Wild Blue Yonder

Post by Laurie:

For many years Harry has held the dream of freeing himself from the constraints of land and sailing the seven seas, or at least as many of them as he can. The first step to accomplishing his dream was the purchase of the right vessel. After interviewing a number of boats, he settled on a beautiful Sceptre named Shala and brought her to her new berth at The Palms Marina in Nanaimo, BC.

This is where we, Laurie and Moe, met Harry. Shortly after meeting Harry, Moe lent him "The Annapolis Book of Seamanship" which Harry quickly devoured. Over the years, Moe and I have watched Harry transform Shala from a very pretty coastal cruiser to a stunning offshore ready queen of the sea. Over time we have come to know Harry as a determined and highly particular person. We've watched him progress from newbie sailor to an accomplished singled handed sailor who is capable of proactive actions as well as calmly handling those hair raising moments when disaster seems imminent. We've seen how diligent he is with preparing his vessel. Nothing is done by half. He researches and thinks of everything.
It is this knowledge of Harry that led us to say yes when he proposed that Moe and I join him as crew on the first leg of his journey to the Baja peninsula in Mexico.

It was never my dream, this sailing offshore to new countries. It didn't even come close to making the bucket list. Moreover, although I have sailed for many years and circumnavigated Vancouver Island, the thought of offshore sailing is downright scary! But it is Harry's dream and it is on Moe's bucket list. Why would I agree to crew on this venture, you might ask. I, too, had to ask myself that question. What was I thinking when I agreed to this madness! First, I want to share in the fulfillment of my husband's dreams. Second, after having agreed to go, I won't let Harry and Moe down. Third, I consider myself a non-quitter in this type of venture. Fourth, I think facing my fears will make me a stronger and wiser woman. "Do the thing you fear and the death of fear is certain." Ralph Waldo Emerson.

I would like to list the myriad things that Harry has accomplished to get Shala to her current offshore ready condition, but I was not present during the work nor could I do justice to the endless hours of conceiving, planning and executing all the work that he has put into his beloved vessel. I leave that part to Harry to share. What I can tell you is what I have done to prepare myself for this epic adventure, for which I began relatively ignorant.

And that, my friends, is my next post...