When we moved aboard I cheerfully took on all the trade-offs I knew I was making. One of them included the exchange of my well-stocked, large walk-in closet, for 30mm of rod space in a hanging locker and three shallow shelves. Another was having girlfriends available anytime, for making new friends along this challenging and rewarding journey.

I did not trade-off being feminine though! Skirts (patterned to camouflage those inevitable rust and oil spots), colorful scarves and sarongs, sturdy accessories, waterproof mascara, Burt’s Bees lip balm, toenail polish, and good hygiene certainly help. Access to the internet and social sites also helps to fill in the gaps between anchorages with other cruising females.

I have learned a few tricks from other cruising women. The sarong is a feminine powerhouse in the boating wardrobe with all the possible uses. A small spray bottle of water and a quick tug takes most outfits from locker wrinkled to land wearable. Baby wipes are great for us grown-ups too–from the quick freshen-up to spot treating clothes and lots of other uses in-between. A forward invitation for girl time off the boat–for exercising, crafting, shopping, laundry runs, or anything–is a fantastic ice-breaker for approaching other cruising females and has provided me with some of my best memories as a woman living aboard.

Thanks again!

From my perspective, I think what is taken away (happily) is the artificial demand to use the stuff that our culture and media want us to believe we need in order be feminine: like the makeup, or styled/blown dry hair. These aren’t needed to be feminine… that comes from the inside, not from accessories or paint.

For my own perspective on femininity, Victoria’s comment above nails how to keep and express it.

One part of this article that does really resonate for me is the importance of the company of women. As much as I relish being part of the rainbow of cruising world experiences, blue/pink/purple/whatever, there’s just no substitute for girlfriend time!

I don’t live on a boat (in fact, I’m landlocked in MN), but it’s a dream of mine. Some day….

Frankly, I never have had a real knack for femininity, ashore or afloat. The cruising style was a real relief for me, to get out where such stuff didn’t count for much. I was who I was.

However….in my early years in boating, I did have long sun-bleached hair that I see in hindsight was my badge of femininity. I did not like losing it, and I only cut it because it began to get wavy and that was harder to manage. About that time I began painting my toes, the perfect expression of femininity for the barefoot/sand lifestyle, so perhaps that was my “one thing” substitution.