Week One: First Mate Speaks!

I promised friends I would screw up the courage and “speak up” from time to time. For social voyeurs, it will be obvious when reading, who’s the writer and who’s the accountant in our family.

As Bill has covered, the last several months have been a whirlwind for us. Now we are receiving the fruits of our labors. Our first days out have been lovely, shared with good friends and in familiar waters. A comforting way for me to begin getting my boat-balance—sea legs and emotional rhythm—since I have not been sailing this season until departure.

I would like to share five things I have learned since starting our trip:

1. I can get along without a watch on my wrist.
2. A 27’ boat is really just an odd shaped filing cabinet. Sectioned by “drawers”, “hanging files” and “folders”, we’ve made good use of all the space and, so far, been able to lay our hands on anything we are looking for (expect the bag of soy crumbles that seems to have disappeared in the fridge).
3. Trying to follow the Eldridge Tide and Pilot Book can drive a novice insane.
4. There are numerous ways to get a good workout onboard…even aerobically. The TRX helps.
5. Saying “I love you” to friends feels really good.

With that I’ll say thank you to those who inspired and encouraged us and for all the many gifts we received before departure. Towels are hung, journals in use, knives slicing away and most of the wine now a lovely memory. I miss being with all of you we’ve left behind and I Love You!