Voyager Ocean Passages
Voyage Planning Assistance

Voyage Planning Assistance is a term encompassing an array of services. For those who have experienced the ocean, made the decision to make their own voyages, Ed Mapes can offer his assistance in a number of areas.

These services include, but are not limited to:

  • Consultation regarding yacht selection and procurement.
  • Inspection of your vessel to identify any defects or repairs that should be undertaken prior to sailing. This Inspection process is outlined in great detail in the book 'Ready to Sail', written by Captain Mapes and seen in the Ship's Library section of this site.
  • Identify priority gear and instrumentation that should be added to the boat, and other gear that is not as important.
  • Conduct training sessions for the crew to thoroughly prepare them to be contributing, eager teammates offshore. This is also discussed in 'Ready to Sail'.
  • Plan the best routing as concerns weather patterns, time of year, ocean currents and prevailing winds, taking into account the abilities and experience of those on board.
  • Consult with the skipper and crew in matters such as routing, shipboard monitoring and maintenance, provisioning, ships papers and documents, the Abandon Ship bag, storm trysail use, sea anchor deployment, proper jack lines, the preventer, sail trim, procedures for serious leaking that threatens the boat, fire, and abandon ship procedures, etc.
  • Conduct a sea trial to shake out the vessel, decide on proper sheet lead positions, halyard positions, etc.
  • Construct the Float Plan, and establish ground stations.
  • Answer any questions that may come up to help prepare for the voyage.

An initial discussion will be made available to discern your particular needs. This is of course best done in person if possible. Arrangements can be made for Ed to travel to your boat to be better able to provide the best advice and care.
The best results are only possible with on-site visits, where we can work together with charts, for routing, and be on the boat for inspection, gear recommendations, sea trials, and consultations with the crew.
Billing is done on an hourly basis for phone discussions, with packages of services available for more complete consultations. Please call or e-mail, and we can discuss our options.
Voyager Ocean Passages

4903 Carolina Circle

McKinney, TX 75071

Phone: (877) 36-OCEAN

Email: captainmapes@offshorevoyager.com