By asking for the impossible
we obtain the best possible
-Italian Proverb-



This article was written to the Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron News Letter in March 2000. My ambitious plan expressed in the article did not eventuate. While I was young and cocky about my plan then, I still agree with every word of this writing. The editors note is very revealing of the yacht club response to a young cocky sailor trying to give advice to old sailors. Never mind, some dreamers will keep planning without ever going. Some are quite happy never to go. I'm not as cocky as I was at the time of writing. I'm more determined than ever though. I just don't care what others do. I hope they all fullfill their dream, or at least have a happy life. I'll do the best I can with mine.

Are you ready for Cruising

When I bought my first boat, I knew nothing about sailing. In a complete state of euphoria I fell in love with a 32-foot John Pugh steel sloop and said, "I do". As with any serious relationship, my marriage with this floating beauty slowly extiguished the flames between me and my lover, Sonya.

As I had named the yacht after my mother, I owed too much love and affection to 'Aliisa' to spare any for the person who helped me make her mine. ($10.000 loan)

After two years of being a proud and financially challenged boat owner, I have sailed no more than 1000 miles locally, re-conditioned an engine (thanks Darren), built a new cabin sole (thanks Paul), ripped three sails (way to go!), hit the bottom once (thanks Coast Guard), lost a winch (reef in time, reef in time) and ruined a relationship (Can't blame anyone for that) but I still don't know anything about sailing.

Thanks to the endless offerings of opinions, advise and expertise in the bar from the members of the I once had a wife, then I bought a boat - club, I still know nothing about paints, 12 volt electrics, gear box ratios, braking strains, rust convertes or cruising routes.

But I know one thing; On the first of July next year I will drop the slimy green ropes of the CCYS pile mooring, drive past the club house blasting my $19,95 aerosol horn and turn left at the end of the channel.

And that's when I start learning

Some of my fellow club members may think that I'm ill-prepared, pig-headed or just plain stupid. My advise to you is, don't take advise from me. Just do what you have to do.

I could easily leave today, ignoring all the shortcomings of my boat and myself. I could just as easily spend the rest of my life saving money and buying the extra piece of equipment that I need and replace the one I bought two years ago.

Just like a human relationship is never ready for eternal bliss, a yacht is never ready for care-free cruising. Your yacht will never be ready, but you will be, the moment you set a departure date! The rest of it is a day-to-day battle.

I may still be in the bar with a $1.50 glass of wine in my hand, but I'm not here. I've already gone. The journey from the work yard travel-lift to the pile mooring was the first leg of my world cruise. The journey has begun.

PS. I'm in great debt to all people in CCYS and elsewhere who have lived their dreams and inspired me with their attitudes.

Editors note: Appreciation of the freedom to express your thoughts in print, does not necessarily imply CCYS agreement with the views expressed by the author.