My friends Gary & Mavis on “Plan B” showed up this morning. They invited everyone in the anchorage to a coconut rice & Dorado dinner. That includes me, Chris & Maggie on “Contigo”, and Don on “Tamue”.
Don’s a cool guy. Don’s famous in these parts because he does the weather forecast (7 days a week) on the Panama Pacific net (81430 USB 14:00 Zulu). Everyone from Mexico to Peru depends on his words. It’s good to be buddies with the weather man, plus he’s a great guy.
Another BlueSphere subscriber is getting ready to go Cruising. Terry from Toronto is looking at a WestSail 32 “Great Choice” and has asked what I think is needed for serious world cruising. I don’t know that I’m any kind of authority, but here is my opinion of what’s necessary, and in order of importance.
1. A bullet-proof attitude. 2. Common sense. 3. A sound hull & rig. 4. A good sail inventory. 5. Top of the line ground tackle, with multiple options (All Chain). 6. A good windless that can be operated manually (I don’t have one at all). 7. A reliable motor (with a clean fuel system).
Obviously you’ll need means of navigation (GPS or Sextant), and I’d say the only other necessary electronics would be a depth sounder. An autopilot is really nice (I wouldn’t cruise without one), and I wish I had a wind-vane, but I will not get into that.
I’m about to start selling Roger Olson’s book “Plot your course to adventure” which answers all of these kinds of questions. It will be available on the site shortly. I believe Roger’s book to be a “Must have” for any cruisers library.
The only other thing I’d like to mention is that going cruising has been the most rewarding experience of my life.
The following words belong to Sterling Hayden, taken from his book “Wanderer” :
To be truly challenging, a voyage, like a life, must rest on a firm foundation of financial unrest. Otherwise you are doomed to a routine traverse, the kind known to yachtsmen, who play with their boats at sea – “cruising,” it is called. Voyaging belongs to seamen, and to the wanderers of the world who cannot, or will not, fit in. If you are contemplating a voyage and you have the means, abandon the venture until your fortunes change. Only then will you know what the sea is all about.
“I’ve always wanted to sail to the South Seas, but I can’t afford it.” What these men can’t afford is not to go. They are enmeshed in the cancerous discipline of “security.” And in the worship of security we fling our lives beneath the wheels of routine – and before we know it our lives are gone.
What does a man need – really need? A few pounds of food each day, heat and shelter, six feet to lie down in – and some form of working activity that will yield a sense of accomplishment. That’s all – in the material sense. And we know it. But we are brainwashed by our economic system until we end up in a tomb beneath a pyramid of time payments, mortgages, preposterous gadgetry, playthings that divert our attention from the sheer idiocy of the charade.
The years thunder by. The dreams of youth grow dim where they lie caked in dust on the shelves of patience. Before we know it the tomb is sealed.
Where, then, lies the answer? In choice. Which shall it be: bankruptcy of purse or bankruptcy of life?
– Sterling Hayden
This section of text rings particularly true to me. When I left on my voyage I had no money, I still have no money, and I aspire to have no money. “Ask not how much you can acquire, but how little you need”. Life is far more rewarding that way.
When I die the last thing I want to leave behind is money. In my last moments I will roar with laughter knowing that I dared to live my dreams, and I will die with a smile on my face : )
I’ve forgotten the most important component of all, will, you must have will!
Speaking of which, I got another charter today. Kirk is coming the second week of September. He’s interested in voyaging. I’m hoping to unlock another soul.
Peace, Love, and (I think Nike said it best), JUST DO IT!
– Alex
