05/14/2008, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
St. Louis just set a record for the wettest first 4 months and 13 days of any year--more than 22 inches of rain so far!
We're off to Cape Town on Tuesday, May 20, trying to figure out how to pack 125+ pounds of gear for the boat as well as clothes for multiple climates, including some business clothes for me (I'll be working part time out of my company's Cape Town office).
Our boat's hull was laid last August, so this has already been a long time coming. Ours will be the fourth completed hull of Admiral Yacht's new 40-ft. series and the first with drop-in modules for the cabins, heads, galley and saloon.
One thing we've noticed interacting with South Africans, both at Admiral and at my company, is the dramatic difference in attitude towards time. Brooke and I tend to plan ahead to excess and will kill ourselves to honor deadlines we agree to. In South Africa, we will need to adjust to a more leisurely pace so as not to drive ourselves and the locals crazy.
An example: When talking to Wendy at Admiral about itineraries and such, her very good advice was to enjoy the good weather days as tourists and come to the factory, visit with suppliers, etc. when the weather is poor. Imagine that, not having a schedule! It sounds just like the advice I give (and follow) when planning a sailing vacation.
Let's see if my photo of the cockpit comes through with this post.
David
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Comments [8]
I thought boats were asexual, the fact that it got laid and it took a long time to come is a little unsettling. At least you know it's a she, because otherwise the boat would have been laid in a matter of minutes.
South Africa sounds like my kind of lifestyle--no worries. One thing I loved about reporting in Mexico is that when I was half an hour late for an appointment I was either right on time or actually early. Now, if only we can get siesta's after lunch.
Enjoy the beaches, and if you go on a photo safari, enjoy the bush, but considering how your boat is already sexual, perhaps you should stay at the beach--just watch out for the great whites!
Paul
Love ya!
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