over would develop a serious case of fair-weatheritus. On the other gybe, technology is misleading. We hold a strong belief that it will provide meaningful benefits, yet too often learn of inconveniently timed bugs and defects that are difficult, time consuming, and expensive to correct when cruising in paradise. So the question is: should a new
boat and gear really increase confidence enough to push out into bad weather or risk a trip that far exceeds the crew’s capabilities? A cruising friend recently speculated that the high cost of their epoxy hulled yacht may have caused builders to skimp on things like through-hull fitting. They had to replace several when the boat was less than four years old. In October, another cruiser on a nearly identical yacht, nearly sank and suffered significant damage due to a failed thru-hull fitting. In 2010, an experienced couple on a well maintained Hallberg-Rassy 46 departed from Mexico three times for French Polynesia. The first two attempts got a few days out before watermaker, generator, and other systems problems emerged. With patience and perseverance, the couple sorted out the problems and had a great trip to New Zealand. Newness and cost doesn’t immunize one from mechanical and electrical problems. Another issue with planning is
that it sets expectations — family and friends back home will actually expect it. It’s exciting to roll out a map for the family, marked up with a routes and dates, waxing-on about tradewind and cyclone seasons. A year later, when your actual location is not even close to what you said, parents get worried. The “why” question reemerges; followed by New York Times articles on pirates and La Nina’s severe effects on weather patterns.
Instead, reveal the destinations you
hope to visit. It’s no less exciting. Then, when events lead you on a different route, you don’t wake up at night with images of friends back home saying “They were supposed to be dancing with islanders in Tahiti by now, but they’re still in Mexico, probably caught up in some cartel crime web – they are clueless.”
Heading out with unplanned intentions in no way implies a willy-
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nilly, careless approach to cruising. In fact, having the flexibility of intentions is thought provoking. Unlike a plan devised on a suburban kitchen table, taking into account real variables that shape the actual time and place is realistic. It also keeps cruising fun and exciting. At a tacos and beer evening in a
small Mexican town, long time cruisers Eric and Anne from M/V Oso Blanco announced to us that, “as plans are cast in sand”, we’ve decided instead of heading to the Caribbean again, we’re going to the South Pacific with you.
That was in 2009; Oso Blanco
recently arrived in Australia after two seasons in the South Pacific. What’s next for them: Thailand? The Med? Maybe the Caribbean via South Africa. They’ll know, eventually; for now their plans are cast in sand.
The Giffords are currently in Sydney,
Australia. Follow their adventures, as well as other Northwest sailors by clicking on Cruisers Blogs at
www.48north.com
FREE HAULOUT when you buy your SeaHawk bottom
paint at our yard store as part of our Bottom Paint Package.
Sea Hawk is U.S. owned, operated, and all its products are manufactured here in the United States. Their complete line of bottom paints has a formulation for every situation:
Self-Polishing Copolymer – Ablative coating produces controlled erosion, eliminating coating build-up
Top Performing Biocide – Utilizes algaecide and polymer binder system for an engineered release
Hard Modifi ed Epoxy – Hard, protective paint for the most durable fi nish and multi-season protection
Environmentally-Friendly – Outstanding protection from Low VOC to solvent-free and copper-free formulas
Heated dry storage available in Bellingham, call for details
SEAVIEW WEST
At Shilshole Bay Marina
206-783-6550
west@seaviewboatyard.com
SEAVIEW NORTH
At Squalicum Harbor Marina
360-676-8282
north@seaviewboatyard.com
www.seaviewboatyard.com 48° NORTH, DECEMBER 2011 PAGE 39
SEAVIEW YACHT SERVICE FAIRHAVEN In Bellingham’s Fairhaven District
360-594-4314
fairhaven@seaviewboatyard.com
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