ECLIPSE - SHIP CAPTAIN

Eclipse is a Cal 48 sloop, designed by William Lapworth. The largest racing boat produced by Cal Boats, it is a stretch version of the famous Cal 40, the design that revolutionized ocean racing in the late 1960's . Eclipse has two cabins for guests with double berths. The forward cabin is the more spacious and offers more privacy with an attached head (toilet). The aft cabin has a small double berth plus a single berth as well, next to the other head that is shared with the crew. There are electric fans and reading lights over each berth and Eclipse has an excellent reference library for identifying fish, corals, birds, shells and invertebrates. Sun warmed showers are taken on the foredeck, and meals are served on the cockpit table under a large awning. Deliberately kept simple, Eclipse is an example of "appropriate technology" for operating in remote areas, far from parts stores, technicians and other boats. While Eclipse does not offer the luxury found on large live aboard dive boats, John and Charlie take comfort very seriously, few guests ever have trouble sleeping, and mosquitoes are conspicuously absent in the Rock Islands and dive sites.

Safety
Eclipse is fully equipped to insure guest's safety. In addition to standard items such as marine radio, life jackets, first aid kits and fire extinguishers , Eclipse also carries oxygen tanks and regulator, a large inflatable dingy with a powerful outboard, plus an 8kw diesel generator for a back up power source. Two telephones on board make possible even international calls should it become necessary.

Ship's Captain
John McCready, a past resident of California and Hawaii, has been sailing and diving throughout the tropical Pacific since 1981, and has been based in Palau for more than fifteen years. John's love of sailing, diving, paddling, and cycling is matched by his passion to share this opportunity to explore the greatest marine wonderland most of us will ever experience, Palau.

Chef and Dive Master
Amei “Charlie” McCready, originally from China, is a talented chef with cuisine rooted in her native Manchuria, the far northern part of the country.

Distinctively spicier than the more familiar fare of Southern China, Charlie's culinary artistry also includes specialties from Thailand, India, and Mexico She is a master preparing the fresh fish Eclipse catches on almost every trip. Charlie is also one of the most experienced dive guides in Palau. Gifted with eyesight that can pick out the best camouflaged creatures inhabiting coral reefs, she has assisted many photographers in finding unusual and exotic subjects.

Charlie is also especially good at assisting less experienced divers in gaining the skills that result in greater confidence underwater, enabling even novice divers to dive Palau's most celebrated dives safely.

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