I am humbled by the fact that we're sailing across the largest ocean on the planet! So vast is the Pacific, that all land on Earth would fit into her great expanse with plenty of room to spare. Our world is 46 feet long and 14 and 1/2 feet wide - period. We sail in water deep enough to hide Mount Rainer, and we do so quietly. The sea has no mercy for those that are ill prepared, incompetent, or arrogant. Respect for things greater that one's own strength is a given, but many fail to yield. The crew of Huzzah understands and respects this as truth. And yes, the boat matters - a lot. Huzzah is not just an amalgamation of fiberglass, teak, aluminum and stainless steel. She's suspending us above Davy Jones locker, and providing comfortable, safe passage. She is my vessel of hope. I trust her with my life! You talk to your boat at times. I slap her on the side, and she reassures me. I admire her and I care for her. Huzzah and I are in the thick of it together, and have formed a bond that may strike non-mariners as weird. But they've never done this, so what do they know anyway!