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For years, I dreamed of owning a boat and exploring the world. I took classes, read books, watched videos, and followed blogs to learn as much as I could. My first boat was a Catalina 22 sailboat, and I spent a lot of time sailing on San Francisco Bay. Several years ago, I purchased a Nordhavn Trawler and have since traveled over 17,000 miles, from Virginia to California via the Panama Canal.
As a solo, liveaboard cruiser, I quickly realized how overwhelming it could be to manage all the requirements for safely making ocean passages. Simply getting away from the dock without forgetting something critical felt like an accomplishment. I knew I needed a better system to ensure safe passages and spend more time enjoying my travels.
One day, during a flight to visit family, it occurred to me that I could learn from airline pilots. They use comprehensive checklists and maintenance plans, and I realized I needed the same for my boating adventures.
At the same time, I spoke with other boaters who were also new to full-time cruising. Many of them were having a great time, but they had underestimated the costs and effort involved in keeping a bluewater vessel in top condition for ocean passages. This was taking a toll on their financial resources and relationships.
Witnessing and reading about cruisers in distress also made me realize the importance of safety. After assisting a cruiser during an offshore incident and talking to fellow captains, I saw how newer technologies could enhance safety—a field in which I had expertise.
Having spent most of my career integrating technology with human resources, I started with a simple checklist in a spreadsheet. Two years later, this evolved into NAVOPLAN—a product and set of services designed specifically for bluewater cruisers and aspiring cruisers.
I developed NAVOPLAN and its associated services to illustrate the realities of the cruising lifestyle and to make life on the water easier and safer for owner/operators like myself.
Welcome aboard and safe travels.
Dwain Craddock
www.dwaincraddock.com
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