FREEDOM I luxury catamaran surf charters
If you would prefer to cruise the Mentawai chain with a small group of friends or as a couple, then the 40’ FREEDOM 1 luxury catamaran Surf charters should be the ship of your choice. Freedom 1 has been cruising the Mentawai since 2002 and has a complete factory outfit for comfort cruising.
Freedom 1’s skipper, Ben "Hillsy" Hillier, has been sailing and surf guiding in the Mentawai for several years and has a passion for perfect waves and serious fishing!
Location:
Mentawai Indonesia
Highlights:
The best value in Mentawai for exclusive small group charters.
Level:
All levels
Products:
Surf Charters
Open:
March - October
THE BOAT
The Boat
Freedom 1 is fully equipped with all entertainment, safety and navigational equipment including DVD, TV, and CD stereo. The rigid hull inflatable is powered by a 15hp outboard for quick and convenient transfers to the surf.
The Freedom 1 can accomodate a maximum of 5 guests in three air conditioned guest cabins. One cabin has a large double bed and the other two cabins have one double and one single bed each.
Freedom 1’s catamaran design in conjunction with twin Yanmar engines offers smooth and quiet cruising while underway at 7 knots plus. Her twin hulls also offer stability and comfort while at anchor, and the design uses a draft of less than 1 meter, allowing Freedom 1 to get in close to surf breaks and private lagoons for special anchorages.
The Crew
On each charter there will be up to 4 crew members (Captain, Cook, and 1-2 Indonesian crew)
Freedom 1’s skipper, Ben "Hillsy" Hillier, has been sailing and surf guiding in the Mentawai for several years and has a passion for perfect waves and serious fishing! He holds Master 4 Captain and Engineering tickets from Australia and, other than being a nice guy, is serious about his profession.
Food
Meals are provided by your Western chef who will prepare a variety of Western and Indonesian dishes. The crew of Freedom 1 know the importance food service makes to an overall charter experience. Quality and quantity will be your feedback!
Fishing
If you are into fishing, then you will love Freedom 1. Her average cruising speed of 7.5 knots under motor is ideal for trolling the local waters. We nearly always have lines in the water while travelling between breaks, and hookups are frequent!
Gear on board includes 2 full setups with Penn Senator reels, extra spinning reels for casting off the boat, tackle, and harnesses. The equipment is provided free for your enjoyment, and we do welcome the especially keen angler to bring along their own favorite rods and lures
Common local game fish include: Mackerel, Yellowfin, Sailfish, Wahoo, Dolphin Fish, Baracuda, Swordfish, Trevally, and others.
FREEDOM 1 Specifications :
• Type: Sailing Catamaran
• Construction: Fiberglass foam core
• Engines: Yanmar Diesel x 2
• Cruising Speed (under motor): 7.5 knots
• Climate Control: Mitsubishi airconditioning unit
• Interior Layout: 3x double beds / 2x single beds in 3 cabins, toilet/shower with hot and cold
water, galley, saloon with sofa and dining table
• Exterior Layout: Covered cockpit with sitting/dining area, trampolines on foredeck (covered while
at anchor as weather and sea conditions permit), outdoor shower x2 on aft deck with
hot and cold water
• Power: 220V A/C delivered by Onan Marine generator, gelcell battery array, and backup gasoline
generator. Electrical outlets located throughout the boat
• Electronics: Radar, depth sounder, moving map GPS, autopilot, VHF, SSB, satellite phone, etc
• Entertainment: CD/MP3 stereo with Ipod jack (speakers inside and outside), saloon TV with
DVD player (plenty of recent DVD titles to choose from), flatscreen TV's with DVD player in double
bed cabins, fishing gear (2 x trolling and 1 x spinning setup) with tackle, snorkling equipment,
speargun
• Tender: 6 passenger rigid bottom inflatable with 15hp outboard motor
• Safety equipment (CE passed): Life jackets, life rings, life raft, flares, current and
comprehensive medical kit
THE SURF
Surf Spots
The Mentawai Islands are one of the most consistent surf destinations in the world. It's broad exposure towards the vast, southern Indian Ocean provides these islands with remarkable consistency and quality. During the dry season, from late April to early November, the Indian Ocean is a powerful groundswell producing machine. During this time, surf charters offer curious surfers the opportunity to score the best waves of their lives. The Mentawai Islands are located approximately 100 miles off the west coast of Sumatra, Indonesia's northern most and largest island, and the port city of Padang, launching point for Mentawai surf charters. There are 4 main islands in the archipelago, with numerous smaller islands surrounding these, many lined up perfectly to catch the swells from the Indian Ocean.
FREEDOM 1 luxury catamaran Surf charters - Prices for 2008 Season:
Regular Bookings (Minimum 4 passengers to leave port)
- US$2,495 Per Passenger Early/Late Season (March/October)
- US$2,995 Per Passenger Peak Season
Exclusive Full Boat Booking (Up to 4 Passengers)
- US$8,995 Early/Late Season (March/October)
- US$11,990 Peak Season
Full Boat Booking (5 Passengers)
- US$ 10,595 Early/Late Season (March/October)
- US$ 12,990 Peak Season
Trips to North Sumatra aboard Freedom 1 have fuel surcharge of US $150 per passenger
These prices include :
• 12 nights / 11 days of surfing in the Mentawai or, as pre-arranged, in North Sumatra (extended trips are available by request for some dates)
• Access to the planet's best waves with expert surf guide
• All transfers to and from Padang airport
• Harbor permits
• Use of tender for transfers to and from the surf
• Use of tender for fishing and exploratory trips ashore
• Use of fishing equipment
• Use of snorkeling equipment
• Three hearty meals per day
• Snacks throughout the day
• Non-alcoholic refreshments
• Use of onboard entertainment systems including DVD video and stereo
These prices do not include:
• Airline tickets
• Fuel Surcharge (if applicable)
• Emergency Travel Insurance (compulsory for all guests, including med-evac coverage)
• Use of satellite phone (charged at applicable rates)
• Captain / Guide's photography service (please note that not all our captains offer this service)
• Tips for the crew. Tips typically start around US$50 and up. If you've had a really good time and the crew's been outstanding, let them know! Please give all tips to the captain for dispersal to the crew.
FREEDOM 1 luxury catamaran Surf charters - Shedule for 2008 Season:
-Trip 1:
Departs: March 8th
Returns : March 20th
-Trip 2:
Departs: March 22nd
Returns : April 3rd
-Trip 3:
Departs: April 5th
Returns : April 17th
-Trip 4:
Departs: April 19th
Returns : May 1st
-Trip 5:
Departs: May 3rd
Returns : May 15th
-Trip 6:
Departs: May 17th
Returns : May 29th
-Trip 7:
Departs: May 31st
Returns : June 12th
-Trip 8:
Departs: June 14th
Returns : June 26th
-Trip 9:
Departs: June 28th
Returns : July 10th
-Trip 10:
Departs: July 12th
Returns : July 24th
-Trip 11:
Departs: July 26th
Returns : August 7th
-Trip 12:
Departs: August 9th
Returns : August 21st
-Trip 13:
Departs: August 23rd
Returns : Sept 4th
-Trip 14:
Departs: Sept 6th
Returns : Sept 18th
-Trip 15:
Departs: Sept 20th
Returns : Oct 2nd
-Trip 16:
Departs: Oct 4th
Returns : Oct 16th
-Trip 17:
Departs: Oct 18th
Returns : Oct 30th
THE LOCATION
Mentawaii Islands
The Mentawai Island chain lies roughly 100 miles offshore from the largest city in West Sumatra, Padang, which is the base for all Mentawai charter operations. The island group consists of the four main islands of Siberut, Sipora, and North and South Pagai. These islands are further surrounded by many smaller islets, the entire chain stretching from North to SouthEast in a line wide open to the Indian Ocean swell factory.
The Mentawai are inhabited by local fishermen whose villages dot the islands. They are friendly and welcoming, and visits to their beaches and communities are highly recommended for a full Mentawai experience. The indigenous cultures, clear blue waters, dense tropical backdrops, and sultry trade winds provide for a truly idyllic island experience.
The Climate
There are two main seasons in the Mentawai: the dry season, which runs from around February to October, and the wet season, which takes up November to January. While the wet season is certainly rainier, one will experience plenty of refreshing tropical showers in the dry season as well. Average air temperatures range between 72°F (22°C) to 90°F (32°C). Water temp runs a pretty constant 80°F (27°C). Wetsuits are never necessary, but tropical wax is always required!
THE TRIP
Mentawai, Gateway to the Mentawai is Padang (Sumatra)
Padang Airport (PDG)
Daily flights to Jakarta, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur (Garuda Airlines)
30-Day visitor visa issued on arrival (EU, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens).
Malaria treatment required.
Getting to the Mentawai is quite a journey for most people. Some of you will be traveling half way around the world to get here. After a long flight from home, you will arrive in Padang, Indonesia, most likely via Singapore or Jakarta, and will be greeted at the airport by one of the Freedom team.
After introductions and a quick briefing, you and your gear will be transported to a comfortable location to have some refreshments and unwind from your long trip while the boat is prepared for your arrival.
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