What Really Matters

[Scout 30]

Keep the water out.
Keep the crew on the boat.
Keep the keel side down.
Keep the mast up.
Keep the rudder on.

I saw this on Attainable Adventure Cruising today & though it might be an interesting thread. The first 2 are certainly the most fundamentally important. The third, it could be argued, would preclude multihulls. I think I'd put keep the keel on third given the direction of bolt on fin keel designs these days.

https://www.morganscloud.com/2016/09...eid=bc14f50ed0

[DDabs]

If I have to check a list for those things, I think I might have problems with my head

[sailorboy1]

Keep the beer cold.
Keep the autopilot happy.

[boatman61]

Havana Club.. or failing that Appletons.

[dwedeking2]

Originally Posted by DDabs

If I have to check a list for those things, I think I might have problems with my head

I think the point of the list is to highlight how people over complicate the process and expand "wants" into "needs".

I've just gotten into the "refit to leave phase" and have all my lists made up with assigned budgets etc. Couple weeks ago I went out for a sail, and sitting in the cockpit just cruising along I was "if I had more drinking water I wouldn't go back". That's when I realized that the lists I was stressing over were causing more stress than the benefit to all those things I wanted.

[DDabs]

Originally Posted by dwedeking2

I think the point of the list is to highlight how people over complicate the process and expand "wants" into "needs".

I've just gotten into the "refit to leave phase" and have all my lists made up with assigned budgets etc. Couple weeks ago I went out for a sail, and sitting in the cockpit just cruising along I was "if I had more drinking water I wouldn't go back". That's when I realized that the lists I was stressing over were causing more stress than the benefit to all those things I wanted.

I'm right there with you. Trying to get the boat ready to take off in November... and now that we're getting close, I am over-analyzing everything and trying to cram in more work than I really need to. The boat is sound and I know I can just take off, but ugh everything's gotta be perfect!!!

[Scout 30]

I agree. I think everybody's got a list whether they realize it or not. Concentrate on the fundamentals & don't let it get out of hand.

[Snowpetrel]

"Keep your cool" should be someplace on the list!

Sent from my SM-G930F using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[model 10]

Well if you are really clueless like we were in getting ready to leave San Diego, things like fishing tackle.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by Snowpetrel

"Keep your cool" should be someplace on the list!

Sent from my SM-G930F using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

Damn..!!
Got to 'Re-gas' the freezer...!!

Thanks Snowpetrel..

[ka4wja]

Scout,
If you look at this old thread, discussing east-bound Atlantic crossings, you'll see my list!
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...-122743-5.html

Originally Posted by Scout 30

Keep the water out.
Keep the crew on the boat.
Keep the keel side down.
Keep the mast up.
Keep the rudder on.

Originally Posted by Scout 30

I agree. I think everybody's got a list whether they realize it or not. Concentrate on the fundamentals & don't let it get out of hand.

For those not inclined to read that LONG post, here it is!

Originally Posted by ka4wja

Here are some FACTS...
a) If you can accomplish these 3 things, you and your boat will survive just fine..
- Keep the water on the outside of the boat...
- Keep the mast pointing up...
- Keep the sails in one piece and attached to the boat
I addressed these 3 concepts above...

b) If you can do this additional thing, you'll make it to shore just fine...
- Keep the boat pointed in the right direction (which usually requires ONLY a functioning steering system and a compass)
This is addressed by the steering system...(and having a decent steering compass...hopefully one that has been professionally deviated)
[of course keeping the crew on-board is also part of the fundamentals!! ]

I hope this contributes something of value!

Fair winds...

John

[barnakiel]

I think it's actually a pretty bad call if one has to keep the water out. Something went wrong: wrong season, wrong boat, wrong maintenance, wrong crew ... etc.

I would put at the top of my list:

1) keep the boat bristol,
2) keep your skills bristol,
3) keep your body and your mind bristol,

I know I am asking too much and not living what I preach BUT I do believe that a safe passage starts WAY before casting off.

Love,
b.

[ka4wja]

b,
Well, not to blow my own horn....but if you look at what I write right at the top of that old thread, our ideas are pretty close to one another's...

Originally Posted by ka4wja

1) Based on my experience and my knowledge of others' experiences, most boats will take much more abuse than their captains/crew can take...
Yes on an Atlantic crossing, gear might break, chafe will happen, your vessel may suffer some serious wear 'n tear, etc. but in general most boats will survive just fine...(the worst thing a typical boat crossing the Atlantic would need to contend with, would be an incompetent captain/crew...

Fair winds to all...

John

[Scout 30]

I think the simplicity of this list is what makes it great. More often than not the list can be the excuse not to cast off. Maybe the list we need here is what does not need to be on the list.

[barnakiel]

Interestingly, today, reading about how smart people do things, I came across a similar idea.

Have your "do" (or have) list.

But also have you "not do" (not have) list.

I like it.

Simple is good.

b.