Dear fellow Hunter sailors, Since none of our old crewing friends was able to free up enough time for this particular leg, Nelleke and I are now looking for two crew members with enough confidence in their own offshore stamina, and the bluewater capabilities of our Hunter Legend 43, to help us sail "Rivendel II" from her current berth in Townsville, Australia to Suva, Fiji. There, a crew of volunteers will take over for Rivendel's trip to Tuvalu in order to help us start up our long-awaited TIMES (Tuvalu Inter-island Medical and Educational Support) Volunteer Project which we hope to run in that remote archipelago for the next 5 years, or so, while leaving "Rivendel II" in Fiji during the South Pacific cyclone season (November to April).. After our usual thorough inspection, maintenance, repair and replacement of all critical systems, Rivendel II -- with about 30,000 NM offshore and coastal cruising in her wake -- should be ready to leave Townsville marina around May 20th. About two weeks later we hope to stop in Noumea (New Caledonia) for any needed repairs and supply replacements (and a short visit to the fabled South Lagoon; see last issue of Cruising World). The Noumea to Suva leg should take no more than 10 days. Minimally, crew members should count on a month, wind and weather serving. This is likely to be a pretty rough trip; nearly 2000 NM against the prevailing trade winds! However, "Rivendel II" always smiles from bow to bow when she is beating, even in a strong headwind. For more about her past performance: see Eau de Vie's guest pages. We are looking for two easygoing, nonsmoking sailors in excellent health, possibly a couple or two sailing friends, who would like to obtain more offshore experience and are able to cover their own transportation costs to Townsville and from Fiji (Suva or Nadi). Contributions to food and fuel expenses would be appreciated, as would be early arrival in Townsville to help with final preparations, but are not a strict requirement. Nelleke and I would prefer to receive all responses from potential crew members by personal e-mail (meuzelaar@juno.com) and intend to respond the same way. However, we will be happy to try and address any questions and comments of a general nature here on HOW. Welcome on Board! Henk and Nelleke Meuzelaar, "Rivendel II"