Cruising

The Twelve Rules of Cruising

August 19, 2015 by J&J 4 Comments

We aren't experts, but we have learned a ton of lessons since we began cruising. They may not apply to every single person, but several are common amongst others that we've met along the way (so far).

Don't make any plans beyond a few hours at a time. When you wake up, plan until noon. Then go from there. Time-centric plans will almost always fall through because there are so many factors out of your control. Don't get too hemmed in by specifics. Keep plans more general and you won't be disappointed.
Weather dictates everything. It is the most important factor in your ability to [comfortably & safely] go from place-to-place. Most importantly, if you plan a longer journey (multi-day, multi-week), let yourself be flexible with location of anchorages, because often the weather will force changes in those plans. You may also have to move quickly to beat strong weather, so you need to rethink the how, when and where.

If you try to link up with friends and family, determine the WHEN, but not necessarily the WHERE. Make them open to the idea of a region, but not a specific place. They can always come to find you via car once in that general area. The other option is to make sure you are already THERE [days or weeks] before they arrive.

Always take time to go to the places off the beaten path. There are hundreds of little towns that very rarely see visitors. You will experience the true essence of these towns and people. They are so welcoming and happy to have you; they will roll out the red carpet. These are the places you will remember forever.

Take time to talk to fellow cruisers and watermen; the ones who you meet along the way. They always have great stories to share and will love to hear yours. They will also have invaluable advice from their own experiences. At the same time, don't listen to the discouraging words of those who say you can't do something. Especially the ones who have never actually been cruising. Keep an open mind but never let anyone dissuade you from your goals. To each their own!

Get Active Captain for your GPS

Provision at every single place you can. Even if you don't technically need anything. If there is an opportunity to get fuel, water or food, DO IT. You never know when your next chance to provision will be available.

Carry spares of everything you can (tools, engine parts, oil, filters, hose clamps, water/fuel, sails). It will make life easier and could save your life if you ever hit snags while in-transit (ex. leaking hoses, ripped sails or engine qualms)

Don't be disappointed when everything falls apart or breaks down. This is inevitable. If you can find a temporary solution, take advantage until you are someplace safe where you can do any major overhaul necessary.

Keep your boat clean and organized. Spend 1 day per week focused on this task. It will make life much more pleasant

SIMPLIFY & MINIMIZE. This goes in-line with rule 10. You don't need near as much stuff as you think and it allows you to leave room for necessities (like food, water, safety gear, etc). Less Stuff = Less Clutter adding to the fung shui of your living space.

Take time every day to appreciate the world around you. Not many people get to experience this way of life and often the most exceptional joy is happening in the present moment.

Perhaps this list will evolve when we take cruising to the next-level.

4 comments on “The Twelve Rules of Cruising”

Deb K

Aug 19, 2015 at 11:36 AM

These are so true - we can only relate! Especially the weather. It really is the deciding factor for just about everything.
Steve Byrne

Aug 19, 2015 at 2:55 PM

Words of Wisdom!
Kate and Greg M.

Aug 20, 2015 at 6:12 AM

The inside of your boat is quite stunning. We love Island Packets and yours looks like it is in beautiful condition.
1. J&J
  
  Aug 20, 2015 at 8:49 AM
  
  Thanks so much! We've been working hard getting her back to former glory (though she did come in very good condition to start), but we have been doing a lot of work on the teak inside the boat and the fiberglass on the outside. Plus all the updates we're doing it will be like a brand spanking new boat :)