A strong cuppa is a required beverage on the S/V Mari Hal-O-Jen, but the differences in how that brew comes to be while dockside versus afloat is significant.
At the dock, with its 120 volt AC power cord, we prefer to utilize our Krups Cappuccino Maker to brew and froth the perfect mug. The rack of stainless glasses gleams above the hanging silverware. The refrigerator chills the half and half while the microwave is available for reheating. Baskets of alliums and fruits are handily accessible. Plates, bowls and spices are stored behind the large black sliding doors. The smaller, higher doors hide square storage containers of sugars, coffee, tea, and other non-perishables. Behind the wooden door is the water system for purifying drinking water. Our dockside galley may sport a fragrant candle below our wall of shells, seaglass and coral.
Anchored or sailing, the galley looks quite different. The Cappuccino Maker has been replaced with a fiddled alcohol stove. It rests in the sink incase a tack or jib goes wrong or more commonly, a large power boat wake hits us 45 to 90 degrees to our course. A pan of water and French Press complete the much needed Go Juice set-up. The glass mugs are stored safely away, replaced with a broad bottomed stainless steel mug. The hanging silverware has a band placed around the handles and if the seas kick up, they will be placed in a hold. The basket on the counter can be placed inside the unused microwave in rough weather. The gleaming glasses have been fiddled in place; note the wood slat in front of the rack. To eliminate the incessant rattle of metal glasses, neoprene coolies are slid over the alternate wine glasses. The open flame of the candle has been replaced with a red light that will not ruin the night vision of the one on watch.
Our Galley is adaptable, able to care for a crew or fuel a festivity. Most often it is called upon to nourish our nearest and dearest. In any mode, it is its useful, yet elegant, simplicity that lends itself to the task.