Finding the right people to go sailing with isn’t easy… On a small boat you need to get along fabulously with your crew because there is little or no privacy and no room for disagreements. Make a poor choice and all will suffer for the duration of the voyage…
So when I advertise for crew, they must (at least) meet a few criteria including:
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An ability and eagerness to do what I say…. preferably before I say it;
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Failing that, (I’ve yet to find anyone meeting that first criterion) an ability to do what I mean, even if I didn’t say it;
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Thick skin or selective deafness for tolerating the captains tantrums;
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Somewhat masochistic tendencies in order to deal with the inevitable sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, seasickness and frequent irate outbursts from the captain;
Most of the time I forgo the difficulties of finding such ideal crew by sailing alone, but on occasion, I have been fortunate in sourcing sailing companions (they didn’t know what they signed up to) and this post is a tribute to the courageous few.
Gianluca
Gianluca (a.k.a. The Animal). Now isn’t that a face you can trust! An accomplished musician and lyrical poet, one look of those puppy eyes and women swoon..
Bart
The Bart Man (Armed and ready for pirates). Faster than a speeding caterpillar, more powerful than a mosquito, able to leap small small furry animals in a single bound!
Eva
The brave Eva Kangaroo Ears. A vivacious and ferociously loyal sailing companion. The only person I know that’s able to get seasick before setting foot on a boat, yet she keeps coming back for more!!!
Matt
Herr Matt. (a.k.a. White-Beard). The wild-card crew member… Artist extraordinaire, such a tranquil aspect could only be attained after decades of friendship with said captain.
Chester
Chester (Yea Old Sea Dog). The best looking and most hirsute crew-member by far!
Jean Gustave
Jean Gustave (The rabid ribald rapscallion). This photo had to be censored! No further comments on the grounds that it may incriminate him…
The Captain!
Captain Dave (a.k.a. The $@^#@# and (&*(!@ etc. etc too many more expletives to fit here…) That’s me! What more can one say….
