Friday, June 21, 2024

Hot!

Summer is here and it's hot. So, I wake up at 4 or 5am and then rest and nap in the afternoon. It doesn't cool off until around 8pm so I stay up later than is my usual. It takes some getting used and my body rebells. I am amazed how the locals can work, often in full sun. I have little energy, but this morning, I refilled the tanks with water. The full tanks last me approximately two weeks. That's it for work. I need to fo some more varnish, but will wait until the wind dies down. Yes, the Meltemi season is upon us and for the past three days we've hsd winds of up to 25 knots. Here in Poros harbour, it is reasonably safe and so far, my stern anchor is holding. But varnish must wait.

Tuesday, June 18, 2024

I know who you are by the boat you own.

Is this possible? To judge people by the boats they own? I decided to test this theory today. 
As I walk down the docks of mostly charter boats in Poros, it is not easy to find a privately owned sailboat. But there is a chance that boats flying a foreign flag are, since most of the charter boats fly a Greek flag. For the sake of this theory, I will limit my search to mono hulls, since I'm not a fan of catamarans. In my opinion, catamarans are only one step away from being a houseboat.
Then there are the liveaboard tubs that were bought as big as possible and the heck with sailing. They often look like oil rigs, top heavy with solar panels and wind generators, dinghy davits,cranes for outboards, and surround canvas for protection from the elements. Many of these boats are home built and some that I know are a compromise between the husband who wants to go to sea and the wife who likes her home comforts. 
Next are the racers which have limited comforts because light is fast.  
The most popular choice however is the modern design because you get new, and cheap for the size. Plus everyone has one, so it must be good. Many of the now come with two steering wheels.
The rarest of all are the sailboats built for quality of construction, strength, and seaworthiness. These are the ones I search for.
When people buy a house, they usually prioritise location. With a car, it's mostly practicality. But a boat is a dream come true and our true character shows in our choice. 
For me, beauty, form and function must be in balance. I wonder what Eidos says to other people about me. Well built, once beautiful, but showing her age. ;)