STUFF

 

After a year of living aboard a sailboat I'm still slowly getting rid of stuff.  Now,  I will tell you that I purged and purged and purged before moving onto this 34ft catamaran. Storage is not an issue, IF,  and only if you know how to arrange said stuff. Lately I just want less.

Since we're still working I need my work clothes.  Oh the day will come when we'll practically live in our bathing suits,  but that's a couple years away.  Until then I've utilized the locker (closet) and space above the drawers (because if left inside you'll find clothing will become musty,  damp and even mold). To avoid this we use damp rid and a dehumidifier,  but to no avail I have had to throw away an entire bag of clothes because of this. I use a mesh laundry bag for some storage, since it's breathable. Lately flats are my go to shoe,  even for work. I actually wore a pair of heels to an art show recently,  of which I acquired from the trunk of my car before leaving. 

The galley (kitchen) hasn't been an issue as far as storage. Cooking and counter space can be,  but you adjust. I love my tiny gas stove and am used to the way it heats/cooks. You cannot get distracted or your eggs will burn. Just sayin. My pet peeve is trying to wash dishes in the tiny sink. Instead I usually use a small bin to allow for easier rinsing etc. I've mastered utilizing the small refrigerator (similar to those in a hotel room). On shopping trips you have to keep in mind how much you're buying due to space. I usually can buy food for two main meals,  breakfast items,  drinks,  fruit,  sides and extras like cheese and butter. Condiments are stored in the door.  The freezer is teeny tiny so you'll usually find ice and a bag of frozen veggies,  that's it. 

Our head (bathroom)  is decent size but really only fits one person. It's similar to one you'd see in a camper. There's a tiny sink,  shower,  toilet,  small shelf,  medicine cabinet and a mirror. I had to downsize my array of shampoo,  conditioner,  lotion,  hair and makeup supplies.  Ladies,  we don't need that much to look our best.  It's about quality vs quantity when it comes to this, along with how well you can organize the stuff you want to keep. About the shower..  I must be sure the water tank is full and to turn on the water heater beforehand, otherwise I end up with soapy hair and a cold shower, running outside to the dock to turn on the water in my towel. Been there.  Ha! 

We have another shelf for books and such.  A basket holds towels and ectra sheets and the laundry basket is on the starboard side in ny daughter's space,  which we move out when she visits.  The port side space holds hubby's clothes,  shoes,  canned goods, trash bags and more. There are many little compartments inside and outside this boat,  but we must utilize them wisely.

Now when you're feeling like you need more space for yourself,  I love sitting or laying out on the bow. Going for a walk in the park,  hitting up the downtown scene,  or simply sailing off to an island are all options. I'm partial to the sunrises, and there's no shortage of photo opportunities, let alone writing spots. 

So,  could you do it?  Could you sell practically everything you own?  Live on a sailboat with your significant other?  &  a dog. ... 
 

Oh yes,  let's not forget Rocky the pirate dog, protecting our 'ship'.  My sweet boy. But always busy, busy,  busy.. nosy,  nosy, nosy, and the shedding is ridiculous. I sweep and wipe and vacuum all the time..  there's still hair to be found.  

I wouldn't have it any other way. 

 

Marina Life

Marina life is not for everyone. Many of my friends and family have said they couldn't do it. Couldn't get rid of all their stuff,  couldn't live in a small space,  couldn't have a tiny bathroom, couldn't...  but we can. The difference in why we can is simply our mindset. I used to say those same words. Now I wouldn't want it any other way. Sure, it has its ups and downs. A smaller space, the a/c going out,  using the marina laundry facilities,  finding new leaks when it rains, having less stuff- alot less. All of these things are actually a refreshing change.  I am entranced by the sunrises, and enjoy those evening rays dissipating as the moon shines its light over the water as the dolphin and manatee play hide and seek, the fish jump, and the pelicans swoon. Not to mention Rocky loves chasing tbe ducks. Celebrating nature, simplifying our lifestyle and appreciating life has offered us growth and a peace we would not likely have found. We've been able to go sailing, finding our groove so we can take family and friends out. To some our sail from Key Largo to St Pete is a drop in the bucket,  and I am certain that one day it will be for us as well as we now dream of cruising. Our dreams became goals which is now our reality. In four to five years the goal is to quit our jobs, cruise,  stay where we want for as long as we want. I cannot wait to share those adventures with you!  For now I will be continuing to share our story of living on a sailboat -  the boat life.  As we work,  play,  dream,  and sail be sure to follow along!

The Boat Life: STILL AFLOAT

Where did I leave off? It's been awhile since I've blogged about the boat life, so it's time I bring you up to speed. We've settled in quite well. Living on a sailboat brings with it mostly perks, however there are a few things I would change if I could. My favorite part of this lifestyle is having less. Yes, I said that. Seriously,  it has been exhilerating to remove stuff you truly don't need from your life. Confession: I do utilize the trunk of my car for extra shoes, and purses etc- a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do. Then there's the fact that I've never slept better in my entire life. Our state room is cozy, and the lull of the boat along with the distant sounds of halyards cling clanging among the marina makes for a peaceful rest. Sunrises from my 'back porch' (cockpit) are a wonderous sight to take in every morning as I keave for work. Returning from work the view towards downtown boasts a majestic sunset almost daily. Now, lets  discuss the cold and rain. Well, we're toasty warm inside as we have heat (&a/c) but I could do without the rain. I love a rain shower here and there, but lately we've had alot of it, which brings along with it dampness; and strategic leaks. We've purchased a dehumidifier and are learning along the way how to keep our home comfortable and welcoming.  Our walks to the nearby market, and all that downtown has to offer is amazing. We take advantage of walking, bike riding and of course sailing whenever we can. Both of us have lost weight which is a plus. Then there's always some type of excitement happening at the marina. One evening we came home, as we're walking down the dock we hear someone yelling for help from a distant dock. My hubby ran over to the next dock to find a man in the water near his boat who couldn't save himself from his epic fall. Needless to say hubs pulled this guy out of the water to safety. I never in my wildest dreams thought I'd be living on a boat,  but I'm sure glad I am. It's not for everyone; as it requires a total mindset change. Most people are intrigued and I believe they wish they could do it. Others aren't sure how or why we do it. My goal is to pursue my passion for writing and inspire others. Our goal is to work less,  enjoy life more, and bring simplicity to a world that is constantly striving for excess; which in turn causes stress. Start small, declutter, write down one goal, follow a dream and find adventures. I promise you, it will change your life for the better.
Photo credit: April K Corbett

.... the adventure continues

July 20th 2015

Thankfully the service guy was able to sneak us in between other jobs and it was a quick fix. Somewhere along the line we were sold bad fuel. Summer Reign is back on the water! Fort Meyers bound. I cried as we unhooked shore power, bye bye a/c, but there's an awesome breeze though.

Made it to Sanibel Marina just before sunset.


July 21st 2015

I've seen more sunrises on this trip then I've seen in my entire life. I do believe I'm becoming a morning person. Got fuel for the boat and fuel for us- coffee! 7am was go time!

Wish we had more time to explore. Loved he lighthouse in Sanibel and I vow to return soon.

With the open water and the sun rising before us we set off once again.

8 hours in and I'm now ready to get off this boat. Thoughts of land danced in my head. Captain Paul was ready to continue on but after another 3 hours we were looking up the next marina. There was no way I wanted to anchor out as the waters were increasingly becoming angrier, and so was I.
We weren't making it home today. Sarasota was close and that's where we landed- I landed myself a broken finger. Entering the marina after hours there was no assistance, which was the case prior but with no incident. I didn't leave enough rope or space between the cleat and caught a few fingers in between, breaking one. At this point the sun has set, we were hungry, thirty, hot and tired. There was a restaurant there so we found a spot by the water and celebrated our victory thus far,  while icing my finger.

July 22nd 2015

Today we headed into the intercoastal for a smoother sail. Fine by me! Along the way we had encountered a few fixed bridges which raised my anxiety level. Now I'm not afraid to drive over them but going under is another story. It says so many feet and you know your mast is shorter but it looks deceiving. The draw bridges were fine, and I became familiar with talking on the radio to the bridge masters, learning the channels to use etc. Our stop for fuel at Bradenton Marina was interesting since our drive leg wasn't functioning properly making reverse null to void. So stressful.
Eventually we made it into Tampa Bay with the Skyway Bridge in our sights. This afternoon we arrived at St Petersburg with relief written all over our faces and smiles in our hearts. We made it!  Teamwork teamwork teamwork!

Overall our boating adventure was a huge success! So many enjoyable moments and memories made. I think I may have to write a book to share the many details still to tell. Summer Reign was a gem of a find. Moving aboard July 26th which opens up a whole new chapter in our life.

Be sure to follow along for more stories of the boat life!

Travelling Voyage- Moving Forward

As we move forward on this journey the surveyor found a few items in need of repair. We were also aware this boat is in need of some TLC but overall was a keeper.  The counter offer was made, came back and finally we were all in agreement. We are extremely satisfied with the final outcome. The wheels are in motion as the sellers prep and complete their end of the deal and we shuffle more paperwork for documentation, marina location, scheduling time off and purchasing necessary items required for the sail home. All I can say at this point is, wow! We are excited, and stressed. Nothing about the process has been easy. Sometimes things don't work out exactly the way you had planned; they work out better.  Prayers have been answered and we are moving forward with our plans. The closing date is still unknown, but near. What I do know is that the day we sail her home everything we've been through will have been well worth it!  (photo by AKC)

Travelling Voyage- the offer was...

ACCEPTED! Even though there was a counteroffer the sellers response offered us a huge sigh of relief.  Next,  we scheduled the survey and once we verify the results of the boat are legit it should be smooth sailing from there. Ah, I must keep a sense of humor through out this process. Our journey has only begun. Most of the people we've dealt with have been nothing but helpful and kind. I won't mention right now who the difficult ones have been but I will say its disappointing to say the least. They have one chance to redeem themselves and then I will share their name & the company they're employed with. But enough about their rudeness, I refuse to allow one individual with a personality flaw to steal my joy. Let's just say as a writer they could be added into my next novel only to find themselves removed rather quickly. ha! Next week the survey will be complete and paperwork will be shuffled around. Before you know it we'll be sitting on our boat, in our new home making a toast as she sails us into the sunset. It is finally happening! Hubby still won't celebrate until all is finalized. Here I sit, sipping my vino doing the happy dance inside my head as all those feelings are voicing their opinions, concerns and excitement - sort of like the new movie Inside Out. I remind myself this is not a movie, this is reality; our reality. We didn't only follow our dreams, we chased them, and little by little those dreams are being captured. One of these days when I'm writing my next book, the next New York Times best seller, I will reach out and yell GOTCHA! 

Travelling Voyage- Great Expectations' of our own

Pulling up to the no name marina after a five hour drive we weren't sure what to expect. The plan was to meet a guy who helps the out of state broker show their listings in the Keys. He met us at the gate and from phone conversations he fit the description in my mind- no fuss, laid back, and friendly. He directed me to the restroom on site and as I walked towards them I was a bit surprised to see a small horse slowly approach from the corners bend. When I came out he was situated directly in front of the exit. I slid out the door,  said a quick hello and joined the guys on the dock. Our chariot in waiting was a small boat with only a ledge to sit on. Hoping it wouldn't rain again, the sun peeked out at us and we were off. Zooming across the waters with the salty spray of the sea and wind my hair I was taking the moment in with pure enjoyment. Once we reached the bridge we could see what quite possibly could become our future home, the catamaran in question.  He tied up along side and we climbed aboard. A wave of emotions splashed over me, and as I later learned my husband as well;  disappointment and excitement. It was definitely in need of some long overdue TLC. Realizing as we looked her over this would not be a problem, as long as they were willing to accept a lower bid. Before we were done raindrops beckoned us to leave. It didn't matter. At that moment it just meant we were closer to making our dream a reality. As the rain picked up it was time to head back and so we sped across the waters with the rain pelting at us. I was grateful the boat guy had loaned me his jacket. Thoughts of the future danced across my mind. The boat life seems right, and wasn't the rain a sign of good luck? Although I don't believe in luck I do believe in blessings. What's meant to be will be; and there was a peace that came over me as we watched the lightning in the distance. Soon we were back on land, off to the hotel to clean up for dinner and have the discussion on whether or not to make an offer. They say sleep on it, pray about it, weigh the pros & cons... check, check & check. Today we put in an offer! Now we wait. Well, that's nothing new. Good things come to those who wait, right?
photo credit April K Corbett

Travelling Voyage: A Glimpse

Back to the Keys we will go! Why you ask? Well, it just so happens we will be looking at another boat! Yes! I believe it is 'the' one. There's a feeling of tranquility as I look out on the horizon catching a glimpse of what is to come. The anticipation has taken my fingernails and all I seem to do is daydream. Every emotion we've gone through has been worth it- otherwise it would not be called an adventure. To us it will be epic, glorious if you will, the day we board our vessel to sail it home. As we inch closer I am still wittling down our belongings and am in awe at how little we have left. Let me just tell you how freeing this feels! Hubby is teaching me the ropes of sailing - verbage, equipment,  techniques etc. Hopefully I'll make a fabulous 1st mate, and I have the utmost confidence in hubs that he will be the best captain the seas have ever met.                      photo credit: April K Corbett taken from Fish Tales in St Petersburg FL

Travelling Voyage: the search continues

It was an exciting trip to the Keys as my husband and I anticipated finding our future home- a sailboat. We didn't however anticipate it not being the one for us. This journey has had its highs and lows. I think we're both a bit discouraged by what's available, cost, loan dealings etc; but we know it will happen. What we want and what God has for us can be two entirely different things. He knows our hearts desire and is working in His realm to help us accomplish our goal in our realm. We found another boat and are pending a call back from the dealer.  I can already feel the wind rushing through my hair as I picture myself sailing away to some exotic island while sippin on some sunshine. Like the tshirt we saw says ' sell your stuff, keep the dog and live on a boat' ... that's the plan!  photo credit April K Corbett in Key Largo *Photo contest winner at Share A Little Sunshine on FB.