Malua - an Adams cruising yacht
Malua - an Adams cruising yacht
I've been sailing or at sea for more than 60 years, traversing waters all around the world. In the early days, I was on diving or rescue vessels, usually with a crew, while sailing it was with one crew. However, on Malua, I've sailed more miles alone than with a single crew member. Sailing and seamanship are in my blood.
When people ask about my travels, they focus on two aspects: the
best place I've visited and the bad weather and storms I've
encountered.
Without doubt, the atolls of the Marquesas top my list, with Tasmania's west coast coming in second. Regarding bad weather, I've experienced many rough periods, but I've selected a few noteworthy storms to recount here.
These extracts from my journal, posts, and websites detail what I did and how I found myself in these situations. The lessons learned are simple: never sail to a schedule or timetable. Wait for a good weather window, then go. On long passages, you can always adjust course and destination to come through safely. Lastly, know your boat, its equipment, and how to use it.
If you've prepared well and have faith in your vessel, you can weather whatever Mother Nature throws at you while on passage.
I draw all these strands together on some final thoughts regarding
preparing for storms and how it has shaped my outlook. Enjoy the
read.