This page will be added to as we learn more but some very basic things we know are:
- Frequent provision of food and drinks on passage is essential for maintaining a high
level of morale;
- Some people get sea-sick and it’s far worse for them than it is for you;
- Sea-sick people need support and assistance – and a big bucket, as well as being
persuaded that the French approach to administering medicine is a very good idea;
- Reefing early is better than reefing late – it’s so much more comfortable, it’s faster
and the boat likes it;
- It’s better to have electrical power at the anchor windlass rather than hauling up
30 metres (or more) of 10mm chain by hand;
- Always properly refit the cover on the water strainer for the engine cooling, otherwise
you get a continuous beep and an orange light on the engine switch panel … oh, and
then you need to replace the impeller … and then take the heat exchanger apart to
retrieve all the broken bits;
- Pella oil extractors work – small, brass Jabsco pumps are … well, not sure what they
are really;
- You can change anodes underwater … with diving gear and a lot of care not to drop
the bolts;
- You can get Sikaflex 291 to adhere to anode bolt heads and for it to set underwater
… try not to get it all over your diving gear though;
- Always obey the rules of the road, especially passing oncoming vessels port-to-port
… except when the other vessel is out of control and/or there is no-one on the helm;
- It doesn’t always take longer than you think it will, but you never know when this
will occur;
- Always plan ahead … but there’s bound to be fog at some point and do you know what
to do?
- We always enjoy the entertainment provided by other people having berthing difficulties,
but also know that it may be our turn soon to provide the entertainment;
- The weather forecast is often right … but we are prepared for when it’s not;
- If it can, it will … especially rope getting in a tangle and tools dropping over
the side.
October 2010 - Update
- Anchoring in soft mud takes a long time before you can safely leave the boat, but
the anchor nip reward is well worth it
- Catamarans drag anchors more than keel boats
- In hot and humid conditions, sarongs and going commando are more comfortable for
men
- Poled out genoa and preventer on main, make for fast and safe downwind sailing
- Always carry spare joker valves for toilets
