Pro Tips

From a sailor in the Med. Keep your dreams alive – Never give up on your dreams, however long they may take to come to fruition. It was Garcia Marquez who said: ‘It’s not true that people stop pursuing dreams because they grow old, they grow old because they stop pursuing dreams.’ Big isn’t always best – At 6ft 4in, headroom was a major consideration for me, so I was lured towards a biggish yacht; that also allowed us to entertain family and friends in real comfort. But in hindsight I discovered that decent headroom is available on smaller yachts. Such a choice would have reduced the capital cost enormously. Be budget savvy – Don’t underestimate the continuing costs of boat ownership, particularly as the boat ages. Keep meticulous accounts; they help to keep you grounded and to plan ahead. Learn to anticipate at least one unexpected four-figure expenditure every year. When do your insurers demand that you replace the standing rigging? That is a very substantial expense. How old are the sails, and in what condition? Then plan ahead for sail replacement, another major expense. Drop the hook in harbours – Avoid marinas if you possibly can. Village harbours are much cheaper, and generally more attractive. Peaceful anchorages are free and truly blissful. Prepare for the night sails – Passages involving one or more nights at sea demand careful planning, a stock of spares, checks of radar and navigation apps and weather forecasts. Moonlit nights are safer and so enjoyable. Ideally, have a minimum crew of four: two-man watches are far less perilous than solo watches, given the body’s insistent demands that you nod off. Be ready for storms – Ensure your chain locker contains more than the normally needed length of chain. In a major storm you may need to let out much more than you would normally at anchor. We always used the oven as a Faraday cage, putting all movable electrical items in it.

Whale in the Bay!

I was out looking for wind between Angel and Treasure Island yesterday. I was turning off the engine when a 25 foot grey whale surfaced 20 feet from the boat. He took a breath and dissappeared. I have not seen a whale in the bay for over 2 years so this was a momentous occasion. Over the years, I have seen more than a dozen inside the bay. Some come in looking for food, some are injured or sick and one famous whale went all the way to Sacramento and back out to sea in the 80's. I look foirward to seeing many more.

New Sailor

I am taking out a newbie on Wedneesday. I will have to mention these to him.

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