One of the primary criterions for us purchasing Ryana was that she has plenty of space for visitors, we  truly want to enjoy our time exploring with friends and family.  The information on this page is to ensure expectations are realistic between all of us, as it is very different from coming to visit us at home in California.

1. Planning
   1. You can choose a location OR a date, not both.
      1. We are now slaves to Mother Nature; our floating home has no foundation or permanent locale.    Weather and sea conditions cannot be predicted months in advance when you would likely be planning your travel arrangements.  We will not be putting ourselves or our boat into uncomfortable situations to ensure we are adhering to a timetable; there is a possibility we may not be in the place you expected to initially meet us.  You may find yourself having to take an additional train, taxi or ferry to find us and we will definitely help you find your way.  We will be in the same general region unless there is an extenuating circumstance.  Trip insurance on your travel arrangements may not be a bad idea.
2. What to Bring
   1. Though Ryana is quite a spacious craft storage space is still very limited and it’s probably no surprise we have utilized a significant volume of it with Stanley’s toys and Diana’s shoes.
   2. You may be asked to bring spare parts or other items that are not available at our present location.
      1. Luggage
         1. Please use soft sided bags that can be collapsed as it is quite difficult to stow and you may end up sleeping with it in your bunk
      2. Legal documents, currency and paperwork
         1. Passport w/ multiple photocopies if we are outside the US or planning a passage to a foreign port
         2. Driver’s License w/ photocopies
         3. List of your current inoculations
         4. List of your credit card numbers, expiry dates and bank phone numbers (store away from you cards)
         5. Ensure your cards are not going to expire and contact bank of your travel plans
         6. Prescriptions for any medications, may be required by customs officials
         7. Written information of any health issues that can be kept with the ship’s documents
      3. Clothing
         1. Research the location that you’ll be visiting us.  Many locales are high in humidity, fairly warm and always have the potential for showers.  We do have a small washer onboard, but no dryer.  For the most part you will be dressed informally, likely spending the majority of days in your swimsuit/cover up
            1. Don’t over pack, give critical thought to each item of clothing
            2. Modern quick dry fabrics are much better than cotton
            3. A light jacket or sweater for evenings and mornings
            4. One or two nice casual outfits for dinners ashore (we won’t be offended if you repeat outfits)
      4. Shoes
         1. All shoes must be non-marking or the cannot be worn on the boat or dinghy
         2. Shoes may get wet, so quick dry is a plus
         3. Have a pair that you are good for walking and hiking; Vibram soles are not necessary.
         4. Heels are a waste of space.
      5. Miscellaneous
         1. Sunscreen
         2. Sunhat
         3. Sunglasses plus a spare; polarized are a plus
         4. Spare prescription glasses w/ dork cord (neck strap)
         5. Personal snorkel equipment
         6. Prescription medications
         7. Your personal remedies for indigestion, colds, headaches and seasickness
3. Remain Flexible
   1. Sometimes stuff breaks, weather doesn’t cooperate and plans just fall through.  Don’t get your hopes up on one site seeing trip or activity.  Change is part of the adventure!
4. Safety
   1. Sorry this is not a democracy.  Ryan and Diana are in charge and are responsible for the safety of all people on board and we take this very seriously.  If we start yelling about something don’t be offended we’ll apologize later, it’s likely to ensure your safety or the safety of our boat
      1. Rules with no compromises while underway
         1. Life vests and lights will be worn at all times when on deck (includes cockpit and helm) underway at night
         2. Harnesses will be secured to lifelines when going forward of cockpit at night or when captain deems conditions require
         3. Always notify other crew member of your intentions when going forward
      2. You will be briefed upon boarding Ryana, please pay attention
         1. Operation of the EPIRB & PLB
         2. Man overboard procedures
         3. Radio use and Mayday/Pan-Pan calls
         4. Abandon ship procedures (life raft use & ditch bag location)
         5. Fire suppression
         6. Unwelcome boarding
         7. Water intrusion – bilge pumps, through hull valves, collision mat & spare timber.
      3. Alcohol Consumption
         1. Will be limited while underway
         2. Must always be consumed responsibly even when at anchor as you never know when we may start dragging.
         3. If you become intoxicated you are a risk to yourself and fellow crew; a timeout may be enacted.  Duct tape and zip ties are not out of the question.
         4. No illegal drugs are allowed on board, if found Ryana will be seized and I don’t think you want that replacement bill.
      4. General Expectations
         1. Always be holding on to the boat while it is under way; 3 points of contact (two feet and one hand)
         2. If something looks odd, curious or out of place report it immediately.
         3. Lights in the salon should be avoided at night while underway to ensure they do not distract who is on watch.
         4. No smoking, candles or open flames
5. This is not a house
   1. Everything onboard a boat is different than at home, if you are unsure how to utilize something, just ask.
      1. Galley (Kitchen)
         1. Refrigerator and Freezer – Release latch to open door and open slowly in case something has shifted.  Remove or replace items quickly and ensure latch is locked when finished.
         2. Oven – door is to remain latched at all times.  Fuel solenoid must be turned on to operate.  Has electric igniter. Turn of solenoid after use.
         3. Stove – Fuel solenoid must be turned on to operate, must be light manually with lighter.  Turn of solenoid after use.
         4. Sink – Water is a precious resource as it takes effort or energy to create.  Use sparingly
      2. Heads (Bathrooms)
         1. Toilets – Fill bowl with water if necessary.  Flush completely.  If we are at anchor we will be filling holding tanks; use shore facilities when possible.  Marine toilets also clog much easier, toilet paper cannot be balled up and must be used sparingly.  If toilet is clogged you get to help unclog it. . .
         2. Showers – again water is a precious resource, please take quick showers and turn off water while lathering.  The shower drain must be activated by pushing the button in shower stall.
      3. Electricity
         1. In current configuration all electricity is generated by gas and diesel generators which cost money to operate.  Lights, entertainment and electronics need to be operated sparingly as they compete w/ critical items; refrigeration, communication and other safety equipment.
         2. Air conditioners require the large generator to be running.  A/C will likely only be run in the evenings to cool off the staterooms while we are recharging the battery bank.
6. Help may be needed
   1. We won’t be trying to do heavy involved chores during your visit; unless you are with us for an extended period or we have an unexpected failure of critical equipment.  With that said, your input to the boat is important.
      1. After a sail we will need to quickly wash down the boat, using a hose does not take extensive training.
      2. Please ensure you return all items to the location you have found them, things get messy in confined spaces quickly, they also become hazards while underway.
      3. Meals are group efforts from preparation, cooking, serving and cleaning.
      4. Keep your space and public spaces neat; we’ll be glad to point out the cleaning supplies.
   2. You came to visit us on a sailboat – help us sail.  While we know not all visitors will be interested in learning all aspects of sailing; helping out and being involved is much more fun than being a passive passenger.
      1. If you have experience with sail trim navigation, radar, radio communications you may find yourself on the watch schedule.
      2. If you have little experience on a subject but would like to learn more, let us know.  No tasks onboard Ryana are overly complicated so it doesn’t take much time for us to teach and the help is much appreciated.
   3. Financial assistance is not accepted, but . . . we are living on a much lower income than we ever have and operating a boat is expensive with insurance, maintenance and fuel.  We cannot afford to go out to fancy restaurants and pay for $14 cocktails, but we won’t decline being your guests 😉