Therapy By Boat

I won't lie, many people think I'm crazy, or at least foolhardy.  As a 25 (now 27 at posting... yeah wow) year old owning a boat and working to keep ends meeting, there are many challenges to be had and I anticipate there being many more to come. Alas, this is the paradox of boat ownership, you are constantly dogged by projects, upgrades and maintenance, but the reward once you cast off and begin making way, is priceless.

Sharing this with friends is the best reward.

 Sure you could charter a boat for a few weeks, but by the time you pay the fees, it comes close to what you would pay in dockage for a year, if not more.  The argument is that you can charter a boat that is already in the exotic location you want to go and I can't debate that convenience.  My counter point however, is that we are sailors. Christopher Columbus didn't charter the Nina in the new world (much less the Pina and the Santa Maria too). Certainly as boaters we enjoy the destination, but as sailors its about the journey.

My theory is, that to truly experience the essence of a destination, you need to stretch your legs and test your will to get there.  This is what builds experience and authors sea stories. Its hard to relate the feeling one gets when separated from all humanity, save for the crew you may have on board. This detachment from what has become so common offers the most peaceful and tranquil settings for self-reflection.

Getting through the non-skid was the worst... many busted knuckles.

This isn't to mention the great feeling of self satisfaction of relying on a vessel which you know every inch of, every nook & cranny and can recognize the slightest out of place creak. The ability to feel your boat move and breathe with you the only way sailboat owner can.

Prepping for Paint NEWSFLAH:
Will be the same blue and moondust :-)

Its easy to see the romance of slicing through a blue ocean. But that's simply one of the rewards. Some of the greatest rewards come from the busted knuckles, gashed hands, scraped knees and uncountable splinters gained through maintenance and upgrades to a vessel of any kind. Its starting a job and then working through until it is complete. Its remembering that magazine worthy results take time.  To me the stepping stones leading to the final product, and the final product itself are the biggest rewards.

I may be crazy, but I'm happy. When life bogs me down or slows my mind, I retreat to Mischief. Whether it was one of her sails or now one of her many projects, she brings me back, unkinks the noodle and re-centers my spirit and I keep plugging along.