Vanuatu! Sail ‘n Explore…. The warm turquoise waters. The islands covered in forest, the deep green interrupted only by the strand of white sand where the gentle waves lap the shore. People paddle up in their outrigger canoes that are straight out of a movie set. They are smiling and friendly. They appreciate the design of our sailboat as much as we admire the craftsmanship shown by those that carved their dugout canoes. Maybe later we’ll visit their village, enjoy some kava or a local traditional dance. For now, we’ll trade for some of their fresh fish or fruit, and get ready for a snorkel on the nearby reef, alive with hundreds of species of fish and corals, in every color of the rainbow. Since the Captain is a PADI Master Scuba Diving instructor, why not take an introductory dive?

That’s a slice of life from a typical charter on S.V. Jipcho:

Built for speed,

Loaded with comforts,

S.V. Jipcho is a 42-foot (12.5 meter) sloop. Built for racing, she’s sleek, and low-volume, a classic beauty. She has 6 feet of headroom in the saloon, one double berth in the bow, two large single berths amidships, and one head (toilet). She is the ideal live aboard for a custom charter or honeymoon for couples, or a small family that loves sailing. Over the years, she has been continually upgraded her in order to make her a more comfortable cruising vessel. All within the past 8 years, a new galley was built, an new 50 hp engine installed, a refrigerator and freezer were added. New mattresses and cushions were fitted, water maker, radar, boat email…. The list goes on and on. In the comfortable saloon, there is a warm teak wood library with literature and reference books on sailing, DVDs to watch on the laptop, and a fine stereo system with an extensive library of music. Not surprisingly though, everyone’s favorite place to be on Jipcho, is the cockpit. Built to sail, her big open cockpit has two teak benches large enough to sleep on, and all the modern navigation and safety equipment close by. When it comes time for a tack, everyone is encouraged to give a hand or take the helm. But the captain can easily manage it alone, if you’d rather just watch enjoy the beauty of the islands and clear waters.

Cruise options include day trips, overnights, and longer charters:

Day trips include lunch, swimming or snorkeling, and drinks on the way back to port. We depart at 0930 and return to port at 1730. The maximum number of guests taken on a day trip is 10 persons.

The maximum number of guests for an overnight is 5 persons. Children are welcome on Jipcho, and in fact, since I have only one private double berth, and 2 single berths in the saloon, Jipcho is ideally suited either for a family of 4, one couple, or a couple and 2 singles.

Although there is no minimum or maximum number of days for overnights or longer charters, at least 4 days and 3 nights is recommended for an unhurried, “island time” experience around the islands to the north of Port Vila.

Jipcho doesn’t take large groups, mixing people that don’t know one another. All charters are custom designed. The cruise itinerary and menu are tailored to suit you!

Captain’s log:

Jipcho was designed and built in 1975 by Jim Young in the traditional Kiwi manner; three “skins” of the now rare straight-grained Kauri wood, cold molded with epoxy. This popular construction method was pioneered in New Zealand, the result being a light, strong hull, sheathed in fiberglass for added protection from the harsh marine environment. Recognized locally as one of the fastest sailboats (named for the barefoot Kenyan Olympic distance runner), her original owner raced throughout New Zealand, and in the famous Sydney to Hobart race in Australia, in 1983. Ownership eventually passed to the Commodore of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Club, who continued to race in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf. I’ve owned Jipcho for 4 years now. I spent a year installing new sails and rigging, radar, and other safety features. I sailed charters in New Zealand’s Hauraki Gulf, watching the America’s Cup races boats at close range, and then made the 8-day passage to Fiji. Slashing through the swell in winds that for 2 days exceeded 50 knots, Jipcho inspired confidence with her easy, natural gait. Spending a year in Fiji, I encountered many visitors who told me about the beauty of Vanuatu and the friendly people who live here. I’ve spent the last 2 years sailing and exploring the length of this archipelago, and I love sharing my discoveries and new adventures in Vanuatu with others. You’re welcome aboard!

Email me at: wdb7368@sailmail.com for more information, prices and reservations.

Telephone: (678) 46779

Captain David Warshawsky