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Sailing alone was exactly how I pictured it(/the experience I expected it
to be) and suits me well. Many suspect it to be terribly lonely. That they
would die of boredom. And I'm sure many wouldn't like. If you don't, I
think It's going to be a short journey. There will be lots of
possibilities of socializing at ports and anchorages. And over the radio
when sailing. Others are usually headed in the same direction. I have met
several single-handed sailors along the way. Now and again we get together
and explore the cities and go out on trips together. For me, it's more or
less by coincidence. I chose to take off in a small boat with basically
only the engine power to do manoeuvres while in port. For that reason, I
have to be prepared to spend days and nights on the sea when the wind has
died down. Where others just start up the machinery and power ahead. I
don't want anyone to feel obligated in any way to tug me along, wait up,
etc. So usually, I prefer leaving(/departing) ports alone.
The combination of owning a small boat, being on my own and Danish has
earned me quite a few dinners. Danes and Denmark are incredibly popular.
We have a really good reputation. Maybe it's because of our small
geographical size (Little League country). Part of the credit will
undoubtedly have to go to soccer. Not just because of our players, but
even more so because of our "roligan" supporters. People have noticed
their enthusiasm. And the laid-back attitude that we will probably do
better the next time around. Easy-going optimists. And everyone knows the
English hooligans.
That was actually one of the reasons why I was now leaving France instead
of England. That, and the outrageously hefty prices at English marinas.
I'm never bored on Trojka. Something always needs to be done, like cooking
and preparing. As a matter of fact, dinner is a highlight of the day at
sea. As times go by, I find that I am trying to overdo myself - and spend
equally longer time at it. Initially, I often lived off of canned or
packaged food,.whereas now I'm using a wide selection of vegetables and
garniture (In fact it is cheaper to live off of fresh groceries bought at
local markets compared to canned food. Fish is an increasing part of my
meals too. In light breezes and while drifting, I always have a fishing
line out behind the boat. Minor repairs and improvements always need to be
done. There is GPS work to do, studying the next ports and countries on
charts and in books, listening to music, carving a stick. Then obviously
my on-board library that I regularly swap at big marinas with book-swap
services. Since I read books in English, I never have problems having
enough reading matters on board. And then there's relaxing in the sun,
coffee breaks, etc. All this takes (quite some) time.
Hooray! - Fish and rice! |
