Why Shortcuts Are Sometimes Longcuts
30 November 2015
I admit that I have been overzealous with the preparations of this boat. I have checked every compartment, unloaded and reloaded every part, tool, book, cracker box, etc and I have inventoried every item, down to the diaper cream! Many will wonder why we choose to sail, and why on earth we would expose our children to the risk of being offshore. The answer for us is simple--the risk is worth the reward. We love our family and are intent on creating special memories and experiences that we can share together. Our faith in Jesus calls us to serve others and we want to share these trips as a type of mission for serving as parents.
Martin Luther Quote: "So this is now the mark by which we all shall certainly know whether the birth of the Lord Jesus is effective in us: if we take upon ourselves the needs of our neighbor."
Priority #1: Sailors motto: If anything is going to happen, it's going to happen out there. One must be 100% certain that they have done everything in the best of their ability to ensure preparations for life safety and boat preparedness. You cannot leave the dock with that lagging feeling in your mind. If you don't have time to prepare, delay the trip. I have had multiple inspection on the boat, including rigging, general, and other qualified marine professionals such as my broker, Bernie, and diesel mechanic, Oscar. There have been two situations on board just this trip which I successfully resolved. The first being a leak in the engine antifreeze line, and the second, a burned out rear navigation light. Because we had lined the bilge with absorbent pads, we saw the leak quickly and fixed it. Because I carry a spare light and another spare battery back up light, we resolved the other issue. Also, Erik became seasick, but because we had a crew of 3, Jeff was able to step in and share the extra watch load. Everything in seamanship requires utmost preparation. I am NOT saying that I am prepared for anything or that I can resolve all issues. What I am saying is that the more time spent on doing the hard work, the better your chances are at success. Since August, I have spent over 400 hours on the boat, learning systems, categorizing, and preparing the vessel for the family trip. I will be posting the daily maintenance and repair logs on a separate link on the website. In my humble opinion, there is nothing better than the feeling of going to sea on a well provisioned and prepared boat.
Priority #2: Safety, Safety, Safety: All crew is required to have a safety course and review of procedures with me on board prior to planning. I have a sample of items covered as a separate link to the website. Summary is boat overview, ditch bag contents, through hull locations, safety equipment, pack list, and what to expect.
Priority #3: WEATHER: Perhaps the most overlooked and simple of all priority items. There are countless veteran sailors who have rarely experienced a Force 7 or higher storm. They plan travel according to weather and wind patterns, rather than spring break schedules. Upon reviewing my own weather predictions, I bounce them off my great buddy, Kole, to get his take. And on this trip, I have signed up weather guru, Chris Parker for passage analysis. All sources confirmed a good weather window, so we left.
I am currently reading 2 books on the trip: LIFE SENTENCE, by Chuck Colson and TOTAL LOSS by Jack Coote. One great book on saving souls lost in prison and one good book on saving souls lost at sea.
Night watch: We have been blessed with a full moon starting the first night of our trip, providing a wonderful glow to accompany us on each of our night watches. Despite much motoring, the scene is peaceful here on Aghavni, with calm seas and clear view of the stars and horizon as we look out into the dark abyss of the ocean. It is hard to explain the peace and serenity achieved during a lonely night watch at sea. I highly recommend it! Radar has proved valuable in identifying buoys and boats in the night--and autopilot is a dream come true. We are about 85 NM from Charleston, giving us a planned arrival of 1-2pm. Perfect timing for an unfamiliar harbor entry and plenty of time to fuel, clean, and prepare for the return to DC courtesy of Hertz. Shifts going well on boat, with 3 hours on, allowing for 6 hours off. A good balance for all crew to rest and recover, while enjoying different parts of the day on watch. Aghavni will stay in Charleston until December when we plan to depart for Bahamas. Only desire is that the family was on this trip with me, but I know we made the prudent decision to break up the trip to ensure a successful first adventure! Summary of trip: left Easton, MD on our 11th anniversary date (and day after Thanksgiving) November 27, 2015 and arriving to Charleston on November 30, 2015. Unfortunately, only 10 hours of sailing the entire trip due to lack of wind. Fortunately, the weather was cooperative otherwise with minimal conditions and currents. I am glad I changed all impellers, fuel, and oil filters prior to trip as we have put almost 70 hours on the engine. I can't help but think how many sailors prayed for the unrelenting storms to cease right on these same waters we travel today, and how blessed we are to have calm seas.
Erik tried to fish for a day or so without success. It was more for catch and release, as we have plenty of food and supplies on board. The crew mix has been very good, with high morale and a "can-do" attitude from all parties. I am very pleased that Jeff and Erik joined for this delivery and I would not hesitate to invite them again anytime. The list of to-do items at Charleston is growing, but mainly making sure boat is ready to leave and last minute prep items for Bahamas trip.
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