Perfect From Far But Far From Perfect

Pretty girl!

This is something I say often when I am referring to my canvas projects.  Especially those few canvas projects I do for others.

This is also something we are learning in a broader sense as we cruise into our second year living aboard.  Everything doesn't have to be perfect.  And more specific is doesn't all have to be RIGHT NOW - as in all the equipment, gear, setup, ext...we thought we needed for cruising.  We knew this and we told ourselves this often as we purchased the boat and worked towards living aboard.  However, looking back now, I think we let ourselves get caught (to some extent) by the "must have prior to leaving" syndrome.  Several seasoned cruisers have gently reminded us recently that they have been cruising for quite some time and it just takes time to get things figured out the way you want them on your boat and what works best for you.  This includes....well....everything.  Nancy on s/v Fawkes has said to me more than once, "Sabrina, you need to remember that we have been living aboard for 7 years now" when I comment on something well organized and thought out on their boat.

Besides the gentle reminders, we are finding that in regard to most things, you just need time on your boat.  Real time.  Despite having s/v Honey Ryder for 4 1/2 years, there are many things that we are just now finding the groove on since moving aboard and really cruising on her.  Solar panels is one example.  Watermaker, wind generator, dodger/bimni/enclosure, SSB, placement/storage of things in the boat, and even clothing onboard, just to name a few.  Other things we are still working to figure out - like where in the heck to store our shoes. 

It seems time and experience cannot be replaced.  

PADI for Tom

Suiting up

Underwater Works Inc. Ltd is located in the boat yard here at Coral Cove.  Before we took off for the states this summer, Tom had a discussion with them about getting his PADI diving certificate.  The main purpose being so that we can get some sort of a dive rig to clean the bottom of our boat.  Free diving on the bottom this past year has only got us so far this past year.  And it's exhausting.

Checking the gear

When back in the states, Tom read a complete PADI diving book and then went to the library on a regular basis so he could take, complete and pass the classroom portion of the PADI online.

Getting ready to go

A couple of weeks ago he completed his in the water stuff here in Chaguaramas.  I am very proud of him!  

Time to jump in

He worked a deal with Underwater Works Inc. Ltd for some of their used equipment including a tank.  Now he can clean the bottom of the boat anytime, put on zincs without running out of air, retrieve any dropped tool and easily add the replacement line cutter (once we order it and have it delivered).  He might even be persuaded into a dive for fun should we hook up again with diving fools s/v Somewhere or s/v Amiris.  

Waiting to go under

Sadly, it looks like my bottom cleaning days are coming to an end now that Tom has dive equipment.  Boo hoo, sniff, sniff.......NOT!!!  Although I bet the waterline will still be available for me to scrub.  

Update FYI - as of the date of this posting, Underwater Works Inc Ltd has moved out of Coral Cove boat yard.  They are planning to open on the boardwalk in Chaguaramas sometime in the near future.

Special Note -  We did not get our dive certificates prior to casting off.  Frankly we were too busy and there are plenty of good commercial divers around.  

Sabrina's Sail Loft - Meet Little Nellie

Previously I mentioned to all of you that we probably need a good James Bond'ish name for our Sailrite sewing machine.  We have decided on Little Nellie.

From "You Only Live Twice" Little Nellie, a Wallis WA-116 Agile - Q branch of course!

*Sailors not only name their boats but key pieces of equipment.  There are thousands of sailboats with autopilots named "Auto".  One of the best equipment names we've heard is on s/v Amaris.  Their anchor and rode is named "Dick Chainy".