Alectronaut

My crewing experience with Chris over a 11 week period

Hello fellow sailors. I was lucky enough to be aboard Alectryon for just under 3 months this year, in which I sailed 3200 NM+ with Chris as well as other crew. (passage details below) I met Chris on Crewbay and after getting on well over a few video calls together, which worked out to be the interview process, he invited me aboard Alectryon. I took up Chris’ offer within 5 minutes of putting the phone down, after checking that I could do it logistically. My dream to sail across the Atlantic was on and joining Chris turned out to be a fantastic decision. As Captain, Chris is very safety conscious and was good at predicting any issues we might run into and minimising the risks to all onboard. I sailed as first mate for the majority of the journey and I appreciated the trust that Chris put in me, while we had other crew aboard as well. All four of us got on well and worked well as a team sharing watches and chores. After crossing the Atlantic the other crew left to continue their adventure up the Amazon. Chris and I set sail to Tobago from French Guiana double-handed. This was an experience I won’t forget as we just had so much fun with a 22kts average wind, several decent-sized squalls, and 2-metre swell on the beam, while negotiating the oilfields off the coast of Guiana. We got the boat to do just under 200NM in one 24-hour period and even managed to catch a couple of tasty fish to make it even better. Chris has got a lot of knowledge reading into forecasts and routing, he helped me develop my skills in these areas and many others while aboard and I would encourage anyone to join him on Alectryon if you get a chance and take advantage of his knowledge. Throughout my time aboard, I developed a great relationship with Chris both on the water and over a drink onshore. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Chris and Alectryon to anyone considering a crew position in the future Las Palmas, Gran Canaria to Mindelo, Cape Verde – 850NM – 5 onboard Mindelo, Cape Verde to Devil's Island, French Guiana – 1750NM – 4 onboard Devil's Island, French Guiana via Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni to Crows Point Tobago - 600NM – Second Part Double Handed

30th Jul 2023

My crewing experience with Chris over a 11 week period

Hello fellow sailors. I was lucky enough to be aboard Alectryon for just under 3 months this year, in which I sailed 3200 NM+ with Chris as well as other crew. (passage details below) I met Chris on Crewbay and after getting on well over a few video calls together, which worked out to be the interview process, he invited me aboard Alectryon. I took up Chris’ offer within 5 minutes of putting the phone down, after checking that I could do it logistically. My dream to sail across the Atlantic was on and joining Chris turned out to be a fantastic decision. As Captain, Chris is very safety conscious and was good at predicting any issues we might run into and minimising the risks to all onboard. I sailed as first mate for the majority of the journey and I appreciated the trust that Chris put in me, while we had other crew aboard as well. All four of us got on well and worked well as a team sharing watches and chores. After crossing the Atlantic the other crew left to continue their adventure up the Amazon. Chris and I set sail to Tobago from French Guiana double-handed. This was an experience I won’t forget as we just had so much fun with a 22kts average wind, several decent-sized squalls, and 2-metre swell on the beam, while negotiating the oilfields off the coast of Guiana. We got the boat to do just under 200NM in one 24-hour period and even managed to catch a couple of tasty fish to make it even better. Chris has got a lot of knowledge reading into forecasts and routing, he helped me develop my skills in these areas and many others while aboard and I would encourage anyone to join him on Alectryon if you get a chance and take advantage of his knowledge. Throughout my time aboard, I developed a great relationship with Chris both on the water and over a drink onshore. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Chris and Alectryon to anyone considering a crew position in the future Las Palmas, Gran Canaria to Mindelo, Cape Verde – 850NM – 5 onboard Mindelo, Cape Verde to Devil's Island, French Guiana – 1750NM – 4 onboard Devil's Island, French Guiana via Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni to Crows Point Tobago - 600NM – Second Part Double Handed

30th Jul 2023

Crewing on shore in Las Palmas

Hi sailor’s! I have been hitchhiking in Las Palmas for three months, trying to cross the Atlantic. After a while, the boat search got really exhausting, but after having a really good recommendation from a fellow crew member of Alectryon I introduced myself to Chris. I was almost giving up with the boat search, but Chris told me his story and his upcoming adventure. -While sailing around the world, also telling the story of coffee.- How passionate he is about his dreams, already really changed my mindset. It was not just seeing the crossing as a lift to go to the other side, but to create a story about coffee and start a big adventure on the middle of the ocean. After starting to be a part of the crew on the boat I also got to know what Chris personality is like. The weeks I spend on Alectryon were some of the best of all in Las Palmas. He is a really funny, kind and interesting person where I could learn a lot from and change out ideas and plans. I was always feeling safe as a young woman, I had my space on the boat and he is really respectful. I sadly can’t cross with him because I have to go back home due to family problems. But the crew that can join on this adventures will not only have a great time sailing, but can aLao enjoy spending tim with Chris and his wonderful boat Alectryon. Best regards Smilla

5th Feb 2023

A positive, comfortable sail with Christophe

Recommendation For: Captain and Owner, Christophe Gwynne From: Crew, Loriann Ashton, Canadian passport holder Boat: SV Alectryon Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 catamaran, 13.97m LOA, 7.7m Beam. Journey: successful Mediterranean trip from Zakinthos Greece to Calvi Corsica approximately 800nm from 20 June to 7 July, 2022. Only Owner and Lori onboard. Captain Christophe is a very competent seaman with safety at sea his priority. His catamaran is well equipped not only with proper safety gear, but with many other items making for a comfortable and pleasurable journey. SV Alectryon has a main sail, genoa, gennaker, Code 0, and both manual and electric winches. Also, detailed, distinctive navigation monitoring systems at helm and Nav station. We used all of the equipment during this trip. All were in in good working condition with regular maintenance. Christophe has live aboard SV Alectryon, his home, for a few years, and knows her well. Christophe is fair and reasonable, and if there is a difference of opinion, he would engage openly in dialogue. He shares responsibilities and/or delegates duties fairly (night watches, cooking, cleaning, deck work etc). In addition, and importantly, Christophe observes boundaries, especially for female crew. Although this passage was not a long one, my experience involves ‘friendly crewing’ with a variety of personalities, and on a variety of yachts, both short and long journeys totaling more than 20,000nm. Working on a passage deadline, Captain Christophe planned and plotted meticulously and well considering all aspects of distance factoring in weather and wave conditions allowing stops for resting. Destination was reached one day earlier than scheduled. It was a pleasure being onboard, and I would not hesitate to join as crew again for future journeys. Kind regards, Lori Ashton (Skipper of SV Lunasea 13)

15th Jan 2023

Had a great time sailing and living with Chris

Hey fellow sailors, let me share with you the amazing experience I had on Alectryon. I met Chris by coincidence in la línea de la concepción and asked him whether he had a place left for a sail to the Canaries. He took his time to carefully consider this option while we were going out for a drink. After explaining to me his plans we decided to sail to the Canaries together and see again there how we'd like to continue. We immediately spent Christmas together and he started introducing me to life on a sail boat. He shared with me the most important do's and don't's as well as priceless knowledge. Chris is really one of a kind. He knows so well what he is doing and teaches you with the greatest passion all that he knows. He is well-versed, funny, empathic, a great teacher and really the perfect sailing instructor. I hope that you get to know and experience him in his daily life on his boat sailing around the world. You'll be able to learn a lot and have loads of fun at the same time. Please just make sure to mention "tinned tuna" when you'll meet him. What a blast... xD Thank you for everything Chris and I hope to sail with you again ✌️

5th Jan 2023