometimes if it's in good condition meat. We wash this food and use it. It is absolutely insane the things that get thrown in the bin in today's world. If it can be saved and consumed I believe it's a good thing. If your not comfortable with either of these things maybe this isn't the right opportunity for you.
If you have read this section and agree to the terms. Include
"I be a salty Dog at heart captain!"
somewhere in your intro message. -
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Beginner
French: Beginner
Croatian: Beginner -
Accommodation
We have two main vessels in the fleet right now. Both boats have wood fired heating and radiators and electricity. There are many berths between the two boats. So you might sleep in a bunk or you might end up with a room it depends who is already here. We also swap around and generally people can sleep where they are most comfortable. Food will be provided. A big shop will be done with all of us together and we will take turns cooking and cleaning.
We have another small sailing boat that crew can also live in while we are here in Norway. If you are introverted this might suit you down to the ground :) -
What else ...
Depending on where we are travellers can decide what they would like to do. Sea swimming can be done daily. We will look for hikes where we can find them and try to make the most of where we visit.
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A little more information
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Internet access
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Limited internet access
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We have pets
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We are smokers
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Can host families
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Can host digital nomads
Can use my internet hotspot. Or get a data Sim. Internet can be spotty at sea.
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Space for parking camper vans
Can find you somewhere to park nearby.
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Can possibly accept pets
Pets are allowed. Depends on how they feel about being on the boat. A trial period would be good to see if it works. Dogs have been onboard and have been very good boys...and girls!! Zelda :p
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How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
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My animals / pets
Mowgli
A German shepherd mixed with a boxer. He is super calm and friendly with everyone. He really is the best boy.
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (77)
I loved learning about boats and having the opportunity to work on them with friendly guidance from knowledgeable people.
As I was there in the summer it was pretty busy with a lot … read more
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Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.9)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
I loved learning about boats and having the opportunity to work on them with friendly guidance from knowledgeable people.
As I was there in the summer it was pretty busy with a lot … read more
There are always things to do to keep the place running and improvements to make. But work is fun over there, you could do something new every day.
I found myself surrounded by amazing people … read more
ciaooo
When I arrived a group of twenty heartwarming smiles welcomed me, a crumble was stuffed into my hands, everybody curious what your story is.
Stories were shared, afternoons full of dancing, singing, laughter, people coming together to make this amazing place and community work. I ve spent a month and a half here and I … read more
Emmet quickly became a co bosun and was well able to run crew meetings and help with the running of the project. I was very pleased with his work and I look forward to him returning some day. Fair winds mo chara!!
David really created a really special community around here. The project feels out of place, in the best possible way, in a town like Fredrikstad, far off from the conventional structures of society. I was welcomed with open arms and felt included almost instantly, … read more
It’s a warm morning with a cool breeze and someone’s made a pot of coffee. There’s egg lumpas to be eaten and endless giggles to be had, whilst someone strums a guitar.
Dave has created a little cocoon of warmth and freedom to be at ease as yourself … read more
Dave, big big hugs for you <3
This project has given me incredible friendships & connection, so much laughter, and so many memories that I will cherish. The people that come to join this community span from all walks of life, mixing into this … read more
Fair winds my man!
The captain David is a wondeful human being, the amount of work he does to keep this project alive is unbelievable. it is wonderful to see that he crated such a great safe haven in this turmoiled world. This boat is a great place accomodating for all,
My time there was excellent, found myself laughing outloud almost allday … read more
He made an excellent Bosun and worked well leading others to get a variety of tasks done.
He is empathetic, kind and highly intelligent. We miss you brother.
Come back soon :)
Fair winds
She is missed and we are all looking forward to seeing her again some day in the future.
If she wants to join you, you would be a fool to miss her. :)
Fair winds Madame.
It is not sailing at the moment as Dave is very busy with school and work however there is plenty of other … read more
also romantic dreamers find a place of inspiration and many end Up getting a boat or more confidence to be more what we really are (loving,kindness,fearless).
This … read more
Not only did I connect with so many friendly people, but I also experienced life in such a unique way — something that’s only possible in an environment like this.
I will definitely be back boat peoples😼
It has been so many … read more
It easily goes to the top set of the list ”the best experiences in my life”
I think everyone before me did better describinghow life here was.
Most of all it was the living … read more
She was full of enthusiasm and got stuck in whenever she was needed and did a great job!
Ruth is a cool lady you would be wise to host her and get to meet her.
I hope to see her again some day. :)
Unfortunately, I didn't have much time, but it was so intense and eventful that it felt much longer in retrospect. I'm so grateful that David took me on at such short notice!
In winter, it can certainly get cold and uncomfortable on the ships if you're not used to … read more
She also did any task asked of her well and with a … read more
Your project and vision make me love life and nature more fiercely. my faith in people is so restored.
From the second day I was there, I understood that the boat was, in a way, me — and that I had to take care of her and the other pirates the same way I take care of myself. we breathe the same air.
Living with … read more
Moreover he has organized the ship in a way that everyone feels welcomed to be there.
I have been a part of this project for 3 weeks but since I am currently living in Oslo I will definitely pay some more visits.
I was mostly helping with … read more
Sebastian is loved by all and a valuable man to have around. I hope to see you again soon my man! Fair winds and hurdy gurdyings!!
I stayed with the fleet for approximately 2 months on and of to be fair.
And I had probably the best experience I could ask for.
I learned a lot about general boating things and about my self I would say .
Aswell how to dumpster dive and how to live in a big community in close … read more
Lola served as our quartermaster onboard. She was responsible for the pantry and provisioning. She was reliable and wise like an owl.
Lola is simply a wonderful worker and a deeply caring friend. If your lucky enough to have the privilege … read more
This workaway is a unique pearl. You will collect unforgettable experiences, that's for sure. It is not the most ordered or comfort (zone) place, but isn't it for what we sign up in Workaway? It's about taking part, cultural exchange and simple life and peace. And of course some … read more
Helping to restore the ship is not just a work exchange — it's a journey of learning, teamwork, creativity, and adventure.
David is a truly inspiring host and a wonderful person.He guided us … read more
Joining the boat is joining a big family, you will never meet all of them, some were before you, some will come after you but you know they're here and their names and yours live continuously in sailor' stories.
You cannot know what will happen when you're … read more
We also got the chance to actually sail the boat, and wow—it's a totally different experience … read more
There was always something exiting going on. We improved the deck, the new mast was in construction and I was taking care of boat Gudrun´s garden. The help did not really feel like work though which was very nice.
Also there … read more
I got injured during my stay (not on … read more
Cap kept things fun and interesting for the entirety. And while the lodgings and boat life took some getting used to, it was definitely worthwhile to be part of a family afloat.
Thank you for having me.
If you are planning on joining the crew just … read more
Fair winds and smooth roads Sky!
Worked on fixing the hull of the boat, learned a lot!!
I would very much recommend joining David and his … read more
I had an amazing experience on this pirate ship, surrounded by an incredible crew. The atmosphere was truly friendly, with lots of sharing, discussions, and great moments together. More than just a Workaway, it was a real human adventure where everyone brought something special, and we all … read more
Let's be honest: If you find a workaway opportunity that sounds exactely like the one you always imagined in your wild unrealistic dreams, the host is going to have a hard time keeping up with your expectations. Especially if it's your first workaway and your one big holiday of the year.
What … read more
I was lucky to see the boat sail on the journey from Nærsnes to Tønsberg and to see beautiful places like the island Håøya
I was looking for a workaway where I could learn new things and find new challenges and I found it, living on the boat really taught me a lot and I'm … read more
We had three amazing weeks, calquing a lot, cooking, painting inside the boat, spending good time with the crew and Dave, and meeting extraordinary people around the shipyard.
Dave is also a great storyteller and you're sure to never get bored when he is around. … read more
My first two weeks were spent in the Naersnes Harbor along all established ways of living the everchanging crew had built over the summer and autumn. The boat then transformed from the tent setting back to being an awesome pirate … read more
This was probably the wildest experience of my life so far! I really enjoyed my stay even though the pirate lifestyle was something to get used to (better dont pack fancy clothes;))! All the people I met were so welcoming and authentic, I really loved to chat with each one of them and exchange our worldviews, opinions and experiences. … read more
Marco is a wonderful man and a caring kind soul who has contributed much to our ship. He is cut … read more
I will surely come back again!
David is a great host and human with such a warm energy … read more
When I arrived Captain David welcomed me as a friend and made me feel like at home during my stay. As a carpenter role in the crew, it was amazing to see the things we sketched together and seeing that drawings become alive. Working with wood was like a meditation for me and I really enjoyed the time I spent there. Besides that … read more
Le crew et ses traditions, c'est quelque chose à vivre !
Le travaille est agréable, l'ambiance est merveilleuse, le recrutement bienveillant et enthousiaste, la nature pleine de vie !
Captain Dave peut faire souffler le vent et sourire le soleil !
Là bas, tout peut arriver et surtout le meilleur 🧭
Luca you will be missed. But we will hopefully sail again some day :)
The tasks were not just strictly about fixing the ship, and it felt incredible being part of the crew!
David is really flexible, I got there a couple days earlier than I planned and left 5 days after (I couldn't force myself to leave) and I … read more
I stayed for two weeks, and every day was different. David left me a lot of free space and also a lot of choices what I actually liked to do and … read more
Capucine has a big heart and lights up any room she enters with her warm energy. She has been hard working and highly productive.
Capucine has been a wonderful part of our pirate crew and I'm sure we will sail … read more
I really hope I'll get the chance to go onboard … read more
Her cooking has been a delight every time. She takes great pride in her cooking and for good reason! Eliza is a hard worker and is very easy to get along with. … read more
David (and Sage, by the time I was on board) are both … read more
Qi worked well by herself and also under supervision. She is intelligent and intuitive. I couldn't recommend her … read more
I discovered the life in the boat with David and I really appreciated sharing the boat with him and the greats moments passed in Kinsale.
I very quickly felt like I was staying with a friend with David and his friends.
I advise you to read the description carefully, life on a boat is not like on the … read more
