Pre Course Information

Pre-Course Information

We’re excited to have you join us for an expedition.
This page contains important information you will need as your expedition date approaches. Be sure to bookmark or print it for easy reference. Please read the entire document.

Here are a few steps to help you get started:

1. Review the Packing List
   Begin gathering any items you might need. Most of the gear is likely already in your possession. However, there may be a few pieces of sailing gear to purchase before your trip. Also, some gear listed below may be for offshore expeditions. If you are not sure if you need items in particular, please contact us if you have any gear/packing questions.
   
2. Check Out Travel Instructions and Other Considerations Below
   You’ll find travel instructions and answers to common questions regarding travel to and from the boat below.
   
3. Seasickness: To reduce the risk of seasickness on offshore passages:
   • Arrive at least one or two days before the trip to help adjust and catch up on sleep.
   • Avoid alcohol a few days prior but don’t change your diet right before the voyage.
   • Test at least one seasickness medication at home and if the side effects are minimal/tolerable, bring it that brand/type with you.
   • Consult a doctor before trying any new medication.
     
4. Please add Teresa Carey’s personal phone number and email to your contacts.
   Reach out to let us know if you have any delays or troubles with your travel. For emergencies or urgent communication, please provide your friends with Teresa Carey’s contact information:
   Email: teresacarey@protonmail.com
   Phone: +1 734-945-8441 (WhatsApp)

If you have additional questions, please email us. Your inquiries might help us improve this page for everyone.

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ASA Certification

Morse Alpha Expeditions offers options for American Sailing Association certification for all our coastal expeditions. ASA 101 and 103 are prerequisites for the 104 certifications. Everyone will receive the same great Morse Alpha program — which goes beyond the standard ASA curriculum. However, those of you that wish to take the 104 exam also have that option. There is a $400 fee for the certification.

Packing Lists

Follow these packing list closely, but avoid overpacking—you’ll need no more than what’s listed and probably less. You will often wear the same clothes 2-3 times. This may sound strange ashore, but on passage, this is normal. This packing list is for a 6-7 day expedition. If your expedition is longer, adjust accordingly by adding a few extra primary layers (underwear, t-shirts, etc). If you’re missing an item or unsure about bringing something not on the list, feel free to ask us. Pack in a rollable duffle bag for easy storage in your bunk; avoid wheelie or hard luggage. We suggest separating/organizing clothing into smaller mesh style bags for ease of access and storage aboard.

7 Day Cold Weather Clothing Packing List (Maine, Newfoundland or shoulder season tropical & sub tropical):

• 1-2 pair of shorts, at least one pair is not cotton
• 1-2 pair of pants – quick dry, nylon type recommended
• 3-4 shirts (non-cotton works well)
• 4-5 pair of underwear, at least one/two non-cotton pair for rainy, wet days
• 3 comfortable bras, at least one/two non-cotton for rainy, wet days
• One long sleeve lightweight shirt for sun protection
• Lightweight fleece or wool top
• Swimsuit
• Windbreaker jacket
• Marine foul weather gear jacket and bibs – backpacking rain gear or gear that is more than five years old is not sufficient in the ocean environment.
• One set of clothing to keep clean for landfall (optional!)
• Warm hat – wool or synthetic material
• 2-3 pair of woolie/synthetic socks
• Wool or poly-pro long underwear, top and bottoms (yes, even in summer, night sailing can be very chilly)
• Heavyweight fleece or wool jacket
• Fleece (or wool) pants
• Rain boots (short or tall) Ben’s recent favorite (link).
• Gloves for steering in wet and cold conditions (thin, but insulated and waterproof is ideal)
• Note: it’s always colder on the water, even in the summer. The high humidity makes the cold feel colder. Please don’t under estimate how cold you might be. It is often very chilly at night during watch. July and August are often very warm during the day. Prepare for large temperature variations between day/night at any and all times of the season.
  

7 Day Warm Weather Clothing Packing List (Azores, Mediterranean, Caribbean, etc):

For longer offshore passages of 13-15 days, you can multiply by no more than 1.5

• 2-3 pair of shorts, non cotton
• 1-2 pair of pants – lightweight, quick dry, nylon/synthetic type
• 3-4 synthetic shirts
• 4-5 pair of synthetic underwear
• 3 comfortable bras, non-cotton is best
• 1-2 long sleeve lightweight sun shirt with hood (UV protection rated)
• Lightweight synthetic layer (“fleece” type)
• Swimsuit
• Windbreaker jacket – lightweight
• Marine foul weather gear jacket and bibs. Lightweight marine rated is preferable. You don’t usually need the heaviest rated offshore gear.
• One set of clothing for landfall and going ashore
• Warm hat – wool or synthetic material (sometimes it’s cold at night on watch)
• 1-2 pair of lightweight wool/synthetic socks
• Lightweight synthetic or wool jacket
• Rain boots (short) Ben’s recent favorite (link) (optional – often sandals or barefeet are fine in warm weather squalls)
• Optional: Gloves for steering in wet and cold conditions (thin, but insulated and waterproof is ideal)
• Note: it’s always colder on the water. The high humidity makes the cold feel colder. Prepare for large temperature variations between day/night at any and all times of the season.

Other Items:

• A Type V USCG coastal/offshore auto-inflatable with harness attachment for a tether is required for all programs. Upon arrival, we will help you arm the PDF with your new CO2 cartridge if needed. Please make sure you have the correct cartridge. With the PFD armed, you may be required to check your PFD in the airport. You can also send your CO2 cartridge to us ahead of time. Also if bringing an older PFD, please check the expiration dates on the cartridge, bayonet and PFD itself.
• Notebook and pencil
• Water bottle – we recommend ~20oz with a small mouth (or splash guard)
• Sunglasses (Click this link for a great option for those who wear glasses)
• Wrist watch (optional)
• Headlamp with separate button for red light and/or a specific red filter. Our favorite headlamp (link).
• Optional: Sun hat (with a neck strap)
• Sneaker/shoes for the boat (good grip, non-marking sole, can be sandals or sneakers)
• Shore shoes (comfortable for walking – can be the same as the boat shoes)
• Spare glasses (if you require glasses or contacts)
• Synthetic quick-dry towel (large enough to wrap around your waist/torso for full coverage)
• Swim goggles (optional)
• Camera (optional)
• Passport (required for international expeditions; domestic flights require a REAL ID or Passport)

Toiletries:

All your toiletries should fit into a one gallon zip-lock size baggie (with room to spare), and an additional bag for feminine products.

• Toothbrush
• Floss
• Mouthwash
• Comb/brush
• Sunscreen (please do not bring spray-on sunscreen)
• Lip balm – it must contain SPF 30+
• Razor (optional)
• Facewash or soap, travel-sized shampoo (optional, showers are very minimal)
• Wipes are a nice option (small package)
• Tampons, cup, or pads (Even if you are not expecting your period, please bring a small supply. A change in environment can change your cycle)
• Prescription meds (please bring a spare supply in a separate container, which we will store in our abandoned ship bag)
• Seasick meds (optional) Read the label, some require taking them in advance. (Also see #4 above)
• Earplugs/eye covers (optional)
• Bug lotion (optional, lotion only, please do not bring spray)
• We have a first aid kit with basic over-the-counter medications. Please note that on coastal expeditions we are sometimes we are 12+ hours away from medical attention. Offshore expeditions, we are often many days from medical support.

Please Do Not Pack:

• Weapons
• Illegal drugs
• Cigarettes
• Alcohol
• Wheelie or hard luggage
• Anything with peanuts (we are a peanut free vessel)

We Provide (please don’t bring):

• Sleeping Bags
• Pillows
• Bed Sheets & Pillow Cases
• Tethers (to clip into the jacklines)

Considerations:

• Co2 Cartridges: According to the TSA Rules for carrying CO2 cartridges (link), you are permitted to bring a CO2 cartridge in your carry-on bag. Many of our students have done this. There was only one instance where it was a problem. Thankfully you have options:
  • If you purchase a PFD through us, it will be waiting for you on the boat.
  • You can opt to mail your CO2 to Rocinante in advance. Send it to Teresa Carey, 37 Lake View Terrace, Rockland, ME 04841. If you expedition is in May or June, the package must arrive prior to your expedition. If your expedition is in July-December, the package must arrive in Maine by June 29.
  • Order the cartridge from Hamilton Marine in Rockland (link) and let Teresa know. She will pick up the cartridge and make sure it is on the boat for you. If you expedition is in May or June, the package must arrive to Hamilton Marine prior to your expedition. If your expedition is in July-December, the package must arrive by June 29.
• Duffle Bags: Please pack in a duffle bag that you can roll up and store easily. You will be provided with a small storage locker, which is sufficient for the required items. Structured suitcases and wheelie luggage are not allowed on the boat.
• Not Sure, Ask: If there is something on the list you are unsure of or you want to bring additional items that are not on the list, please don’t hesitate to ask!
• Cellphones: You are welcome to bring a cell phone, however there will be limited times when you can use it and charge it. Please let your friends and family know so they don’t worry if they can’t reach you!
• Prohibited Items: Smoking, drinking, legal THC, and illegal drugs are not allowed during the expedition.
• Electronics: Please be cautious when packing an iPad, camera, or other sensitive electronic items. Pack them in a ziplock or other waterproof container.

How to Layer for Sailing:

Layering is essential for comfort in changing weather. Here’s what you need:

Base Layer: A snug layer against your skin to wick away moisture.
• Acts as a second skin.
• Regulates temperature and moisture.
• Must be comfortable and adaptable.
• Should be wool or synthetic, not cotton.

Mid Layer: Provides warmth.
• Worn over the base layer for warmth.
• Keep it light/medium weight for easier movement.
• Choose breathable, synthetic materials.
• Should be full-zip for easy on-and-off access.

Waterproof Outer Layer: Protects against cold winds and water.
• Your barrier against water, must be fully waterproof.
• You will need both jackets and bibs (not pants).
• Breathable and waterproof membrane.
• Breathable inner fabric or lining.

Additional Considerations For Foul Weather Gear:
• Look for reinforced areas to help with protection and chafe.
• Look for SOLAS reflectors and neon details for visibility.
• Look for comfortable fit and ease of movement including articulated knees and adjustable waist.
• Look for good wind protection, with high collar and packable hood.

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Travel Logistics

We recommend that you travel to your starting location at least one day prior to your course and stay in a
hotel to ensure that you are on time. We also recommend that you stay one night after your course in a local hotel. This relieves stress on your travel plans and often shipmates will want to go out to eat as a celebration on the final night. In your initial paperwork, we suggested trip insurance. You can review that initial paperwork here.

Ponta Delgada, Azores (PDL)

The expedition begins at 2pm local time.

The main international airport in the Azores is João Paulo II Ponta Delgada Airport (PDL), located on São Miguel Island. One way flights are reasonable from major US airports on the East coast ($500 from Boston currently). Taxis (link) are approximately 20€ to Marina Ponta Delgada (link). Some hotels offer complementary shuttles from PDL airport.

More info coming for Gibraltar, Barcelona, Rome and Greece/Albania, etc.

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Communication Details:

For emergencies or urgent communication, please provide your friends with Teresa Carey’s contact information:

• Email: teresacarey@protonmail.com
• Phone: +1 734-945-8441 (also works for WhatsApp)

If they can’t reach you on your personal cell, Teresa will attempt to contact you via the ship’s phone.

• Coastal Maine Expeditions: Use your personal cell phone when in range. You’ll have reception in many areas, though not everywhere. Check your phone once daily; text messages work better than voicemails in low reception.
• Offshore Expeditions: The crew will check the ship’s phone to send and receive messages once daily. These messages are shared with the group and not private. Your friend/family can send a message to the ship’s phone by contacting Teresa (see above).

Note: Regular contact should not be expected. For urgent messages requiring immediate attention, the Coast Guard or other support may need to get involved, and Teresa will discuss this with your friend or family prior to taking any action.

Tracking The Boat: Friends and family can track the boat during coastal expeditions via Marine Traffic (Link). For offshore passages this position does not update. Please let your friends and family know this is normal, and they do not need to worry. You can also track the boat via Predict Wind here.

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Things to do in Midcoast Maine:

If you’re looking for something to do before or after your expedition, we’ve made a list of our favorite things to do in and around Rockland. Check it out here: Things to do in Midcoast Maine

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Join your expeditions WhatsApp Group:

Join the facebook group and introduce yourself!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/moasailors 

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AMERICAN SAILING CERTIFICATION

Those signed up for ASA certifications MUST read the entire book(s) and take all the practice exams BEFORE arriving. Please come ready to test. We will go over most of the ASA curriculum, but some ASA specific details may not be covered in great depth. We HIGHLY encourage you to arrive with a list of ASA test specific questions you would like to discuss, practice, learn, etc. Do not forget to look at the practical skill demonstration requirements for your certification level(s). You will be required to get 100% on the practical and 80% on the written exams.

MORSE ALPHA HOMEWORK

Before arriving, please be familiar with these key terms:

Review the five essential “knots”:

Bowline
Figure 8
Rolling Hitch
Round turn and two half hitches
Cleating A Line
Our Top Five Essential Sailing Knots Video
How To Tie The Bowline

Articles worth reading:

Lessons of the BOUNTY

Get to know our favorite weather & tide apps:

SailFlow
Predict Wind
Ventusky
Tide Graph
Deep Weather

Familiarize yourself with the cruising ground:

Select one possible destination/anchorage and be ready to explained why you chose it. For Maine based expeditions, look roughly between Port Clyde and Schoodic Point. For other destinations/expeditions search anywhere along the route.

You can use this online chart viewer.

Extra Articles:

Lessons of Vestas Volvo Wreck – Panbo
VESTAS WIND SHIPWRECK: Post Mortem – Wavetrain
Society Runs On GPS. What Happens When it Gets Hacked? – by Teresa Carey
Mysterious GPS Outages Are Wracking the Shipping Industry
“THE CLOCK IS TICKING”: INSIDE THE WORST U.S. MARITIME DISASTER IN DECADES

Extra Podcasts:

The Morning Muster: Nighttime and Limited Visibility
The Morning Muster VHF Podcast 

Application Paperwork:

This is the paperwork you supplied in your application. It is provided here for reference: link