Over the course of my years of climbing, kayaking and sailing, I’ve noticed that those most
prepared for emergencies in the wilderness are the ones that seem to have the least of them. As we set out on our journey together we hope that through good planning we’ll be able to avoided any nasty storms or catastrophes at sea. We’ll do this by taking precautions like staying out of the hurricane affected zone during hurricane season, being vigilant in our watches, acquiring and using the best ground tackle available, adding damage control plugs to all through-hull fittings and more.(NASA Image)
We’re also rigging the boat for heavy weather. This past summer we broke out the storm trysail in order to make sure that went up smoothly and rigged a dedicated fairlead for the sheet in order to save setup time. We’re installing an inner forestay and having our storm jib re-cut to fit that. Along with new running backstays this should provide addition support for the mast in heavy weather as well as move the center of effort inwards, giving Gypsy a more balanced helm in a blow. For off-the-wind survival conditions, Susan will be making us a Jordan Series Drogue.
I feel that as we’ve been discussing and sharing all these ideas, making plans, preparations, taking real actions to assure our physical safety, that at the same time we’re some how deepening and storm proofing our relationship, assuring our physiological safety. I believe the underpinnings of a good crew are the same that support a strong relationship; trust, respect & good communication. As we work together in sometimes difficult and trying circumstances we’ve managed to keep our cool, retain a sense of humor and even have fun. We are on course…
Caught in the storm,
battered by waves,
the ship of my life is blown off course,
by the wind of selfishness and pride.
Now my breath rises within.
The breath of the heart,
the sweet breath,
the sacred breath,
leads me within.
The winds have died down,
the waters calm,
I’ve found a haven for my heart
in the harbor of your name.
Hay Ram, hay Ram Ram Ram, hare Ram.
Krishna Das
