Now I am reliably informed that this is the preferred method for bottom cleaning.... It would certainly be the story I was using if it happened to me. - photo © John Curnow
Dear Recipient Name
Well no. We are not off to investigate stowaways, and the funnel would be a lousy place, especially once they cranked up the mains. It was just that in the last little while I have been fortunate enough to see so many cruisers out and about doing their thing, as well as some of the annual whale migration up the East Coast of Australia.
The sightings were actually whilst I was doing a boat test, so needless to say we got a wee bit sidetracked for a while. They were in for a bit of play too, but not for long, as they certainly had a mission to get up North. Of course they get there, and pretty much turn around to go back to Antarctica and feed. What a cycle. Bet no one can even complain about a daily commute anymore, when you look at the relativity against what the humpbacks do!
All of it combined has made me feel like a bit of escapism, and that is why the headline is thus. Instead, it's me and the keyboard, not me and the tiller. No complaints. It is not as if I have not been able to see lots of things to date. Moreover, I think it was the image of the cat up a river in Northern New South Wales (AUS) that got me to thinking about casting the lines and heading off into the South Pacific.
Being offshore later on this last month, and having the blue water all around pretty much sealed the deal. Yet overall, it was actually that I just wanted to say to those out there doing it all right now, bon voyage, lap it up, and embrace the offering. It is the best one going around!
So yes, it was a bit like opening the portholes once you had arrived at a glorious anchorage after a decent and somewhat arduous passage. There was that Ahhhhhhh moment. New air filled your world, the thoughts of different sights, thrilling experiences, naps just about anywhere, and at anytime, and comms only when you wanted and with those whom you wanted to connect with.
Come to think of it, I am pretty sure that last one is the crucial element. There is the endless juggling of the calendar, the waiting for people to respond, the files to go here (and there), the phone calls, the collection of emails that is a little bit like the magic pudding. You know, eat a chunk and it automatically and instantaneously refills...
I'll sign off now before these really do end up as miscellaneous ramblings. In doing so I wish all of you out there on islands in bathers, crossing oceans all rugged up in your Zhik or Musto gear, silently watching eagles or albatrosses through the big eyes, looking at dolphins or whales, swimming with manta rays, relaxing in your hammock on deck and so on, all the very best of health and happiness.
OK. Today you will find that we have information for you about dogs on boats, the vaquita porpoise, saildrones, a cargo boat on the bricks in French Polynesia, the ARC, Australia's marine parks get more protection, the Ocean Cruising Club hit the Azores (well not hit, they moored first), Red Roo is in France, as well as much more.
So you see, there are stories, lessons, inspirations and history to regale yourself with. Please do savour... We're really enjoying bringing you the best stories from all over the globe. If you want to add to that, then please make contact with us via email.
Remember too, if you want to see what is happening in the other hemisphere, go to the top and the drag down menu, select the other half of the globe and, voila, it's all there for you.
In the meantime, do you love being on the ocean? Well remember to love them back too. They need our help. Now more than ever! Until next time...
John Curnow, Editor, Sail-WorldCruising.com
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