Rebel Heart's Contribution to the Cruising Community

[Kenomac]

Originally Posted by boatman61

I think its time cruisers crossing oceans changed their outlook...
Give up the 'I've all base's covered' attitude and adopt a 'Everythings going to get pear shaped and HTF will I survive' attitude..
Hand steering for over a 1000 miles is just a matter of getting your head around it.. steer dawn till dusk then heave to/forereach on the most favourable tack and get your head down.. (Screw the look out ****..).
If you cannot deal with a boat down to the absolute basic's... don't go out there... else you'll be just another statistic to blame for rising taxes..
Its called sailing.. suck it up..

We're definitely on the same page regarding boat prep. 'tis better to border on paranoia and assume everything might or will fail when SHTF, than to just go out and "wing it." 'Even wear the same hat. Nice

[letsgetsailing3]

...and suddenly, on page 37 of the second thread, it became OK to talk about Rebel Heart.

I don't think the story or the opinions are going to change much, even after Eric adds his perspective.

People formed their opinions about this two weeks ago, when the basics of the story were known, even if those opinions weren't being reflected on here.

The biggest question remaining is "What did we learn from it?"

[LakeSuperior]

Originally Posted by letsgetsailing3

...and suddenly, on page 37 of the second thread, it became OK to talk about Rebel Heart.

I don't think the story or the opinions are going to change much, even after Eric adds his perspective.

People formed their opinions about this two weeks ago, when the basics of the story were known, even if those opinions weren't being reflected on here.

The biggest question remaining is "What did we learn from it?"

Actually, if you want to speak for me, I formed my opinion over the last 5 years or so reading Eric's posts on CF.

[SV Windrush II]

I think if I was to compare sailing offshore and especially crossing oceans is like a person climbing mount Everest or hiking to the south pole. You really need to not only be prepared and train well, but you need a fighting instinct, a determination to press on no matter what happens.

When people think of wanting to sail across oceans, it sometimes becomes a romantic dream to them, instead of the reality of what they may face by actually trying it.

To survive it is 80% mental, if you don't have it mentally, it may be not something you should try doing. Preparing by always sailing in fair weather is not good enough. One must experience some nasty situations, get used to the feel of the boat surfing down waves and navigating through heavy seas before ever trying to cross oceans, as sure enough you will go through it sooner or later.

When I get into heavy weather, my mind goes right to the challenge of it. I say to the sea, come on, is that all you got! and I CHARGE ON!

Hats off to all who have challenged the sea and returned to talk about it!

[robert sailor]

OK some of what your saying has merit but I'm not so sure about a hats off to those that returned to talk about it because even the ones who don't make it across seemed to return to talk about it.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by boatman61

If you cannot deal with a boat down to the absolute basic's... don't go out there... else you'll be just another statistic to blame for rising taxes..
Its called sailing.. suck it up..

Very important point. I see nothing wrong with having all the goodies like GPS, autopilot, radios, sat phones, generator, air conditioning, water makers and maid service with mints on your pillow at night, as long as these remain conveniences and do not become necessities.

I agree that any one taking a boat offshore should be prepared to get home safely if every gadget on the boat dies and he/she is left with nothing more than a sound hull and rig and a paper chart.

[SV Windrush II]

Originally Posted by robert sailor

OK some of what your saying has merit but I'm not so sure about a hats off to those that returned to talk about it because even the ones who don't make it across seemed to return to talk about it.

Oh yes, only those who made it! hahaha.

[Delfin]

Originally Posted by atoll

IN Regard to erics motive i think you should read this,then it is probably a good point to close a chapter in cruisers forum history
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...an-106946.html

Ouch. That's going to leave a mark.

But you are correct, and that thread should be a reminder on the truth of the saying that those in glass houses shouldn't throw rocks.

It's nice to see that Eric has defenders on this thread. Pity they weren't around to support a class act like the Zen fellow.

[minaret]

Originally Posted by leightonyachts

Oh yes, only those who made it! hahaha.

Meh; hats off to those who tried and failed as well.

[SV Windrush II]

Originally Posted by minaret

Meh; hats off to those who tried and failed as well.

Well I think if you come back alive it would not be a failure. maybe a setback or another learning experience

[Jud]

Originally Posted by letsgetsailing3

.

The biggest question remaining is "What did we learn from it?"

What I have learned from this whole event is...

[...wait for it...]

[Jud]

Originally Posted by Jud

What I have learned from this whole event is...

[...wait for it...]

After 38 pages of commentary by essentially anonymous Internet users...

[...wait for it...]

[Jud]

Originally Posted by Jud

After 38 pages of commentary by essentially anonymous Internet users...

[...wait for it...]

I would never post on forums ad nauseum (or at least would take care what I wrote --case in point here) prior to a major offshore trip (or would do it under a pseudonym) --and, more importantly, would most certainly not publicly blog about the preparation or, most importantly, the day-to-day.

My biggest take-away from the whole situation. Seriously.

I'm somehow surprised that no one else has said the same. It is fascinating to observe, to "lurk" as the Internet parlance puts it, and see how the crowd responds. But why anyone would subject themselves to such public display is absolutely beyond me.

[Delancey]

I've been thinking about the taking-on-water-part. From what we know, whatever was causing the problem sounds like it was somewhat under control.

For myself I took a light ting strike on a delivery once. Fried any sensitive electronics and as we would learn the next day, wrecked considerable havoc on the hull and fittings, after we began taking on water while pounding in short choppy seas.

We were coastal, so no big deal, or at least not the same as offshore. After four or five hours of my mate bailing, we were able to turn a corner and make for port in calmer waters.

The problem was the through-hull for the engine water. I was driving the whole time so all I see are occasional buckets coming up.

Later when the boat got pulled we learned the wet core got cooked and the whole boat needed up being cut apart and re-cored.

My point to all if this is at the time, and for that four hours, I'm thinking to myself "well we okay for now, but what if it gets worse?"

Just something to think about. There's a lot of experienced people here, but maybe not so many with a bucket.

[SaltyMonkey]

Originally Posted by atoll

disgraceful,posted by eric

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...an-106946.html

Really?

Tolerance, or is hypocracy the flavour of the day?

QUOTE Atoll -- other thread:

"Nobody deserves to lose their boat,no matter what may have been said in the past.. shame on you for opening fresh wounds. have you no compassion man,this could easily have happened to you sailing with children"

"better to try and fail,than to not try at all....easy to criticise from the safety of a land based computer terminal."

"lessons to be learnt...it is easy to dream,but turning dreams into reality requires money in this day and age,under funded projects require 50% luck and 50% fortitude."

Apply your same criteria to Eric.