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 :-) |
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.