We are defining "crew" as those folks who dedicated their considerable talent, time, know-how, and expertise to helping us set sail from Seattle. Many wonderful people fall into that category--here are just a few of them.

If you are looking to install a marine SSB system, James Willis, Radio University, is the person to contact (James@RadioUniversity.org). James has been the cheerful, knowledgeable, competent, informative SSB guru for us. He has provided us with everything we need to install our own system, has walked us through the SSB mysteries many times, is always available and helpful for troubleshooting. We can't say enough good things about James and the services/equipment he provides.

CASTEELE is a 1989 44-foot cutter rig sailboat designed and built in Sidney, B.C., by Ed Rutherford and Waterline Yachts.  We feel  privileged to own her. She has a steel hull that is so fair most people assume she is fiberglass. She is not only strong but beautiful, with sleek lines, flush decks, and a gorgeous interior of teak, mahogany, and yellow cedar. Plus she sails like a dream, be the winds light or strong.  When we rounded Flattery and headed south, she was like a dog lunging at its leash--this boat is so hungry for wide open waters and blue water cruising. And so are we.

We never could have left the dock without the help and technical expertise of our computer wizard LYNNE TORWOERDS. She did everything from setting up our computer and communication systems to helping us stock our boat to loaning us her van so we could move out of our house. A true-blue friend.

Even a sailboat needs an engine, and ours is a brand-new 82hp Westerbeke, installed by Gallery Marine. IRVIN PRICHARDS managed the whole project with great expertise and calm; JASON CLARK performed feats of magic installing the engine into the limited space.

JOAN GREGORY has dreamed about offshore sailing since her high school years, when she avidly followed the story of teenage circumnavigator Robin Graham, as documented in National Geographic. (Her mother thought she was doing school homework.) Her dreams were further fueled over the following decades by friend Carol Hasse's many and colorful blue-water cruising tales. At long last it's her turn to cast off and make the dream a reality.

After completing more than sixty house renovations, JAN CAMPBELL has directed her considerable skills toward boat renovation and preparation. She installed a water-maker system, off-shore radio system, and self-steering vane--to mention only a few of the multitude of projects. Jan will probably leave on July 30 crouched inside the bilge, screwdriver and wrench in hand.

BOB DOYLE, aka “Bob the Rigger,” went through our boat with a fine- toothed comb, checking and upgrading the rigging, installing new and vastly improved systems. We're not sure if he ever ate or slept during that last week--we do know he never shaved. Bob also acted as sailing instructor, taking us through our paces and drilling us on emergency procedures. We are greatly in his debt.

Two-time circumnavigator and dear friend Nancy Erley patiently mentored us through months of preparation and planning. She is also the one responsible for us finding and buying Casteele.

s/v Casteele

Our strong and beautiful dodger (the canvas and frame the shields the cockpit) was built by ELLEN BLACK, of The Artful Dodger.  INGER RANKINS of North West Canvas sewed new sail, helm, and hatch covers for us.

CAROL HASSE and those in her loft at Port Townsend Sails are known throughout the sailing community for making some of the best cruising sails available. We are honored to be flying Hasse & Co. sails.     `

Barbara O'Leary and Charles Cunningham helped us take Casteele from Seattle to San Francisco, bringing with them the calm, expertise, and humor of seasoned ocean sailors. We had a terrific time together, and with Barb's gourmet provisioning, ate like royalty.

Monsieur Monitor, our very classy self-steering vane, quickly staked a claim on our boat and on our respect. He definitely knows what he is doing and performs his role with skill, competence, and cool. Even Chuck, helmsman of many an ocean race/passage, developed great respect for Monty's steering capabilities. We're most happy to have him as part of our crew.