Can anyone tell me why 'housework' when living on a boat is actually a relaxing, pleasant way to pass the time (you know, tidying up, dishes, washing the decks), but at home it is one of my most loathed activities, and hence my house right now looks like.... well, you don't want to know!
I even had good intentions today ...I dropped my little boy off at school and thought to myself, 'Right, that's a whole six hours that I can spend cleaning, organising, rearranging - my house is going to be sooooo clean and tidy!'
And yet here I am...an hour later, nothing done! I know... five hours is still plenty of time for me to have an impact on this hovel, and yet ...my urge to clean has dissipated somewhat!
I blame all of you... well, the few of you that have been kind enough recently to leave comments. :-) You've distracted me with your thoughts and blogs...and amazing photos Jack and Jude! (If you want to know what I'm talking about, check out www.jackandjude.com .I've downloaded some of their pics from their screensaver section and now I'm really distracted!)
I think there's only one solution that's practical - I'll have to live on a boat full time. Now if I can just convince hubby and seven year old .... wish me luck!
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Why I love sailing ...
I haven't been able to go sailing for a while...life keeps getting in the way. I'm missing it desperately, which gave me cause to wonder what it is about sailing that I love so much ...
In a nutshell, it's the peace. Not just the stillness that nature provides, but the mental peace that comes from being completely absorbed in the moment, with no room in my mind for anything else. Whether I'm watching the sails and considering my next 'tweak', listening to the rush of water under the hull, or scrabbling - crablike - across the cabin roof to untangle a jib sheet, I am always fully in the present and focused on the task at hand.
Mental health experts suggest we only use around 10% of our brain in conscious thinking, but even that's enough to get us into trouble apparently! Hence the massive industry that's grown up around positive thinking and other cognitive therapies; the most recent incarnation being 'mindfulness', where participants are taught a range of techniques to keep them focused on the present moment, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
It makes sense. Our cave dwelling ancestors had to live 'in the moment' or risk being eaten by a mammoth, clubbed on the head by an unfriendly (or possibly over-friendly!) neighbor, or starving to death.
Our modern, streamlined existence has given us more time to worry about the little things, to our mental detriment. So, if you're in need of some cerebral relief, pick up a book on mindfulness, book a session with a cognitive therapist (they don't like to be called shrinks) or ... go for sail!
And please ...take me with you!
In a nutshell, it's the peace. Not just the stillness that nature provides, but the mental peace that comes from being completely absorbed in the moment, with no room in my mind for anything else. Whether I'm watching the sails and considering my next 'tweak', listening to the rush of water under the hull, or scrabbling - crablike - across the cabin roof to untangle a jib sheet, I am always fully in the present and focused on the task at hand.
Mental health experts suggest we only use around 10% of our brain in conscious thinking, but even that's enough to get us into trouble apparently! Hence the massive industry that's grown up around positive thinking and other cognitive therapies; the most recent incarnation being 'mindfulness', where participants are taught a range of techniques to keep them focused on the present moment, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
It makes sense. Our cave dwelling ancestors had to live 'in the moment' or risk being eaten by a mammoth, clubbed on the head by an unfriendly (or possibly over-friendly!) neighbor, or starving to death.
Our modern, streamlined existence has given us more time to worry about the little things, to our mental detriment. So, if you're in need of some cerebral relief, pick up a book on mindfulness, book a session with a cognitive therapist (they don't like to be called shrinks) or ... go for sail!
And please ...take me with you!
Friday, March 30, 2012
Solitaire Spirit
There's something about the journey of self discovery in a circumnavigation that is compelling to read about. It is diluted somewhat by the publicity requirements imposed by sponsors; think Jessica Watson.
But imagine if someone just decided, off the cuff, to sail around the world?
Les Powles did - with only eight hours of sailing experience!
This is a great book. Les and his self-built boat, Solitude, are true partners. He talks to his boat regularly, and displays an intuitive understanding of the sea and the art of sailing. (I've used the word art deliberately here, rather than craft. I was delighted to find the owner of one of my favourite sailing quotes appear in this book: Webb Chiles - check my last blog to read his quote and all will become clear!)
Les Powles is a real character. Of limited budget and unlimited humour, imagine his surprise when, on his first voyage, he lands in Brazil instead of the Caribbean - a mere 1000 miles off course!
I laughed out loud at some of his recollections. On one occasion, after being alone at sea for a considerable period, he meets another boat and greets them standing on the bow of Solitude with a nine iron in his hand. The visitors ask him for directions. His response is that he can't help them because 'he hasn't played this course before'. Needless to say, the occupants of the other boat thank him somewhat hesitantly as they change direction to head away from Solitude and her somewhat eccentric skipper.
Les started sailing in his fifties and has been around the world three times now. At the time of writing the book he was 86 and living permanently on his boat in Lymington Yacht Haven, England. I would love to drop by for a cuppa and a chat.
But imagine if someone just decided, off the cuff, to sail around the world?
Les Powles did - with only eight hours of sailing experience!
This is a great book. Les and his self-built boat, Solitude, are true partners. He talks to his boat regularly, and displays an intuitive understanding of the sea and the art of sailing. (I've used the word art deliberately here, rather than craft. I was delighted to find the owner of one of my favourite sailing quotes appear in this book: Webb Chiles - check my last blog to read his quote and all will become clear!)
Les Powles is a real character. Of limited budget and unlimited humour, imagine his surprise when, on his first voyage, he lands in Brazil instead of the Caribbean - a mere 1000 miles off course!
I laughed out loud at some of his recollections. On one occasion, after being alone at sea for a considerable period, he meets another boat and greets them standing on the bow of Solitude with a nine iron in his hand. The visitors ask him for directions. His response is that he can't help them because 'he hasn't played this course before'. Needless to say, the occupants of the other boat thank him somewhat hesitantly as they change direction to head away from Solitude and her somewhat eccentric skipper.
Les started sailing in his fifties and has been around the world three times now. At the time of writing the book he was 86 and living permanently on his boat in Lymington Yacht Haven, England. I would love to drop by for a cuppa and a chat.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
2012 APC Logistics Marlay Point Overnight Yacht Race
The weekend just past saw the running of the 44th annual Marlay Point Overnight Yacht Race on the Gippsland Lakes in Victoria, Australia. Here's my reflection on the race, as shared on another forum.
This was my first MPONR as a committee member; my third as a competitor; my first with my family. Entries were down by about 30 boats with 132 entries in the end, with some unable to get through flood waters and others busy with other commitments, or swayed by lack of time, money or wind. But despite the smaller numbers, there was an amazing vibe at Marlay Point on the Friday and Saturday, as competitors and spectators gathered for the 44th MPONR. Perhaps word had got out that the current from the flooding Avon River would keep us moving through the Straits, even without wind...
5-8 knots for the start and an amazing big orange moon that was soon blanketed by clouds. We were into the Straits by about 11:30pm on our Ultimate 18. We being my husband Steve (stink boater) and my seven year old son. It was so quiet in the Straits, with boats spread out and no wind to speak of. And yet we glided on through. Ran aground once about half way through when the current sucked us into shore. And then a miracle happened...
Second mate (husband Steve) refused to make his Skipper a coffee (and subsequently also refused to walk the plank or be keel hauled), so Skipper handed over the helm, muttering words of encouragement (not!) to this first time helmsman and went below to make a very strong coffee. Came back up to see stink boat hubby gazing up at the tell tales and 'sniffing the wind'. I sat quitely down to drink my coffee and observe, and watched him helm with a look of quiet contentment on his face. Could my stink boater, non-sailor husband be falling under the spell?
Out into Lake Victoria and I trimmed the sails as hubby continued to helm, adjusting course as needed to keep us on a tight track to Paynesville. Things were working well...I was enjoying being free of the helm and trimming the sheets.
Then the wind changed to downwind. Crumbs, I said to hubby, we should really put the spinnaker up, but I've never done it on my own. Well, give it whirl hon, he said encouragingly. The wind was only light, so I did just that. Seven year old son began to hoist the spinnaker with the halyard while I clipped on the pole and sheets...what a beautiful sight when the sail filled and we scooched off... OMG, I said to husband and son - the Farleys are flying a spinnaker!
Back to the genoa for a tacking duel with some Sunmaids and some Hartley 16's as we headed towards Point Turner, before rounding the point for the run home. Spinnakers again for a nano second before the wind changed (I thought I would fall off the bow with exhaustion); needed hubby to help attach the pole this time. Seven year old took the helm while surrounded by other boats and Mum and Dad were up on deck. Well done kiddo! Proud moment for Mum. Crossed the line on a close reach with about 30 other boats. What a thrill for us.
Such an honour to be a member of the tiny club called LWYC. Such a privillege to be part of the sailing community. Such a joy to sail the MPONR with my family. Such a miracle that my husband appears to have fallen in love with sailing - just don't tell him he has!
Handed in the log to be told by the Commodore that we had come eighteenth on corrected time. Hubby laughed and said 'Imagine what we could have done if we had known what we were doing!'
Imagine indeed...
More information on the race is available here:
http://www.lakewellingtonyachtclub.org/
This was my first MPONR as a committee member; my third as a competitor; my first with my family. Entries were down by about 30 boats with 132 entries in the end, with some unable to get through flood waters and others busy with other commitments, or swayed by lack of time, money or wind. But despite the smaller numbers, there was an amazing vibe at Marlay Point on the Friday and Saturday, as competitors and spectators gathered for the 44th MPONR. Perhaps word had got out that the current from the flooding Avon River would keep us moving through the Straits, even without wind...
5-8 knots for the start and an amazing big orange moon that was soon blanketed by clouds. We were into the Straits by about 11:30pm on our Ultimate 18. We being my husband Steve (stink boater) and my seven year old son. It was so quiet in the Straits, with boats spread out and no wind to speak of. And yet we glided on through. Ran aground once about half way through when the current sucked us into shore. And then a miracle happened...
Second mate (husband Steve) refused to make his Skipper a coffee (and subsequently also refused to walk the plank or be keel hauled), so Skipper handed over the helm, muttering words of encouragement (not!) to this first time helmsman and went below to make a very strong coffee. Came back up to see stink boat hubby gazing up at the tell tales and 'sniffing the wind'. I sat quitely down to drink my coffee and observe, and watched him helm with a look of quiet contentment on his face. Could my stink boater, non-sailor husband be falling under the spell?
Out into Lake Victoria and I trimmed the sails as hubby continued to helm, adjusting course as needed to keep us on a tight track to Paynesville. Things were working well...I was enjoying being free of the helm and trimming the sheets.
Then the wind changed to downwind. Crumbs, I said to hubby, we should really put the spinnaker up, but I've never done it on my own. Well, give it whirl hon, he said encouragingly. The wind was only light, so I did just that. Seven year old son began to hoist the spinnaker with the halyard while I clipped on the pole and sheets...what a beautiful sight when the sail filled and we scooched off... OMG, I said to husband and son - the Farleys are flying a spinnaker!
Back to the genoa for a tacking duel with some Sunmaids and some Hartley 16's as we headed towards Point Turner, before rounding the point for the run home. Spinnakers again for a nano second before the wind changed (I thought I would fall off the bow with exhaustion); needed hubby to help attach the pole this time. Seven year old took the helm while surrounded by other boats and Mum and Dad were up on deck. Well done kiddo! Proud moment for Mum. Crossed the line on a close reach with about 30 other boats. What a thrill for us.
Such an honour to be a member of the tiny club called LWYC. Such a privillege to be part of the sailing community. Such a joy to sail the MPONR with my family. Such a miracle that my husband appears to have fallen in love with sailing - just don't tell him he has!
Handed in the log to be told by the Commodore that we had come eighteenth on corrected time. Hubby laughed and said 'Imagine what we could have done if we had known what we were doing!'
Imagine indeed...
More information on the race is available here:
http://www.lakewellingtonyachtclub.org/
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Favourite sailing quotes
A sailor is an artist whose medium is the wind-Webb Chiles
Any damn fool can circumnavigate the world sober. It takes a really good sailor to do it drunk - Sir Francis Chichester
I cannot not sail - E.B. White
Sailors, with their built in sense of order, service and discipline, should really be running the world - Nicholas Monsarrat
Sailing is far more a state of mind and heart than it is a method of getting from Point A to Point B - Christopher Caswell
Any damn fool can circumnavigate the world sober. It takes a really good sailor to do it drunk - Sir Francis Chichester
I cannot not sail - E.B. White
Sailors, with their built in sense of order, service and discipline, should really be running the world - Nicholas Monsarrat
Sailing is far more a state of mind and heart than it is a method of getting from Point A to Point B - Christopher Caswell
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Where Pelicans Are
This is a big shout out for local author, Joy Seevers as well as a local icon, the Gippsland Lakes.
'Where Pelicans Are' is the true story of the disappearance of young, professional fisherman, Steven Grassby, who vanished while fishing with his father in Tambo Bay in 1998. In recounting the story of the long search for Steven, Joy tells the stories of Gippslands' lakes and ocean fishermen through the ages, weaving past and present together in dramatic fashion as the search unfolds.
Joy Seevers is Steven's aunt, and a member of the Mitchelson family of Lakes Entrance, who have fished the Gippsland Lakes and Bass Strait for five generations. While her grief is palpable, so is her love for the seafaring livelihood that 'oscillates between tranquility and tragedy'.
If you love the Lakes and want to understand more about their past - ecologically, historically and socially - then this book is a great read. A journo friend of mind described the writing as 'unpolished', but in my mind, that's the beauty of it. The writing is raw and real, like the industry it describes and the lives it honours.
Published by Black Fin books. If you have trouble finding a copy, let me know.
'Where Pelicans Are' is the true story of the disappearance of young, professional fisherman, Steven Grassby, who vanished while fishing with his father in Tambo Bay in 1998. In recounting the story of the long search for Steven, Joy tells the stories of Gippslands' lakes and ocean fishermen through the ages, weaving past and present together in dramatic fashion as the search unfolds.
Joy Seevers is Steven's aunt, and a member of the Mitchelson family of Lakes Entrance, who have fished the Gippsland Lakes and Bass Strait for five generations. While her grief is palpable, so is her love for the seafaring livelihood that 'oscillates between tranquility and tragedy'.
If you love the Lakes and want to understand more about their past - ecologically, historically and socially - then this book is a great read. A journo friend of mind described the writing as 'unpolished', but in my mind, that's the beauty of it. The writing is raw and real, like the industry it describes and the lives it honours.
Published by Black Fin books. If you have trouble finding a copy, let me know.
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