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Struggling to get cruising? Make three lists!

Kathy Parsons — Mon, 22 Aug 2016 15:11:12 +0000

Several summers ago, I went to visit my brother and his wife who were hard at work aboard their catamaran in Morehead City, North Carolina, trying to get the boat ready to begin their first cruising that fall.

Like most boats that were in the thick of projects, the boat was in disarray with lockers open and the crew was feeling stressed.

The project list was long and Margaret was very worried that they might not even make it out cruising this year.

Margaret wanted to just GO, and she wasn’t very happy that her new home looked like the storage closet in a West Marine.

Ken wanted everything to be right and shipshape and properly installed. Major stress.

“Where is your project list?” I asked. They did have one, although there were many important jobs that hadn’t made it to the list.

“And what are your cruising plans?”

They planned to travel down the intracoastal waterway with some passages out in the Atlantic and make their way before Christmas to Marathon in the Florida Keys.
They would spend a month in the Keys, then cross over to the Bahamas.
After a winter in the Bahamas, they would return to the US for hurricane season, and then sail to the Caribbean the following autumn.

Okay, so now let’s start THREE LISTS:

Things that ABSOLUTELY MUST BE DONE before we can sail south.
Things that we MUST DO before sailing to the Bahamas, and that we could do during our month in Marathon.
Things that we COULD do next hurricane season in the US before we set sail for the Caribbean.

List number 1 MUST include those projects that are necessary to safely sail, motor and anchor their way south to Florida.

Ironically, often these safety and maintenance projects haven’t made it to a list.

Charts, lights, anchoring gear, sailing, reefing and preventing systems need to be installed and tested.
Often, there are nagging problems with equipment that you keep wishing would just fix themselves – you suspect the ship’s batteries might be shot but, living at the dock, you never test them in a way to know for sure.
You have had some fuel or overheating problems with the main engine or the generator.
Pulling up the anchor is almost impossible because the chain piles in a pyramid and blocks the haws pipe.
Why is it so difficult to furl in the jib? How exactly do you reef? The rigging should be inspected.

Plus all the administrative and paperwork tasks, especially if you will be traveling to another country: documentation, passports, insurance, pet vaccinations. Etc, etc, etc.

Think long and hard about what must be on this list. List number 1 will also require you to do some sailing and take shake-down cruises. You must test your systems and find out what works and doesn’t!

Don’t let yourself start putting the fun sexy projects, the new gear you’d love to have, on List number 1 until you have all the truly, truly essential items noted.

Review List 1.

Can you get those items done in time to leave this season? Hopefully, the answer is yes. BUT DO THEM FIRST. Because as you know, boat projects almost always take lots longer than you think.

Okay, now go down your original list, and add items to your new lists 1, 2 and 3.

Remember, you will have much more experience under your belt by the time you reach Florida, and certainly by the time you return to the US next spring, and you may have better ideas at that point about exactly what and how to install new equipment.

You will have had a season’s worth of happy hours to discuss boat stuff with other cruisers and learn from them as well about what works and doesn’t. You may avoid some costly mistakes by putting off some installation projects right now and saving them for next season.

As you make out your lists, research what you will have available at your next stopping point.

For example, down in Marathon, Florida, you will have access to chandleries, hardware stores, shipping services, supermarkets, mail service, car rental. You CAN work on your love-to-have list in Marathon, if you aren’t having too much fun to bother.

In fact, you will probably revise your lists somewhat while you are in Marathon – again prioritizing the items that ABSOLUTELY MUST BE DONE before you cross the Gulf Stream and sail into a different cruising environment with much less access to marine supplies and technicians.

And you will probably make another three lists the next summer as you prioritize those items you MUST DO before sailing down to the Caribbean.

Here is another scenario when making three lists becomes very important: Leaving Europe and preparing to cross the Atlantic to the Caribbean.

Often sailors will cruise Europe, then sail to the Canary Islands, finish their preparations, then cross the Atlantic in December or January.

So often, I have seen cruisers arrive in Lanzarote in the Canary Islands without having really thought through what they will NEED for crossing the Atlantic.

Their project list is so long that they have been distracted by all the “wouldn’t it be nice” items, and haven’t noted down or planned for the essentials.

Here is an example of the THREE LISTS you might prepare for this scenario:

Things that absolutely must be done before leaving mainland Europe (with access to mail and freight service, well-stocked chandleries, marine technicians) – and that must be done to safely sail from Spain to the Canaries, and then across the Atlantic
Things that absolutely must be done before crossing the Atlantic, but can be done in the Canary Islands.
Things that could be done after arriving in the Caribbean.

Here, availability of parts, supplies and technicians becomes more important when making out the lists.

Although there are chandleries and marine professionals in the Canary Islands, they are much more limited than in major European sailing ports.

You may not be able to get flares, a boom preventer, liferaft certification, generator, autopilot or watermaker parts, etc etc etc!

You might not be able to find someone who can diagnose the problem with your autopilot, generator, watermaker, sideband radio or charging system.

And getting parts shipped in is not as easy any more either. Waiting for parts delays many an Atlantic crossing. Sometimes cruisers resort to flying crew home to get what they can’t find locally.

So your List number 1 needs to include longer shake-down passages BEFORE you leave Europe so that you can find out what doesn’t work and make repairs while access to marine services is still good.

Worse, cruisers often begin their Atlantic crossing from the Canaries without ever getting around to the most important projects.

A few very common examples:

Beginning a three-week downwind sail without any way to prevent the boom from jibing, or without ever having rigged the downwind sails.
Not having either a working sideband radio or satellite phone to get weather underway.
Autopilot that won’t steer the boat.
Inability to charge the batteries sufficiently.
Bilge pumps that don’t work.

Ken and Margaret did make, use and revise those three lists as they began their first year of cruising.

They noticed that one important item for List number 1 was to get the charts and cruising guides and to research the route they would follow traveling south.

Margaret took that important project to heart and learned about the tides and currents, the low bridges and the safe inlets along their route south. When to travel inside and when to take the offshore route, how to play the currents and tides. By the time they left, Margaret was quite prepared to navigate them south.

And they did negotiate over those lists. Both Ken and Margaret placed items on List 1 and 2 that, though not essential, were important to them – items that made the boat home, that made cruising more enjoyable.

Five years later, Margaret reflects on that first year: “What a lifesaver your visit, and list-separating, turned out to be. It was early November before we got out of there, but we got out We still use that same list, it’s just much, much longer now and has pages and pages of items marked as completed. It’s kind of fun to look back over 5 years of projects…and the beginning 3 lists.”

YOUR lists will vary according to your cruising plans, the difficulty of the various legs of your voyage, the opportunities to get parts and professional help along the way.

But if you are starting out and feeling anxious that you might not get out cruising, or that you might get out there and have forgotten something important, make three lists!

About Kathy Parsons

Kathy Parsons took the leap and went cruising on a sailboat in 1989. Over the next 20+ years she lived aboard and sailed the US, Bahamas, Central America and Caribbean.

Her love for the sea, the sailing life and the countries and cultures she visited blossomed in a number of different ways.

She wrote two language guides for cruisers sailing in foreign countries:
French For Cruisers and Spanish for Cruisers, both widely used by sailors internationally.

She has helped thousands to pursue their sailing dreams through seminars she has developed and delivered at boat shows and sailing conferences. She has given classes and webinars in Spanish for Cruisers, and Women and Cruising, and taught cruising skills, provisioning, cruise planning and cruising the Bahamas and Caribbean. She has assisted in sailboat rallies in Europe, the Canary Islands, Caribbean, Panama and the Galapagos.

She is the founder of the website Women and Cruising, which she developed to give women and families courage and support in pursuing their sailing dreams.

Kathy currently lives on land, in Provence, France, a delightful event that never would have happened if she hadn’t sailed away years ago.

Will she go sailing again? Perhaps… Cruising and cruisers still are close to her heart.

On my own, but never alone

Laura McCrossin — Sun, 01 Jul 2012 12:52:04 +0000

ANNIE LAURIE, Allan’s Cays, Exumas (Bahamas). Photo by Wanda DeWaard

When I first decided to set out to the Bahamas aboard my 40-foot wooden Rosborough ketch, I didn’t really contemplate the possibility that I would be wholly unsuccessful at finding crew interested in a free tropical vacation. But, alas, people have lives and responsibilities, and when Annie Laurie was prepared for sea, I found I was left with little choice other than to muster up the courage to set out on my own.

ANNIE LAURIE, off Bahia Honda, Cuba.
Photo by Laura McCrossin

I had sailed south from Nova Scotia the winter before, with the help of my sister and a few good friends. I had experienced the allure of Cuba and Mexico, and spent many months anchored in Key West. As I planned to take Annie Laurie home to Canada for the upcoming summer, I decided a detour to the Bahamas was in order before the long slog home.

While in Nova Scotia, I had sailed many times alone, but never more than the 60-mile passage between my hometown of Halifax and the nearby town of Lunenburg.

I knew my boat, and was confident and comfortable doing everything aboard, engine-wise and otherwise. I only really sought-out crew when I knew there would be overnight trips involved with a passage, as I didn’t have a working autopilot aboard.

After looking over the charts of the Abacos, Eleuthera, and the Exumas, I knew I could make my way around without the necessity of an over-nighter, so with that excuse for crew no longer valid, I began to convince myself it was high time I challenged myself with an extended solo trip.

As I made final preparations, many people (who’d never sailed a 6-foot draft boat) readily assured me I drew too much to cruise the Bahamas, and would have to choose an alternate destination. In addition, I was informed toredo worms were rampant, and my mahogany-on-oak boat would look like a sponge by the time I was ready to sail back to the United States. As doubts compounded, I fortunately met a sailing couple that had cruised the Bahamas with their wooden boat years earlier without an issue, and now cruised the same waters aboard their 9-foot draft steel schooner.

As I got underway, I was greeted with repeated doses of surprise by many sailing couples, as well as men sailing solo. I began to feel I carried a certain responsibility to spread the understanding that women are just as capable as men of cruising alone.

My first, and only, Cuban cigar,
following a stressful reef crossing in 25 knots and no charts

Many didn’t understand how a woman was up to the physical challenges, to which I could only respond that that is the least of one’s challenges when cruising. On a 40-foot boat, Marconi-rigged and with a roller-furled Genoa, the sails were not the least bit heavy, or difficult to raise or trim. The most physically demanding aspect of handling Annie Laurie was hauling the 33-lb Bruce anchor and 30 feet of chain without the convenience of a windlass (I know I have carried heavier boxes of groceries into the house from the car). Sometimes I wish sailing was more physically demanding, as whenever I’m underway for any length of time, I usually find myself rooting through cubbies to dig out my my fat pants.

Another one of my favorite reactions I received was “Aren’t you scared?” Sure I was scared. Most of the time, might I add. I think every careful sailor, who is in constant mind of the possible worst-case scenario, will carry a certain amount of fear and concern at any given moment. It’s what keeps you safe. Couples may handle that fear by having each other, and men sailing alone might handle it by quietly telling themselves that everything will be okay, and that things aren’t as bad as they seem, and by reminding themselves they made every prudent preparation before ever leaving the dock. That is human, and that’s what I did.

Sure I was scared. Most of the time, might I add. Photo by Laura McCrossin

There is a certain amount of mental stamina required, mostly to deal with the monotony of ones self during those days when other cruisers are scarce. Having a best friend aboard of the canine or feline variety can provide a sense of calm in any situation, and can even provide occasional on-board entertainment when they inadvertently fall overboard, or seek attention by posing for a picture.

Cabin Girl, Effie McCrossin.
Photo by Laura McCrossin

Effie, named for the oldest Grand Banks schooner still afloat (Effie M. Morrissey, now known as Ernestina) continues to be my loyal companion, and was with me through some of the most difficult challenges of my life. Through stormy seas, and turbulent relationships, she never left my side.

Finally, it is human nature to help other people, especially if you see them facing a challenge alone. I was the grateful recipient of many acts of kindness during my voyage, whether by receiving help setting a second anchor in a gale, getting my engine started after a filter change and I’d allowed too much air through the system for the umpteenth time, or when I met an electronics expert from South Africa who fixed my autopilot and had it working for the first time in years.

People were always coming out of the woodwork, without solicitation, to lend their assistance. And there is something about eating dinner alone that seems to tug on heartstrings of sailing couples, and when anchored amongst other boats, I rarely ate dinner without good company.

So if my experiences are any example, then I find it increasingly difficult to claim I sailed the Bahamas alone. If I had known the people I was about to meet, and the shared experiences and memories I was about to make, my worries before departure would have been greatly alleviated.

And if you’re single, you’ll undoubtedly meet a few admirers along the way, and you might just meet your soul mate. I did.

Phil and I, No Name Harbor, Key Biscayne, FL. Photo by Ann Spencer

About Laura McCrossin

Laura was born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and began her sailing career on tall ships in 2001.

For the last 6 years, she has enjoyed the freedom of sailing her own wooden ketch from Canada to Cuba, Mexico, the Bahamas, and many ports in between.

She has just published her book based on her experiences “Written in Water: An Uncharted Life Aboard a Wooden Boat”, available now on Amazon, or through her website www.scotiansailor.com

A Kindle version is available on Amazon.

Elli shares her thanks and logbook from her family’s year of cruising (Part 2)

Elli Straus — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 23:55:18 +0000

Elli wrote us to say thanks for all the support and inspiration she has received from Women and Cruising, and from our 12 Sailing Families.

Back after a year’s cruise, her log book entries vividly bring back the reality of cruising. Part 1 of this 2-part post was published on Oct 14.

5. Buenos Dias! – Luperon, Dominican Republic

‘In an island nation whose economy is driven by agriculture and tourism, it’s perhaps not surprising that poverty is real and evident in every small town and village we have driven through.

Yet by all appearances, this is also a country that is also able to provide for its people in ways that we have not encountered since our trip began.

This is a country of warm, happy, constantly smiling people… Music and laughter flows freely and everyone, young and old, is always eager to lend a helping hand.’

6. “Orlando Bloom Sand!”, aka Sandy Cay – Exumas

‘We have something special planned for the girls today… Just 15 miles from Georgetown rests a tiny island called Sandy Cay (also White Cay in some charts). Most of the island is underwater at high tide. At low tide however, the water recedes to reveal a stunning expanse of pristine white sand beach.

It is here that Gore Verbinsky, the director of the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy shot a favorite scene from the trilogy’s second movie. Movie’s soundtrack in the CD player, we turn on the engine and glide out of Elizabeth harbour…’

7. Sandy Cay – Exumas

‘I walk on deck, mug of steaming coffee in hand, a little before 6:30am. Off our bow, a sweeping expanse of white sand beach… Silhouetted against the blue sky ready to erupt with the day’s first light, scatterings of palm and indigenous casuarina trees, so perfectly placed they appear painted on the landscape.

I gingerly place bare feet on starboard deck moist with morning dew, and grab the lifelines with one hand, mug of coffee still in the other. Something in the clear turquoise water catches my eye but it quickly swims away before I can identify it.

I sit on deck, close my eyes, and listen. It doesn’t happen often on a trip like this, so when it does it’s nothing short of a symphony of music to the ears. What sounds like hundreds, perhaps thousands of birds are heralding the beginning of another glorious day in the Bahamian out islands. Eyes still closed, I move with the boat’s gentle swaying, now also aware of the waves gently lapping at the white sand just a few feet off our bow.

I am all at once acutely aware of how much I will miss mornings like these once back on land and am saddened by the thought that we are already heading home. I open my eyes as the sun’s first rays peek through the casuarinas and warm my face.

Below deck, David and the girls are still asleep and part of me wants to rouse them, to share this moment with them, to show them what they’re missing. I don’t. I close my eyes again, letting the sun’s rays wash over me and privately, peacefully, selfishly, savor the moment.’

8. Warderick Wells Mooring Field – Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park Headquarters

‘We radio the park office, receive our mooring assignment, and proceed into the stunning mooring field, carefully following the band of darker blue water arching into the protected crystalline lagoon.

The site is stunning the second time around. Today there is not a breath of wind in the protected mooring field and we can easily distinguish sea grasses, small coral heads, bigger fish and positively enormous rays casually swimming in the pristine waters surrounding our boat.

I am momentarily distracted by the indescribable beauty that surrounds us but my eyes are still trained on mooring ball number 7, boat hook at the ready, as David glides Wind of Peace closer and closer…’

9. Homeward Bound (Meghan)

‘At precisely 12:50pm, we pass under the Francis Scott Bridge, as all four of us in the cockpit now, look up at the steel structure in complete silence. Baltimore City’s skyline rises above the harbor’s waters ahead, and the grassy hillside of Fort McHenry slowly comes into focus off our port bow.

Coming home means different things to each of us, but it’s clear that we each recognize the significance of passing under this bridge…

We didn’t travel as far as we had hoped and we didn’t travel as fast. But for exactly eight months, one week and one day, we experienced a lifetime of memories. Nobody knows we’re home a day early and we need time alone to slowly absorb the reality of being home again.

Tomorrow, we will begin to unpack most of our belongings from the boat that has carried us to our dreams… and back.’

Elli shares her thanks and logbook from her family’s year of cruising (Part 1)

Elli Straus — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:49:35 +0000

Our nine months at sea proved to be both challenging and rewarding in ways none of us could have imagined.
(Straus Family Aboard WIND OF PEACE – Baltimore, Maryland)

My name is Elli Straus. My husband and I pulled our two daughters out of school three years ago this October and sailed for the better part of a year on our 42ft. Beneteau, Wind of Peace.

Our adventure began in Baltimore, continued down the East Coast, through the Bahamas chain, the Turks and Caicos islands and on to Luperon in the Dominican Republic where we spent five weeks before turning the bow back towards home.

Much like the twelve featured families on your website, we left wondering if this was something we could actually do, and returned thankful for an experience that will remain in our hearts forever. I kept a daily log of our journey and took hundreds of pictures for good measure.

Since returning, I have faithfully followed Wendy Mitman Clarke’s adventures on Osprey, often weeping with the strength of the memories they conjure.

I am writing to you this evening to offer long overdue but heartfelt thanks for your wonderful website.

I have turned to it often, first looking for advice and resources when we were in the planning phase of our trip (found plenty of both) and now for inspiration about the next boat, the next adventure, when life’s –and two teenage girls’ educational demands no longer keep us tethered to land.

It was Ann Vanderhoof’s An Embarrassment of Mangoes that inspired our itinerary, and I remember touching the couples’ boat card in awe when I saw it tacked onto the wall at the Chat ‘n Chill in Georgetown.

Today, when Wendy Whitman Clarke speaks of Handy Andy, Papo and John Wayne in Luperon, I’m glad to say I know exactly what these mens’ kind faces look like. When she speaks of the warmth and generosity of the Dominican people, and particularly the people of Luperon, I know precisely what she is talking about.

I am honored to share with you a part of our unforgettable experience : Here are my favorite cruising photos + some excerpts of my log.

1. A Favorite (Shakedown) Anchorage
– Dobbins Island, Maryland

‘At approximately 4:00pm we drop anchor off tiny but idyllic Dobbins Island… despite my worries of drifting, our anchor holds beautifully and we wake up the next morning at precisely the same spot we dropped anchor the night before… raising anchor after breakfast goes as smoothly…What we don’t know yet is that we have already decided that David at the bow with me behind the wheel is how we will execute this important maneuver for months to come. In complete silence, David signals directions that I immediately translate into action. Wind of Peace moves forward, backs up, swivels and ultimately stops on command to the captain’s orders.

We have already perfected the “anchoring dance” and we don’t even know it yet.’

2. ICW Treasures
– near Charleston, South Carolina

‘… I suggest that David takes the girls for a dinghy ride and walk on the marshy patches of barrier islands that line this stretch of the ICW. By now, more sailboats have approached, all stopped dead in their tracks by the unexpected bridge closure, and have also dropped anchor to wait out the lengthy delay. David and the girls set off a little after 2:00pm, promising to be back on board no later than 3:15pm – plenty of time to make the (newly) scheduled 4:00pm bridge opening.No sooner have I settled down in the cockpit with my book when I hear the bridge operator break in with news that due to the heavy volume of vessels waiting to cross, he will “attempt” a bridge opening at 3:00pm.

I scramble down below and see it is now 2:45pm. I need to get David and the girls back – now!I run up on deck and can see them exploring the marshes, stopping every now and then to pick something up I call out to them and realize almost immediately the futility of my action. I run back down below, unhook the ship’s chrome bell from the galley and back up on deck start ringing it like a woman possessed. No response. I can see David very clearly and he hasn’t once turned to look at me. I’m thinking… I’m thinking… I run back down below and grab the emergency signaling horn. Back on deck I sound the horn 4, maybe 5 times before David turns to look at me. Immediately, David and the girls are back in the dinghy and heading towards Wind of Peace.’

3. A Lesson in Social Studies
– Blackpoint Settlement, Exumas

‘Upon entering the oldest combined class (Grades 7 and 8), the students, immaculately outfitted in clean, crisply pressed uniforms all rise to greet me in unison. I chat with their teacher (also the school’s principal), a young beautiful woman – with equally impeccable manners, who tells me she “would be delighted” to have us visit and observe a class.We chat for a few more minutes before I notice that the students, so silent I have almost forgotten they are in the classroom, have remained standing in honor of their visitor – me!

I am embarrassed by this unfamiliar show of respect, thank them for their hospitality and apologize for interrupting class before leaving… I think of all the faces that have smiled and greeted us since our arrival at Blackpoint Settlement and decide that it’s entirely possible that we have stumbled upon the friendliest, kindest populations in the entire Bahamian chain.’

4. Resting the Horses (John Wayne waving)
– Luperon, Dominican Republic

‘Before too long, we began our ascent on narrow, steep trails, climbing higher and higher into the surrounding mountainside. We continued up trails that seemed impossibly steep, leading us into Jurassic Park-like vistas. At times the forest was so overgrown, Osiris (aka John Wayne) used his machete to clear our trail as we gently coaxed our tired ponies through, ducking under thorn laden branches or dodging exotic palm leaves. We continued through steep fields of grazing cattle and reached a herd of wild horses, grazing and roaming freely amidst soaring palm trees and swaying grasses.We brought our ponies to a complete stop and watch in utter wonder as the wild horses ran free, completely transfixed both by their beauty and the beauty of our surroundings…’

Next post (Part 2): More photos and excerpts from Elli’s log book.

More information (external links)

An Embarrassment of Mangoes: A Caribbean Interlude, by Ann Vanderhoof is available in regular book or Kindle e-book format from amazon.com.
Cruising World Magazine: Articles from Wendy Mitman Clarke

Want to help other families get out cruising ?

Share YOUR experience
with Women and Cruising readers!

Email kathy@forcruisers.com or leave a comment below.

Oh, no, not another hurricane!

Pam Wall — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 00:14:34 +0000

Hurricane Irene – August 23, 2011 – 21:45 UTC – Photo Goes East

As readers prepare for hurricane Irene, we are re-printing a story that Pam Wall wrote about going through Hurricane Dennis in the Abacos.

In it she shares a list of things to have aboard to help you prepare as well as a checklist of preparations to make as a hurricane approaches.

Several years ago we were in the Bahamas for our summer vacation. It was early July and we had not been worried about hurricanes at that time of year.

But, good old Bertha didn’t look at her calendar! We were in White Sound, Green Turtle Cay, in the Abacos at that time. Our family of four plus our dog were aboard, and while we were all a bit frightened, we were proud that we had stayed aboard our boat, Kandarik, a Freya 39. Bertha did her best to ruin the islands, but thankfully there was not much damage.

And now, just two weeks ago, we were again in the Abacos, and as our luck would have it, Hurricane Dennis came out of nowhere and tested our wits again.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami predicted it would go to the East of the Abacos. When the Northeast seventy-plus knots of wind died for about fifteen minutes and the wind veered to the Southwest with a vengeance, we knew the NHC was wrong and the eye of the hurricane had come over us. And this was our vacation!

Getting prepared for a hurricane

South Pacific: S/V CARIBEE riding comfortably in 80 knots
after hurricane Rene passed – Photo provided by Cheryl Baker

I feel now that we are experienced in getting our boat and ourselves prepared for the forces of a hurricane. The things we will always have aboard when cruising during the tropical storm season are essential for the safety of the boat and all aboard.

I have made a small list of essentials that may be useful for others:

Hurricane List

Galvanized shackles of every size, your chain size and larger, and of course, seizing wire

Extra 50 foot lengths of chain, the size you use for your anchors and larger

Anchor swivels

Extra heavy duty line ¾” and larger preferably Megabraid, 100 and 200 foot pieces

Heavy duty galvanized or stainless steel thimbles

Assorted different style anchors (at least three plus a larger storm anchor)

Jerry cans for extra fuel and water

Lots of lashing lines

Hand held VHF

Hand held depthsounder for sounding secure anchorages as well as what is ahead of and behind the boat

Raw water strainers that are easy to clean for the unusually dirty water following a hurricane

Sheepsfoot knife for fast cutting of lines to be kept in the cockpit

SSB or Ham Radio and/or battery powered AM/FM radio for local forecasts

Masks, snorkels, fins, and if possible filled SCUBA tank for setting anchors and securing moorings under the water

Good recording barometer (really fun to see AFTER it is all over!!!)

Lots of towels and heavy duty chafe gear

Ventilator caps for all vents and dorades

Dogs for all hatches and ports

Big roll of Duck Tape

Dacron sticky back tape for instant sail repairs

Good sturdy dodger that can safely be left up in the strongest of winds

Anchor weights

Extra long anchor snubbers

Batteries for flashlights, radios etc.

A really good washer and big dryer for cleaning up everything after it is all over!! Ha, Ha, I wish!!!

This looks like a lot of equipment, but it really isn’t. And most of it you would have already. If you don’t have all this aboard, you could be caught short when you need it the most. Believe me! We saw so many people looking for this equipment when it was too late or unavailable. It is so easy to think ahead and make provisions. Once we knew that Dennis was going to be a threat to us, we started looking for a secure anchorage. This can sometimes be difficult when everyone else is doing the same thing.

So, start getting yourself a safe place as soon as you can.

Beat the crowds and find yourself a place with as few other boats as possible as the real danger can be others breaking free and crashing into you!

Here is another small list that makes it easy to prepare for the worst:

Safe List

Take ALL sails down, mainsail, genoas, mizzens, ALL, flake them and stow below deck

Take all Bimini Tops, awnings, weather cloths, etc. off the frames and lash the frame securely

Take all downwind poles off the mast and secure as low on the deck as possible

Tape the snap shackles with duck tape and pull to top of the mast (don’t forget to leave one to be able to retrieve the rest!)

Lash all the halyard falls to the mast. Nothing should be able to whip in the wind (and it will if left unlashed)

Take any undeployed anchors off the bow rollers where chafe could occur; lash the anchors on deck where they could easily be deployed if needed during the hurricane

Cap all ventilators

Stow EVERYTHING on deck down below. If it can get loose on deck and cause damage it will!

Use a combination of chain at the bottom and line to the boat for anchors and mooring lines. All chain does not have enough stretch, and all line could chafe on the bottom. Mooring weights are a great help and Megabraid seems to have the best stretch and chafe resistant capabilities for these extreme conditions.

Secure all lines through smooth chocks, to strong cleats, and use fair leads. Heavy-duty snatch blocks are great if the lead from your chock to the cleat isn’t fair.

Do not rely on the windlass for securing anchors on chain or line

Check every unattended boat around you for secure mooring (that will be your biggest worry!)

By the time Dennis came upon us, we had secured everything as best we could. During the 48 hours of very strong winds, we were constantly checking for chafe and adjusting the lines to the best advantage.

After the eye passed over us at about 4 am (naturally it would be in the dark!) we had only a couple of minutes to make sure we would be ready for the 180 degree windshift.

We actually had to swim out another couple of mooring lines to different mooring blocks when the shift came. It’s easier to swim under water than take a chance on a flipping dingy above the water. Two of our anchors were useless, as the eye had been predicted to pass well to the East.

Ready for the storm

As the storm approached us, we were all ready for her in the Eastern Harbor of Man-O-War Cay in the Abacos. There were about 25 unattended storage boats in the harbor on permanent moorings.

Only five boats had crews aboard. Funny how close we all became. It was like one big family in different rooms, all with the same fears and problems, and all willing to help one another should the need arise. We were continuously on the VHF radio checking on each other. Truly, we became the closest of friends during that 48 hours!

The pelting rain and gusting wind began about 12 hours before the eye passed over us.

We went for a walk to the windward side of the island to see the ocean. It was blowing about 55 to 60 knots and even though we had difficulty walking against this wind, the view we had of the raging sea was spectacular. The normally peaceful lagoon inside Man-O-War reef was a tempest of gusting wind, huge seas, no visibility, and enormous breaking surf on the coral lined beach.

And the hurricane had not even yet arrived. Our anchorage was still quite calm behind the hills with the wind very sporadic with short-lived gusts to 50 knots.

At dark the full fury of the storm came upon us.

Why does it always come at night? Cockpit watches and chafe patrols kept us awake. The anemometer registered over 70 knots and I know it was blowing more than that for some of the time. Kandarik would heel over in the stronger gusts, then shake herself back onto an even keel. The noise on deck was deafening as the wind whistled through the rigging. We could hear the shotgun sounds of a loosed roller furling genoa on the boat up the harbor from us. Below in the cabin it was difficult to talk to one another over the sound of roaring wind. While it did not rain very much, only spitting at times, the wind driven seawater poured over the boat like a wild shower. Even in the dark we could see the gusts literally lift the harbor water up and send it whirling across the surface.

We could not sleep. I was on the Ham Radio every few minutes getting updates, and giving the National Hurricane Center our barometric pressure, wind speed and direction. It was fun being part of their network.

At about 3:30 a.m. the wind stopped. It was so weird!

We rushed up on deck; there was the loom of the full moon, and no wind. I got on the radio and reported this to the Hurricane Center in Miami. I was asked to go on deck and give every detail of the conditions. Now, at last they knew exactly where the eye was. Within minutes the wind made its dramatic change that confirmed the location of the eye.

If it was blowing hard before the eye passed us, well, let me tell you, it blew even stronger on the backside of the storm!

And now the pouring pelting rain came. Sheets of rain smothered the boat. Even higher gusts of wind came more frequently and lasted longer. The barometer plummeted in its final dive, and seemed to stay at its all time low forever.

As dawn finally came we realized we needed more lines out to windward.

The only solution was for Andy to swim to where we thought there was another mooring block. There I was on the bow, holding on as the wind tried to tear my hands from the bow pulpit, watching my husband swimming in the half-light of dawn, trying to secure another line to a mooring in front of us! I remember not being able to see anything as the stinging rain bit into my skin like a million needles.

I was really worried about Andy and was so relieved when he resurfaced near the boat. It was a struggle for him to get back aboard. He laughed at my worried expression and told me how peaceful it was below the surface of the water. He was lucky to have found the mooring.

The hurricane force winds lasted another twelve hours.

We saw two boats tear loose from their moorings and smash into other boats before finally ending up on the shore. There was nothing anyone could have done to save them, as the wind was far too strong for a dingy to survive without flipping over. I have never seen such rain. Blankets, not sheets, of water were thrown over us. Dennis must have liked the Abacos, as he was so slow to move on.

Our poor barometer must have hated my eyes peering continuously at it hoping for the much-desired rise in pressure.

It was late evening of the second day that it finally calmed down to 35 or 40 knots. The rain continued, but there was a definite ease in the wind. By Sunday morning it was all over, calm and peaceful again. The seas outside the island continued to rage for several more days as Dennis insisted on churning up the ocean to the North.

But, for us, the show was over.

This article appeared on Pam Wall’s blog

Less than 10 days later, Kandarik encounters hurricane Floyd!!!! Read the story! (Pam Wall’s blog).

About Pam Wall

Pam sailed around the world in a 7-year adventure with her husband and young children before finding her important niche as West Marine‘s Outfitting Manager.

In this role Pam has done much to support cruisers, both new and experienced, as she has through the many seminars she presents at boat shows across the country (including Women and Cruising seminars) and the sailing she teaches annually at Women on the Water Week in the British Virgin Islands.

Pam’s website is www.PamWall.com.

More information (external links)

Hurricane Floyd, by Pam Wall: “Dennis came and went with no damage to our boat Kandarik except for our frazzled nerves. We never dreamed we would encounter another hurricane in less than ten days!”
National Hurricane Center: The National Hurricane Center website provides detailed location and forecasting of tropical storms and hurricanes in the Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, Mexico and the Eastern Pacific.
Hurricanes in Baja: Fire Drills and the Real Thing, by Gwen Hamlin

Have you weathered a hurricane or tropical storm?

Share your experience.

Email kathy@forcruisers.com or leave a comment below.

Traveler vs. Tourist

Brittany Stephen-Meyers — Wed, 18 May 2011 15:47:35 +0000

As Brittany and Scott, newlyweds, head down island to the Caribbean on their Hallberg-Rassy 35, Brittany reflects on ways that cruising takes her out of tourist mode. Thanks, Brittany for sharing this post from your blog! Keep us updated!

One of the greatest gift of cruising to a place via sailboat is the fact that you are – almost always – viewed as a traveler, and not a tourist. The other night our new friend Dee made this distinction – and I thought it interesting enough to share…

What’s the difference?

• The tourist can be found at the all-inclusive resort. The traveler will be found at the local coffee shop.

At a local bar in Little Farmers Cay, Bahamas where we were taught how to play local dominos

• The tourist will emerge from an air-conditioned tour bus where they will frantically snap a bunch of photos and rush back into the bus to head to the next site. The traveler will be jam-packed into public transportation, potentially alongside live animals and might even have someone else’s child thrust into their arms…

• The tourist will only eat at the ‘white’ establishments deemed “safe” by their resort. The traveler will dine on local cuisine, in local cafeterias among local people (Montezuma be damned!).


A local cafe outside Luperon, Dominican Republic where the food was divine	Enjoying some local beans, rice, plantains and ‘ensalada’ at a local cafeteria outside of Luperon

• The tourist complains in a nasally voice that no one speaks English. The traveler tries to communicate in the local dialect (mostly unsuccessfully (wince) – but not for want of trying!)…

A tiny treasure, found along a deserted beach in the Bahamas

• The tourist bounces from trinket shop to trinket shop buying shell boxes, woven wallets, and little shot glasses that say “Viva la ____” while the traveler collects momentos from the beach or from the locals’ whom they have befriended.

• The tourist has a detailed agenda and schedule, the traveler has intentions and flexible plans…

• What the tourist despises, the traveler loves: Broken down busses, roadside riots, sudden strikes, flat tires, wrong turns, flash floods, taking the wrong train to the wrong town (whoopsie!)..etc… To the tourist these are major inconveniences (even catastrophes) – to the traveler they are recipes for adventure…

• Where the tourist sees an obstacle, the traveler sees an opportunity…
Where the tourist sees dirt and disgust, the traveler sees a simple beauty…

The difference is in the mindset.

The traveler seeks to learn more about the world around him, whereas the tourist is looking for an escape. The traveler tries to understand a new culture, the tourist prefers to see only what is appealing…

On the back of a friend’s motorcycle getting a free tour of Luperon

For the traveler – it’s the journey that counts, for the tourist it’s the destination…

While both Scott and I have had moments where we have been both tourists and travelers – we have learned that being a traveler provides a much richer experience. Locals have more respect for you, they’re more likely to view you as equals and see you as people and not just dollar signs.

Yesterday I hitched a ride to shore on a local fishing boat who’s friendship we have made here in Luperon; I offered him a few pesos as a “thank you”. He simply looked at me with a beaming smile, closed my fingers over my open palm and said, “I like you more than I like money”.

You won’t be hearing that at the local Sandals resort.

The traveler sees what he sees.

The tourist sees what he has come to see.

~G.K. Chesterton

Love,
Brittany & Scott

About Brittany Stephen-Meyers

Brittany Stephen-Meyers is a gypsy at heart; she has lived in Tanzania, Africa, has traveled as far east as Thailand and as far south as Patagonia…

She is currently on an open-ended cruising sabbatical with her new husband, Scott aboard their Hallberg-Rassy 35 Rasmus.

They married in July of 2010, took off on their boat in September and plan to stay afloat as long as they possibly can.

You can learn more about Brittany and Scott and their travels on their prolific and popular sailing blog www.windtraveler.blogspot.com.

What have you learned lately as you cruise?

Share your experiences with us.

Email kathy@forcruisers.com or leave a comment below.

Join the ‘Women and Cruising’ team at Strictly Sail Pacific – Oakland – April 14-17, 2011

Kathy Parsons — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 14:17:45 +0000

Enough of this internet! Let’s meet in person and talk at the Strictly Sail Pacific Boat Show in Oakland, California April 14 through 17. Pam Wall, Gwen Hamlin and I will be presenting 2 Women and Cruising seminars plus a slew of other talks (details below). The Women and Cruising seminars are super for asking your questions about cruising (anything goes!).

We love these seminars and all the new friends we have made doing them. In fact, I love the seminars so much I am packing up my bags and leaving the boat in beautiful Eleuthera, Bahamas (with sand in my shoes) to fly to the Oakland show. When we’re not giving seminars we will be hanging out at the Author’s Corner. I will be selling my French for Cruisers and Spanish for Cruisers books plus a new audio. Come by and talk cruising! We look forward to seeing you there!

Blue Water Sailing is the Presenting Sponsor of the Seminar Series. The one-hour seminars are FREE with your paid show admission. Attendees will receive two issues of Blue Water Sailing and a complimentary subscription to Cruising Compass.

Women and Cruising

by Kathy Parsons, Pam Wall, Gwen Hamlin

Kathy Parsons, Pam Wall and Gwen Hamlin team up to share experiences and answer all your questions about preparing for cruising and life aboard: from the skills you need to cruise, to outfitting and provisioning, to seasickness, staying healthy, finances, long passages, safety and the fears and the rewards of cruising.

Attendees will receive a Women and Cruising Resource List to supplement the information covered in the seminar.

Dates:

Friday, April 15, 2011 – 11:45am
Saturday, April 16, 2011 – 4:45pm

What Works: Tips and techniques for long-distance cruising.

by Kathy Parsons, Pam Wall, Gwen Hamlin

Sometimes it is the little things that make all the difference. With decades of cruising and tens of thousands of miles under their keels, cruisers Pam Wall, Gwen Hamlin and Kathy Parsons have learned lots of little things that make cruising safer, more comfortable, more successful.

In this quick-paced seminar, they will share some of their favorite tips, techniques and gear. They will cover the full gamut of cruising: from passage-making, boat-handling, anchoring, line-handling, provisioning, stowage and boat systems, safety, communications, finances. You are bound to learn new ideas to improve your cruising.

Dates:

Thursday, April 14, 2011 – 11:45am
Sunday, April 17, 2011 – 10:30am

Cruising the French and Spanish-speaking Caribbean

by Kathy Parsons

The French and Spanish-speaking countries of the Caribbean provide rich and varied cruising opportunities: from Martinique and Guadeloupe’s French creole cuisines, to inland travel through Central and South America, to the music and beauty of Cuba. Yet boaters often hesitate, faced with language and cultural differences.

With photos, hand-outs and personal stories from over a decade of travel throughout the Caribbean, author and cruiser Kathy Parsons shows how and why to fully explore these areas. You will leave this seminar with a list of Caribbean destinations that you won’t want to miss and practical tips that will reduce cultural misunderstandings and make your travel more safe and enjoyable.

Date:

Thursday, April 14, 2011 – 03:30pm

Spanish for Cruising Mexico

by Kathy Parsons

To make the most of your cruise to Mexico, you’ll want to be able to communicate with the people you meet – from port officials to repairmen, market vendors and fishermen.

In this seminar, Kathy Parsons, will give you techniques and strategies that help you communicate with everyone you meet ashore and on the water. Participants will learn techniques that ease communication, will learn to avoid common cultural mistakes and receive hand-outs covering Spanish for provisioning, clearing in, conversation, and other essentials of Mexican cruising.”

Date:

Saturday, April 16, 2011 – 11:45am

Outfitting Part One – On Deck

by Pam Wall

Pam Wall will give sensible and practical ideas on how to make your boat more seaworthy, safer, more efficient, and more fun. The systems and equipment that she and her husband, Andy, have on their boat came from years of practical sailing.

From bow to stern Pam will show you what she found made her boat a better blue water cruising boat. Be ready to take notes on what works and what does not work in this informative seminar on proper deck hardware and systems. All this leads to having a better time aboard your boat.

Date:

Thursday, April 14, 2011 – 1:00pm

Outfitting Part Two – Below Deck

by Pam Wall

Once again Pam Wall will show you ideas on how to make your boat more comfortable and more efficient down below where your living quarters make all the difference to your comfort and safety! See the many ideas Pam has put into use to make the interior of her boat functional and safe. Again, be prepared to take a lot of notes on the good ideas presented in this seminar.

Date:

Thursday, April 14, 2011 – 2:15pm

Cruising the Bahamas

by Pam Wall

I don’t have to sail around the world to be in Paradise! Pam Wall has sailed around the world, but her most favorite place of all is in her back yard!

The Bahamas are Pam’s favorite cruising grounds, and she takes you there with a flair! See the beauty of these magnificent islands, so near, yet so far. This slide presentation will have you jumping into the clear water before you know it.

Date:

Friday, April 15, 2011 – 3:30pm

How to be your own Maintenance Captain

by Pam Wall

Pam Wall will take you from bow to stern, on deck and down below, to help you check out what you need to know to maintain your vessel without the help of trained professionals. This type of basic knowledge of maintenance and how to keep everything in good running order will give you the confidence to know your own boat and all its systems. Pam will suggest easy programs to keep all you have aboard in good condition making your cruising more successful without any breakdowns. Learn from Pam how a woman can contribute to the maintenance schedule to keep your boat in top condition. All this will allow you to have a happy time aboard and give you the basic knowledge of how to eliminate most annoying failures!

Date:

Saturday, April 16, 2011 – 1:00pm

Cool Products No One Knows About

by Pam Wall

Pam Wall has been working for West Marine for twenty years. She sees and tries many new and lots of old products that are available to the yachtsmen around the world. Let her show you many really great products that very few people know about. The secrets of great things will be revealed so you can take advantage of a lifetime of finding cool products that few have ever tried. Pam has her favorites that she will share with you, and you will come away with many great ideas for your own boat.

Date:

Sunday, April 17, 2011 – 1:00pm

Severe Weather Preparation

by Pam Wall

Many of you may have attended Pam’s Hurricane Preparation seminars in the past. This year Pam will take you through the steps to be prepared for severe weather while at sea! The list of what you should have aboard, how you should prepare yourself, and how you should handle your boat are all given to you by someone who has lived through many a severe weather situation in her years of sailing. This is a seminar everyone should attend to be prepared and therefore be able to handle any situation with severe weather

Date:

Sunday, April 17, 2011 – 3:30pm

More info

About Kathy Parsons, Pam Wall and Gwen Hamlin
Visit the Strictly Sail Pacific website
Download the complete seminars schedule

Ruth says: To learn about a place, volunteer!

Ruth Allen — Mon, 03 May 2010 15:14:25 +0000

The protected Bahamian harbour we are in with its keyhole-type entrance is adjacent to a very friendly community.

Cruisers stop here in Hatchet Bay, Eleuthera, for short or longer stays and it is a very nice mix of both residents and a few tourists. In other words this place welcomes tourists but does not exist solely for the tourist.

This appeals to both of us, since we do not feel we can truly learn about a place and it’s culture by only visiting the normal tourist spots.

As we were planning to stay for a couple of months, I began looking for an opportunity to volunteer in the community, that was providing free of charge moorings and a safe albeit temporary home.

I have been fortunate indeed to spend two days a week at the local primary school working with kids who are having difficulty in school. The kids are polite, quick to smile and just generally fun to be around.

Initially, I wondered what I would be doing with each child, so the first day or two, we talked trying to get to know each other. We also read short books together and wrote stories. I was trying to assess what I could best focus on with each child as well as find out a little about their personalities.

This has been fun for me, and offers me a perspective on the community I would not have otherwise discovered. The school has included me in various activities with open arms. Far more children and their parents know me by name than would if I had remained a slightly interested visitor.

Some adults have stopped me to thank me for my time! I had been wondering if I was being at all useful, if I had made a mistake entering the lives of the children for so short a time ( several weeks). This question has been recently answered for me.

One teacher says her student has improved the legibility of her writing, another is at last learning cursive writing, and two others have begun to improve their ability to read.

The thing I am happiest about, is having been able to arrange eye glasses for a child whose parents cannot afford them. This young person will make great strides simply by being able to see her work, thanks to a kind sponsor.

It has been fun to share stories about my home with these curious children, and show them the route our boat took to travel here.

Interesting also is their reaction to learning we have things like an oven aboard, or the fact that “They let me drive the dingy all by myself.” These exchanges offer little windows into the cultural norms of the area.

It will be hard to leave these wonderful young people behind when I begin my journey home soon. Along with the fun, I have also learned things that have made me very sad, and in some cases angry. The children have taught me more than I have shown them.

Would I do it again, given the opportunity? Indeed I would, it has been worth every minute.

I feel privileged to have been allowed to participate in the community in this way. I feel like I have received much for the donation of a small amount of time.

I would encourage others to join in community ventures while cruising, when the opportunity presents itself.

An EEO (Exceptional Education Outreach Bahamas) volunteer wrote this about Ruth’s involvement for their newsletter and passed it on to Women and Cruising:

“A woman who came by boat from Canada and anchored in Hatchet Bay stopped by P.A. Gibson Primary School to see if Mrs. Ingraham, the Principal, needed a volunteer to help with children with learning disabilities.

Her name is Ruth Allen. She raised two sons who are now middle-aged and both had a variety of learning disabilities. She began coming in on Tuesday and Wednesday to work with the EEO students that were in need of special one-on-one attention with their various disabilities.

One little girl had trouble reading and had a wandering eye which Ruth also had as a child. She realized that the girl might need glasses. She mentioned it to someone in her travels through the community and they offered to pay for her to get glasses. The little girl doesn’t know about this yet but will be thrilled to be able to read better.

Ruth has also taken a special interest in one little boy who she feels will do best if he is directed into some sort of technical training for his career choice. She has offered to take him onto her boat and introduce him to various mechanical/engineering facets of boats in order to spark his interest in pursuing learning a boat-related skill. He already shows great interest in anything even remotely associated with the sea and will be thrilled when he learns that his father has agreed to allow Ms. Ruth to take him onboard.”

About Ruth Allen

I have been living aboard Witchcraft, my Tom Colvin designed ketch for the last six years. As soon as my four children were launched my husband (Mark) and I emptied the house, and left the land behind.

We are not full time cruisers since we are not retired. I work at West Marine Canada which gives me the opportunity to combine work and pleasure.

I live in Canada and sail every chance I get. I came to sailing later in life and found a new passion.

Visit Ruth’s blog: www.mytb.org/svwitchcraft

More Info

Exceptional Education Outreach Bahamas (EEO) website
Hatchet Bay Festival Committee website

How have you gotten involved in the communities you have sailed to?

Leave a comment below or email us: kathy@forcruisers.com

Debbie Leisure: What I learned on my first solo trip to the Bahamas

Debbie Leisure — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 22:02:00 +0000

In September of 2009, Debbie Leisure wrote here on the Women and Cruising Blog about how she learned to single-hand her boat after the death of her husband. At the end of the post Debbie said that she planned to sail to the Bahamas this winter. So we recently asked Debbie to update readers – sharing what she has learned on this trip while it is fresh in her mind. Thanks, Debbie!

Yes, I’m sure I learned a lot his winter, my first solo trip to the Bahamas.

I’m also sure that I knew some of these things before setting out for the Bahamas, but I now REMEMBER that I knew them.

Lessons along the ICW

The learning experience did not take long to begin.

I left Oriental, North Carolina in October heading south along the ICW (Intracoastal Waterway) and on my second morning out I ran aground.

What did I learn?

That I have to pay very close attention to currents, and I learned that TowBoat US towing insurance is a wonderful thing to have.

Also, that I can call TowBoat US before I run aground when in unfamiliar waters, and they will advise me and give me the local knowledge that I need.

Day three and another lesson.

I’m still not real sure exactly what the lesson was that day. But I did learn that you can call TowBoat US two days in a row and they keep coming to help!

What actually happened was that my anchor became fouled on something on the bottom.

After much maneuvering on my part, and advice from my buddy boat that was circling around, I could not release the anchor from the bottom. Thus, Towboat US.

Unfortunately, they also couldn’t retrieve my anchor and I had to cut the anchor chain leaving behind 30 feet of chain and a perfectly good anchor.

The area I was in was not such that I could dive on the anchor, and the cost of hiring a diver would not have offset the loss of the chain and anchor.

So, I guess what I learned was: Always have a spare anchor, which I did have.

Most of the rest of the trip down the ICW from North Carolina to Florida was uneventful. I managed to anchor, pick up moorings and dock alone without mishap.

My new chartplotter

The entire trip taught me that the new chartplotter I had added last year was an excellent addition to the equipment.

The chartplotter made all navigation easier, both in the ICW and in the Bahamas.

It was especially useful in the ICW on the day I got caught in the fog.

In the Bahamas

I can navigate through the narrow passes in the cays of the Bahamas with confidence and the chartplotter makes it so much easier.

When the anchor chain was wrapped around a coral head in a beautiful anchorage, I learned that I needed assistance.

And that’s okay, because friends and fellow cruisers are always ready to help anyone in need.

It’s a comfortable feeling, knowing that that support group is always there should you ever need it.

I learned that I will run aground and, no, there may not be a towboat handy. I learned that I can get myself off the sand and handle the boat and myself in uncomfortable situations.

I have learned that I can evaluate the weather predictions and choose safe anchorages for the weather conditions.

Do I always get it perfect? No.

But I learn each time and survived the less than perfect anchorages and each time I get better at making those anchorage decisions.

I learned that the Bahamas are beautiful, that the weather is not always perfect, that cruisers everywhere are wonderful, and each successful day adds to my feeling of self-confidence.

See you next year in the Bahamas.

About Debbie Leisure

Debbie Leisure sails her 29′ Island Packet, Illusions single-handed. Originally from Missouri, she sailed the Eastern Caribbean for five years. The island of Carriacou holds a special place in her heart.

Recently, Oriental North Carolina has been her home base. She spent this winter in the Bahamas (Abacos, Exumas and Eleuthera), and when she leaves the Bahamas this Spring she plans to sail back to North Carolina for hurricane season.

Shampoo and soap for bathing in salt water? More tips

WAC team — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 20:01:46 +0000

Question:

I am new to the cruising lifestyle and would appreciate your advice. I will be going to the Bahamas with my boyfriend soon and we plan to shower in saltwater in the cockpit then rinse in fresh water.

What soap works best for body washing in salt water?

What shampoo do you recommend for color treated blonde hair?

Pam Wall and Kathy Parsons responded here.
Here are 3 more responses to this question from readers of Women and Cruising and many comments, including a discussion on shaving legs aboard.

Dierdre Wogaman

Dierdre Wogaman in the Bahamas

I use regular shampoo and conditioner on my hair.

To get extra conditioning, I place a shower cap on after the conditioner is worked in. By having the conditioner stay on longer with out dilution, I feel that it must be better for my hair. Rinsing my hair, after my body, comes last.

By using a sun shower, we use less water than using the pressure water from the boat.

When I color my hair, I do everything in the boat and then climb down into the salt water to rinse. Therefore, I can use plenty of water to rinse. The last rinse is done back on the boat so I can do it with fresh water. I have a black colored towel in case I have not gotten all the color out of my hair; that way it will not stain the towel.

I have found that the liquid soap is easier to use on the boat, than bar soap, as it leaves less of a mess. No worries about the soap bar sliding overboard either.

Sue Lamar

I have found that Joy dish washing soap and a bar soap by the name of Kirk’s Castle (coconut soap) is very useful in salt water.

Only ones I’ve found to soap up in the salt water.

Sylvie Branton

Wherever you are, ask the local fishermen or their wives!

They always know what is the best local soap (and dish washing liquid) for salt water.

2 more reasons for having Johnson’s Baby Shampoo aboard (see Pam Wall’s response):

you can use it to wash your diving mask’s glass (does not make your eyes sting)
it is gentle on your hair and so is ideal when you must wash your hair frequently (either with fresh or salt water), as we do aboard.

Blog » Bahamas

Struggling to get cruising? Make three lists!

Like most boats that were in the thick of projects, the boat was in disarray with lockers open and the crew was feeling stressed.

Okay, so now let’s start THREE LISTS:

List number 1 MUST include those projects that are necessary to safely sail, motor and anchor their way south to Florida.

Review List 1.

Okay, now go down your original list, and add items to your new lists 1, 2 and 3.

As you make out your lists, research what you will have available at your next stopping point.

Here is another scenario when making three lists becomes very important: Leaving Europe and preparing to cross the Atlantic to the Caribbean.

Ken and Margaret did make, use and revise those three lists as they began their first year of cruising.

About Kathy Parsons

Read more on this website

On my own, but never alone

About Laura McCrossin

Read also on this website

Elli shares her thanks and logbook from her family’s year of cruising (Part 2)

5. Buenos Dias! – Luperon, Dominican Republic

6. “Orlando Bloom Sand!”, aka Sandy Cay – Exumas

7. Sandy Cay – Exumas

8. Warderick Wells Mooring Field – Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park Headquarters

9. Homeward Bound (Meghan)

Read also on this website

Elli shares her thanks and logbook from her family’s year of cruising (Part 1)

I am writing to you this evening to offer long overdue but heartfelt thanks for your wonderful website.

I am honored to share with you a part of our unforgettable experience : Here are my favorite cruising photos + some excerpts of my log.

1. A Favorite (Shakedown) Anchorage – Dobbins Island, Maryland

2. ICW Treasures – near Charleston, South Carolina

3. A Lesson in Social Studies – Blackpoint Settlement, Exumas

4. Resting the Horses (John Wayne waving) – Luperon, Dominican Republic

Read also on this website

More information (external links)

Oh, no, not another hurricane!

Getting prepared for a hurricane

I have made a small list of essentials that may be useful for others:

Hurricane List

So, start getting yourself a safe place as soon as you can.

Here is another small list that makes it easy to prepare for the worst:

Safe List

Ready for the storm

The pelting rain and gusting wind began about 12 hours before the eye passed over us.

At dark the full fury of the storm came upon us.

At about 3:30 a.m. the wind stopped. It was so weird!

If it was blowing hard before the eye passed us, well, let me tell you, it blew even stronger on the backside of the storm!

As dawn finally came we realized we needed more lines out to windward.

The hurricane force winds lasted another twelve hours.

About Pam Wall

Read also on this website

More information (external links)

Traveler vs. Tourist

What’s the difference?

The difference is in the mindset.

About Brittany Stephen-Meyers

Join the ‘Women and Cruising’ team at Strictly Sail Pacific – Oakland – April 14-17, 2011

Women and Cruising

Dates:

What Works: Tips and techniques for long-distance cruising.

Dates:

Cruising the French and Spanish-speaking Caribbean

Date:

Spanish for Cruising Mexico

Date:

Outfitting Part One – On Deck

Date:

Outfitting Part Two – Below Deck

Date:

Cruising the Bahamas

Date:

How to be your own Maintenance Captain

Date:

Cool Products No One Knows About

Date:

Severe Weather Preparation

Date:

More info

Ruth says: To learn about a place, volunteer!

Related articles on Women and Cruising

More Info

Debbie Leisure: What I learned on my first solo trip to the Bahamas

Lessons along the ICW

My new chartplotter

1. A Favorite (Shakedown) Anchorage
– Dobbins Island, Maryland

2. ICW Treasures
– near Charleston, South Carolina

3. A Lesson in Social Studies
– Blackpoint Settlement, Exumas

4. Resting the Horses (John Wayne waving)
– Luperon, Dominican Republic