This is a poem that was shared during our Musket Cove gatherings.
It got many nods of recognition by the ladies and sparked some "interesting" conversations when shared with the men.

Living on a boat for months allows us to travel to wonderful places and meet like minded people who become our new friends. It's not always easy without all of the conveniences and independence that we are used to having on land but the pleasures outweigh the drawbacks. As one sailor described it the technology of equipment, weather sources and navigation, often done by the men, has made the sailing easier but the day to day living tasks which are primarily done by the women have brought us back in time to hand washing dishes, clothes and bedding, conserving water, preserving and storing food without ample refrigeration, making bread, and cooking 3 meals a day and no chance of calling in a cleaning lady.


The Liveaboard Wife
By Jan Grieveson

In all of the oceans and all of the seas
In every harbour and every town quay
The greatest sight you will see in your life
Is that maiden of Iron....the Liveaboard wife

The skipper stands solemn, the wheel in his hand
Barking out orders each time they sight land
The Liveaboard wife takes it all in her stride
Cos she'll get her revenge when the
Boats safely tied

Stern to me dearie, the skipper commands
As the wife runs like hell, a line in each hand
She climbs through the stern gear and
Makes the lines fast
Then drags out the gangplank that's tied
To the mast

Fenders me dearie, both starboard and port
As she leaps into action with no second thoughts
Quickly my dearie, you do have the knack
Two under each arm, one strapped to your back

The anchor my darling,we'll go astern now
As she runs to the foredeck and lands on the bow
She wrestles the anchor lets the windlass go free
As a ton of chain metal falls into the sea

To the stern, the stern....today will be fine
He screams as she sprints to throw the aft line
Tie it off fast dear and run to the bow
The winds got our head....get the anchor tight now

Soon all is calm as the boat settles in
And the Liveaboard wife returns with the gin
No words are spoken as she pours out her vice
5 parts gin.....1 tonic......1 ice

The neighbouring yachtsmen make our
Skippers head swell
Great boat handling sir, you brought her in well
The last straw was broken for the Liveaboard wife
Who threw a left hook designed to end life

So caution to all ye sailors who head out to sea
Never take for granted what sleeps next to thee
The greatest asset any yachtsman has got
Is that Liveaboard wife....that climbs on a yacht!