Interview with Dubi from ‘S/Y Jipcho’

Posted on September 17, 2015 by Kay Chung

Captain ‘Dubi’ on his unmistakable yellow dinghy

Captain ‘Dubi’ on his unmistakable yellow dinghy

I first met Captain ‘Dubi’ at “The Pier” restaurant in Curacao. This restaurant offers a “Cruisers Dinner Night” every Thursday. Talking to him always ends with laughter not only because he has millions of topics to talk about; but also because he has fantastic sense of humor. He was born in the USA but lived in New Zealand. He bought his sailboat ‘S/Y Jipcho’ in New Zealand; since then, he sailed in the Pacific, the Indian Ocean, the South Atlantic Ocean, and the Caribbean Sea. He plans to sail back to New Zealand someday but for now, he loves the warmth of Caribbean water and heartfelt Caribbean cultures and friendship.

Question: About your boat?
Answer: ‘Jipcho’ was built by Jim Young in 1975, in Auckland, New Zealand. She is a wooden boat.

An Albatross flying over ‘S/Y Jipcho’ in Christmas Island, Australia (Photo Taken by Raphael Chosson)

An Albatross flying over ‘S/Y Jipcho’ in Christmas Island, Australia (Photo Taken by Raphael Chosson)

Question: Where are you at today?
Answer: On Sept. 17, 2015, Jipcho is in the Curacao Marine boatyard, in Willemstad, Curacao.

Question: What was your career before cruising?
Answer: I have changed careers often. Most recently, I was a partner in a sailing/diving charter company based in the Seychelles.

Question: What made you decide to live on a boat?
Answer: I have worked as a dive guide and skipper for many years, taking guests on adventures at sea. I wanted to make my own plans, and go where I wanted to go, when I wanted.

Question: How long have you been living on board?
Answer: Off and on, since 2003

Question: Why did you choose the boat that you have now?
Answer: It was affordable, sturdy, sailed well, and it was the right place, right time.

Question: How many miles have you traveled so far in the boat?
Answer: I estimate about 15,000 nautical miles.

Question: How did you prepare for the cruising lifestyle (financial, technical, and general preparation)?
Answer: I had several years of experience, and a bit of money saved, and I relied on advice and help from other sailors.

Question: Best cruising/sailing place or experience and why?
Answer: The South Pacific islands of Fiji and Vanuatu, and Madagascar have been my favorites, mostly because of the natural beauty, and the charm of the local inhabitants.

The kids in Vanuatu, pulling the dinghy (Photo Taken By Thimai Pham)

The kids in Vanuatu, pulling the dinghy (Photo Taken By Thimai Pham)

Question: What do you like the most about the cruising/sailing lifestyle?
Answer: I can make my plan for the day, week, month and year, over a cup of coffee each morning. And I can change the plan 10 minutes later, if I choose.

Question: What do you like the least about the cruising/sailing lifestyle?
Answer: I miss family and friends.

Question: What was your most fearful moment of cruising/sailing experience?
Answer: I was caught in a nasty storm one time, but I wasn’t in fear, just hyper-aware and involved in surviving. Afterwards I was exhausted and euphoric.

Question: How do you maintain your boat?
Answer: Blood, sweat, tears, and US dollars.

'S/Y Jipcho' sailing wing-on-wing. 'S/Y Jipcho' was built by Jim Young in 1975, in Auckland, New Zealand.  She is a wooden boat, yet her lines are so fair that she looks as if she had been pulled from a mold.

‘S/Y Jipcho’ sailing wing-on-wing. ‘S/Y Jipcho’ was built by Jim Young in 1975, in Auckland, New Zealand. She is a wooden boat, yet her lines are so fair that she looks as if she had been pulled from a mold.

Question: How do you maintain yourself and your relationship with your sailing partner?
Answer: I am currently sailing solo, and my health is fine. But I miss hiking, and try to explore on land as often as possible.

Question: What do you miss the most?
Answer: I miss being part of a community, with routines that are enjoyable, eg. participating in a baseball league, or taking an art class.

Question: What is your favorite website?
Answer: Facebook

Question: Want to share your best and simple boat food recipe?
Answer: Adobo ng baboy (pork adobo, a Philippino dish served with white rice). Just cut some pork chops into bite size pieces, chop lots of garlic. Brown together in a skillet, add lots of black pepper, and equal parts soy sauce and vinegar. Simmer a bit over a medium flame. Tasty!

Question: Advice to future cruisers/dreamers?
Answer: As Captain Ron said: “If it’s gonna happen, it’s gonna happen out there.” Get a boat you like, and go!


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