The crew

Everyone in their life should have the opportunity to surround themselves with people that are better than they are. It is humbling and comforting all at the same time. I have that opportunity now � and there is no situation where I would rather have that be the case.

I suffer from seasickness. It does not go away. After the first couple days I am done throwing up but still feel green for pretty much the entire trip. Kate makes me oatmeal in the morning when I cannot stand in front of the stove. She brings me tea and will happily make me zip-lock baggie full of dry cornflakes if that is all I can eat. She will make me chicken soup because that is the only thing I can keep down. She has been across the Atlantic 6 or 7 times, and she is making fabulous meals in a gale to keep the sailing crew nourished. She has sailed through a hurricane and been in 40 foot seas. Nothing phases her, and she makes fun of me with the same zest that I am famous for dishing out. I am thankful she is onboard and believe that she is better at this than I am.

When the wind is howling 50kts and the boat is racing over 20kts and we are taking huge waves over the transom, in addition to making decisions to keep the boat safe and crew safe, I have to have the conversations with myself that I am not the first person to go through this. Todd has 100,000 ocean miles and has seen worse, been through worse and stayed calm through worse. When I call �call all hands on deck� because �it� is hitting the fan, he comes up calm and ready. And when things finally settle he just gives me a pat and checks in that I am OK. I did not know that that is what I needed but it was perfect. I am thankful he is on board and believe that he is better at this than I am.

I work a lot on the boat. It seems that I am forever trying to teach people on the boat to anticipate and to do things right the first time. Ernie and Bette are getting their own boat ready to move onboard and do some extended live aboard cruising. They get it. I never have to tell them what to think of next. They are both attentive and somehow aren�t happy unless there is water leaking out of the ceiling on to their head while they try to sleep. In the nasty weather they always somehow manage to keep a smile. They have done an Atlantic crossing on an Open 60 in 10 days. While I question my sanity in many of these situations they embrace each moment as an experience that will be valuable for them when they take to the sea on their boat. I am thankful they are on board and believe that they are better at this than I am.

Yes I can hold my own in most situations. Somehow I manage to orchestrate this symphony of varied experiences and strengths and I learn perhaps more than I teach. I am fortunate for those around me and believe that WE are better at this than I am.