Embracing the Challenge
Fellow rebels and adventurers, ever had a task that was oh-so-right for you but felt oh-so big? A seasoned sailor aged 64, and his trusty crew of sons want to embark on a voyage of a lifetime – starting with the refurbishment of a beloved boat. Well before we hoist the sails to navigate the waves and seas, we have to go through the trials and triumphs of boat refitting.
Setting Sail: The Journey Begins Way Before That.
Our Beyond was built in 1979. At the time of writing this, that is 45 years ago. For a man, that is oftentimes the age when he is in his power. For a boat it’s different. They age differently. I am aware of the previous owner because I bought it from her. Through her, I learn a little about the previous owner. Through social media and the internet, I was able to track back the previous owner, and one before that. Each owner imprints on the boat, their hopes and dreams, aspirations, hard work and creativity.
Navigating Complexity
Owners have different ideas of what is right, what is beauty, what is seamanlike. Twenty years ago, by my internet sleuthing, Beyond was Mariposa, I think in Texas, and was extensively refitted and painted a much lighter blue than she is today, called Sea Foam. They did a superb job on her and an awful lot of the work survives to this day. When we sanded the topsides, we came across this light blue layer of paint. Under that is cream. Before that 20 year old layer, there is a 25 year span of time, from when she was launched, of which I know nothing. Just the cream survives. I know at some point she had her unstayed aluminium masts replaced by carbon fibre ones. She was re-engined. Whoever it was who did these jobs, I know they did it well.
Robert Prizing in ‘Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance’ makes the point that we can always recognise quality but it’s hard to define it in words. There is quality around Beyond. I can sense it. Owners cared. My work connects to their work. You almost feel that they look over your shoulder and wonder what you are doing.
My ambition is to simplify her. A lot of YouTube channels spend an inordinate amount of time talking about things. Systems, kit, mechanical and electronic and computer, air conditioning, water heating, microwaves, electric heating and cooking, solar panels, GPS, radar, AIS, refrigeration, ice makers, hydraulics… It just goes on and on. First, they take a year or two to build and refit everything on their boat. Then they sail and go from port to port repairing their stuff.
Calibrate Your Compass
It's good to clarify stuff like this. Helps you make decisions. Helps you set a course. Like a compass.
For me it's not about stuff. Life is complicated enough. I don't want to add to that complexity. I am not creating a luxury caravan or cottage on the sea. It’s a boat. I want to sail her. All around the world. As a simple fit-for-purpose craft that will do that job well. I am not looking to replace the ‘comforts’ of home, I want to escape them. Life is simple. And we complicate it. Setting sail on the open seas of boat refitting is akin to embarking on a grand adventure. It's not just about fixing up a vessel; it's about breathing new life into dreams, crafting memories with loved ones, and embracing the unknown with courage and determination. As we chart our course, we set into motion a process fuelled by passion, planning, and the unwavering belief that every journey begins with a single step – or perhaps, in our case, sanding and painting.
Maintaining Momentum
Let's talk momentum – that elusive force that propels us forward even when the winds of doubt threaten to blow us off course. In the realm of boat refitting, where time is precious and the to-do list stretches deep into the bilge, maintaining momentum is key. From creating detailed project plans to channel our inner captain and steering clear of distractions (ahoy, shiny objects!), we have to keep moving forward.
Don't think. Just do. Keep going. Finish it. Then the next thing. And the next.
The Art of Prioritisation
Prioritisation and Discipline. When it comes to boat refitting, separating the "nice-to-haves" from the "go or no-go" tasks is crucial. After all, while a freshly varnished deck may be a sight to behold, it won't do much good if the sails are rotting or the engine won't start.
You have to define what matters and what matters, maybe, later. So, we tighten our grip on the helm, muster our discipline, and boldly declare, "Not today, shiny magpie syndrome!"
Navigating with Technology
Technology helps. Until it doesn’t. Ah, the wonders of modern technology – where would we be without our smartphone and its tools? Making lists, taking pictures, researching online, ordering essentials with a few taps, speaking to people, messaging them, technology has revolutionised boat refitting the same as every other human endeavour. Some of you are old like me and remember how it was before mobile phones and the Internet. It was different. Hard to get information. Hard to communicate. Hard to do everything. Winds of change, wind is wind, use them to get you closer to your destination. Or you will founder.
Because your phone is also a time sink. We all have blown time on our phone, on browsing, on YouTube, Netflix, Facebook, whatever, when we should have been working. Everything that does not make your boat float faster is a waste of time. Everything that doesn’t help you get to the first goal - splashing the boat (getting it off the hard and into the water), the first test sail, the first weekend trip, whatever it is, is a waste of your dream. It’s not complicated. Don't engage with all the stuff, just the stuff you need to.
Alexander's Knot
Alexander the Great arrived in the city of Gordium in 333 BC, he was confronted with the challenge of the Gordian Knot. It was supposedly unsolvable, impossible to untie. And what did he do? He cut it with one strike of his sharp sword.
If you engage with all the issues, all your doubts, all your fears, they just grow exponentially. You have just created a knot you cannot untangle. We overthink it. Over-emotionalise it. Overanalyse it. Your knot is different from mine. But we both have to just cut it.
Cut the knot and set yourself free.
Here is a journal. It has lined paper inside. Make lists. Notes. Pull out the stuff that helps your dream splash quicker. Use it to untangle your knots. Now available in our store, click here to buy.
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