Frequently Asked Questions

Why a boat?

Living on a boat and sailing has been a dream for more than 10 years.  My love of the water, the open ocean and the ability to travel to remote places few have is exciting.  I’ve always looked for the road less traveled.  I tend to not follow the easy path.  Sailing allows that freedom.

How are you going to do this?

Everything in life takes planning, faith and confidence.  When you reach your limits, it takes endurance to keep pushing through until you’re back on track.  I’ve spent years researching, reading about and evaluating boats and places, learning to sail, believing that Care2Go Sailing would come to life.  We have spent countless hours studying to understanding laws and rules of international medicine, networking with larger organizations and non profits learning how to assure success.  As in nursing, much will be learned on the job as we move from place to place.  What works and what doesn’t work.  Believing we can help, and learn, is at the core of everything and it will sustain us through the toughest days.

How will you afford it?

Sacrifice, dedication and change:  We have freed ourselves from personal debt and committed our monies to making Care2Go Sailing a reality, from acquiring the sailboat (Kaya), to education, preparation and required fees for travel and organizational development.  We are a non profit organization, therefore we are greatly dependent upon grants, donations and sponsors.  We would like to be able to give all our time to those areas in need, but, if not able to sustain financially on donations and/or sponsors we will return to the US, or one of its territories, for a nursing assignment to be able to continue to give to others.  

How long are you going to be gone?

It isn’t “how long are you going to be gone?”, rather it’s when are you going to come back for a visit.  This is now life, Kaya will be home.  We have been so fortunate in what life has given us that it is our time to pay that back.  We will be gone however long there is a need that we can fill.  

Why other places and not here?

Passion:  The United States, agree or not, has systems and opportunities that most in the world do not have.  911 is a luxury, 24 hour access to emergency departments and free clinics are unimaginable; dental care is unheard of and visual health is a pipe dream.  Our desire is to introduce and sow the seeds for development and maintenance of such programs for these communities that, as of now, don’t have such resources.  

How do you know where to go?

The world is big.  Where to start is a daunting decision.  Falling back on research, current events and many conversations, we have decided to start in the Caribbean.  The devastation of recent hurricanes remains and the recovery and rebuilding stage is ongoing.  Our plan is to start in the US Virgin Islands, sail to the US, load supplies and work towards Puerto Rico.  There, we will spend time helping with what we can. The South Pacific has always called to me.  We have looked at numerous locations that could use our support.  Vanuatu is an independent country with 83 islands, many small communities isolated without support illuminated the aide we could provide.  There are many limitations and requirements that have to be met with international travel.  Vanuatu has also been open to conversations regarding documentation needs and welcoming to assure that Ysa, as permanent 4 legged crew of Care2Go Sailing, will be welcome there with us.