Changes

I first went off sailing with three other men in 1991, and have repeated the experience at least once every year. I have been contemplating some of the many changes that have occurred in that time. The biggest difference of course is with the navigation, the advent of chart plotters, I-pads,GPS etc. it's interesting to note that as we get ready to cross to the Bahamas there have been attempts made to do a proper plot, using tidal vectors etc.I am sure when the time comes the 'gear' will be more than adequate to get us there! I am a little sad that many of the more traditional methods will pass into obscurity, but also aware of just what an excellent job the new stuff does!

There are other discernible changes in the running of the boat. We used to rely on foodstuffs such as Peasant Paupers stew, which was four cans of stewing steak, several jars of ragu, curry paste or something similar. Eaten with canned potatoes,pasta bread etc. (often all of them.) Now we are more likely to knock up a delicate sauce Veronique to accompany the fresh fish and rocket salad, enjoy a Rioja more than a pint. (Still no good at date stamps though)

Another area involves washing. I was brought up on the theory that if you don't wash or change your clothes for a while, eventually the smell doesn't get any worse. Now all crew members are regularly showered, clothes not only changed but washed and neatly folded, and adequate deodorant applied to scare away the fishes. Difficulties with water temp.are the difference between a good and bad stopover.

Lastly, contact with home was always difficult. We relied on remote phone boxes to reassure loved ones that we were safe, as and when we could. It kind of gave that 'home from the sea' feel at the end of the cruise. Now of course there are tantrums when we can't get wi Fi, or somebody has left there charger at home. When we see a dolphin, we can have the photo in Ontario and the UK moments later.

Ah well it all makes for life's rich tapestry. 

Rain seems to have stopped at last. Get shorts on time!

Terry