Home Is Where You Started From
Here are two common conversation scenarios I experienced while out on this short stint cruising:
1.
“What kind of boat is that?”
“It’s a Bristol Channel Cutter.”
“Oh a Bristol, I’ve heard of those, nice.”
2.
“Where are you from?”
“Uh… ya mean where did I come from yesterday?”
“No, where do you call home?”
“Hmmm, good question… well, this boat is my home, so I’m from right here, I guess.”
“No, I mean, where did you leave from on your trip?”
So I guess I’m officially home now, because I’ve managed to find my way back to where I started. The epoxy coated breadcrumbs were a good idea after all. I sailed approximately 3030 nautical miles on this little jaunt - maybe I should’ve titled this post “After 3000 Miles”.
What have I learned? That the Bristol Channel Cutter is just pure pleasure to sail. My all time favorite thing that just gets me giddy inside everytime I do it, is reefing the main… 30 seconds is all it takes. No climbing on cabin tops, no stretching over the side for snagged lines, no cursing the flogging sail – just simple, quick, efficient sail reduction, like Neptune intended.
What’s broken, been replaced, or worn out? Max Amp Alternator died, Yanmar Starter fried, All 4 West Marine AGM Group 31 batteries were useless and replaced, Isotherm ASU and holding plate died and was swapped with an Alder Barbour Cold Machine and large evaporator plate, Simrad TP32 Tiller Pilot groans like a pig and can’t steer a straight course, the Raytheon ST60 Wind Indicator never worked, the Stuffing Box Shaft Packing runs like a faucet, and the Fatty Knees Dinghy took some major abuse, but still rows like a dream. Plenty of others, but this is the big stuff.
As the sun rose over Cuttyhunk and Vineyard Sound this morning I realized: I may have arrived “home”, but the voyaging is just beginning. This is a temporary layover to make some money, catch up with loved ones, and of course do some work on the old girl.
It’s refreshing when someone recognizes the Bristol Channel Cutter but then says, “Bristol are very nice boats.” Now, the trick is to tell them it’s a Bristol Channel Cutter not just a Bristol!
Of course the other comment we often get is, “She’s a pretty boat – but what about all the work to keep the wood varnished?” My reply is, “I suppose that’s why there a very few pretty boats anymore.”
Seems to me that every adventurer needs a “Base Camp”, somewhere and at some point.
Even L & L , have had Base Camps, to start out from, or return , to.
Where else could you set up a “Think Chair”, inorder to dream and plan of future voyages.
The great thing is that you returned safe and sound with your ship, and haven’t put her up for sale .
Happy Planning !
Do you have single line reefing?
What is the verdict on the fatty knees? You seem to have had enough mixed adventures to write a thorough review. Inflatable vs hard? Length? Stability? I always look forward to a perspective that has been fired in the kiln of glee as well as despair. Thanks -R
Roger Rood,
I have typical Slab/Jiffy Reefing I think… I say think, because, actually I don’t exactly know what that means… but I’ve heard the term thrown around alot, and someone once said to me, “yeah you got jiffy reefing dude”. I think the ease of reefing comes stems from the deck design… I stand next to the mast on deck, where I can execute all three steps of the reef procedure without breaking my stance. I only have two reef points and no lazy jacks (for now), which helps simplify the up and down of the mains’l dramatically. Furthermore, I tend to reef early, since it is so easy, and I must say 90% of the time, the boat sails faster with the reef tucked.
The Fatty Knees 7′ is a small dinghy. I’ve never had an RIB to compare it to, so can’t comment on that with too much authority. But, for me the easy launch/retrieval and neat stowage of the Fatty Knees on the cabin roof is worth the reduction in stability and cargo capacity. Furthermore, I prefer to row, and I have sold my outboard. From what I understand, relying on oar power is not something you can do with an inflatable.
Ben, You guys seem to get home a lot faster then your Southern voyage. How’s the weather on the Vineyard? Very Hot this week in New Mexico. Could use some ocean breeze…
Take care
Rick
Rick,
We were ready to get home… to work… to make some money… to relax! Sounds funny, but travelling, sailing, exploring is tiring!
C’mon out to the Vineyard! I’ll keep the 1/4 berth open for ya…