About us



In 1994 we, Bernd and Christine, moved from Germany to our Yacht FAN CHUAN, that was moored in the Mediterranean Sea. This was the beginning of our more then 11 year journey on our catamaran. It led us through the Mediterranean Sea to Gibraltar, on to Madeira and the Canary Islands. From Tenerife in the Canaries, we started our first long trip across the Atlantic.

We arrived in Antigua in the Caribbean's without any incidences and in good health in December 1995. We followed the 'barefoot' route via the chain of Caribbean islands to Trinidad, where we spent the hurricane season. We spent 4 ½ years in the Caribbean since we loved the islands and their people! During hurricane seasons, we always came back to Trinidad. We spent 4 ½ months with the Kuna Indians in the San Blas Islands, Panama. In 2000 we finally lifted the anchor to move on to the Pacific. After passing through the Panama Canal in April 2000, we prepared for the longest distance across the Pacific. We started the 3500sm trip from the Galapagos Islands with destination Marquesas. From there we sailed on to the Tuamotus and Tahiti.

In 2001 we moved on to Moorea, Rai Atea and Bora Bora, and from there to turquoise the blue waters of the Cook Islands. We enjoyed Polynesian's best dancers in Aitutaki before moving on to Samoa, Tonga and Fiji, where we stayed a few months before sailing to NZ. This trip taught us new dimensions in terms of sailing, but after 12 days, we arrived safely in Whangarei. In 2003, we sailed once more from NZ to Fiji and spent another 6 wonderful months in these beautiful islands.

In November 2003 we returned to NZ to avoid the hurricane season and moored safely in the marina of Tutukaka. We decided to give the ship and ourselves a well earned holiday and see more of New Zealand's beautiful countryside. After over 11 years of cruising we now desire a life on land again and this is the reason why we like to sell our reliable and loyal travel mate. On all our trips, our catamaran FAN CHUAN carried us safely to our destiny, in fine and sometimes in stormy weather. All long distance trips have been sailed just by the two of us.

Update Dezember 2005
In April 2005, FAN CHUAN received a new Antifouling, as well as new zinc anodes. Rudder and propeller were reviewed too and in May 2005 we stayed in Opua, waiting for decent wheather for the trip to the Fiji Islands. We then left NZ on May 24th, 2005 in front of a strong high-pressure area. Unfortunately, this one was not solid enough and after 2 days we were located in front of a strong depression with winds of 50 kn and strong headwinds. 7 days later we finally escaped this depression and had a further relaxing trip to Fiji where we arrived safe and sound on June 5th, 2005.

We fell in love again with the Islands of Fiji, Vanuatu and New Caledonia. On Oct 25th, 2005 we took off in direction Australia. This trip with a length of 800 sm has been one of the nicest journeys we ever had in the Pacific Ocean since the year 2000. It was perfect sailing with astern winds. Since Oct 31st, 2005 FAN CHUAN has been staying securely in Port Marina, Bundaberg, Australia (South 24° 45', East 152° 23').