At this point in my cruising life, I found the cruising world overwhelming.
Noel’s response was quite simply: ‘getting to port’.
And while this is somewhat amusing, it actually is truthful. We loved sailing but the unrelenting, three-dimensional movement while on watch can become tiring.
Sailing Oceans is like….
On the ocean, nothing is certain except the enormous puddle of water and a fantastic stretch of sky. It can’t be compared to a plane or car ride. The days are measured in distance, and at the same time, it’s dynamic, fantastic, and sometimes scary. There is rarely pattern or logic; you deal with what’s received, as it arrives . . . moment by moment.
We learned a lot, but the the most I learned about was me. I had time to think and reflect on who I was, my place in this world, where I was going, and who I didn’t want to be.
8 months in Ecuador and our lines need some serious cleaning! This is great fun!
- Life on board is satisfying but a lot of work (one job a day)
- It’s what you make of it – if you have a great relationship with whomever you are on board with, and like the simple life – it’ll work.
- Before you head off across oceans, start with smaller steps, in a large bay, practice and get to know your boat, gradually work up to longer passages. The issues that may arise are sometimes not obvious.
- I loved the creativity needed if living on board and running out of something in the galley.
- You must think of your boat/home as a small city, you have power/plumbing as well as the home comforts; do you have spares onboard? Or are you able stir up your creative juices, and make repairs with whatever you have at hand?
- Be prepared to roll up your sleeves/hop out of bed/help at a moment’s notice all the time. Never become angry at your partner for waking you while you are off-watch to check something. Once you are treading water it is too late!
Finding and fixing a leak in a tight spot stirred up my creative skills!
At times, some of the things you think will be wonderful might become a nightmare, conversely, enjoyment will be found at unexpected times and places. But when the challenges feel too much it is well worth sticking it out. Not only do you conquer them, but you improve your confidence, ability, knowledge (and therefore, safety) every single time.
What’s so great about cruising?
- Joining an amazing community, the fraternity of boats on the move
- Helps you find who you are and the cruising life shows you how to take time to live
- You are in command of your time, not someone else, weather becomes your dictum
- You are at the helm of your life, not someone else – take charge!
- You meet incredible people
- Your geography improves
- You will learn a multitude of good skills, mechanic, cook, electrician, cleaner, painter, carpenter, machinist . . . . etc. As well as navigator, weather forecaster, tide analytic, maintenance expert…..,
A chore? Not really in beautiful Aitutaki
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