The last regularly scheduled episode of The Boat Galley Podcast is a discussion between Nica and Carolyn on how cruising has changed.
Summary
Today’s episode of The Boat Galley podcast is actually a little different. Welcome to a conversation between Carolyn Shearlock and Nica Waters on changes to cruising in the past few decades. But first, we have some news for you.
We’ve enjoyed recording this podcast for over 800 episodes over the past eight years. That’s a lot of useful information available in short episodes–most less than ten minutes long. If you’re new to the podcast, make sure you go back and check out our old content. But for now, there will be no new episodes as Nica is cruising the South Pacific and Carolyn is taking on some new projects.
Thank you to all our listeners. And also, thank you to our sponsors who have supported us. We reached out to our sponsors because we use and love their products. We’re not only grateful for their support of the podcast but also for how they’ve helped make our own cruising lives easier.
Changes in Cruising
Nica first began cruising in the 1990s, and Carolyn began in 2002. Since then, we’ve seen a lot of changes. One of the biggest has been access to information. With access to satellite-based internet, it’s easier to get information than ever. The new challenge is learning to differentiate between useful information and infotainment.
GPS
Of course, a huge game-changer has been the arrival of GPS. In the early days, it wasn’t reliable. Early chart plotters made it appear your boat was on land, and GPS service included a warning that it would only be reliable to five miles.
Nica notes that in her current location in French Polynesia, GPS has made navigation much easier. However, she would not rely on it at night.
Ease of Setting Out
Carolyn notes that it used to be typical for cruisers to begin by coastal cruising. They might stay just offshore for five years while they gain the skills required to travel farther afield.
Today, it’s easier to set off more quickly. You can connect to the information you need farther from shore. However, it also means some cruisers don’t have the experience and skills to rely on if things go wrong.
More cruisers set out with a big goal, like circumnavigating. Carolyn reminds us of Lin Pardey’s advice: to keeping going as long as it’s fun.
Nica notes that many cruisers are buying larger and more luxurious vessels. That means that they may not have a plan for when their freezer fails or their watermaker needs to be repaired. Skills like knowing how to keep food without refrigeration or how to gather rainwater can help any cruiser if equipment breaks down in a remote location. Redundancy of skills is as important as redundancy in equipment.
Returning to navigation, a cruiser needs to have a plan for if GPS itself becomes unavailable. With paper charts no longer being updated, this becomes a greater challenge.
Carolyn credits her experience as a small boat racer for having the skills to move her boat if something goes wrong. Although she feels self-sufficiency is important, she also expresses gratitude for fellow cruisers who suggested quick fixes when she and Dave were trying to make the perfect repair.
Advice for Cruisers
The Boat Galley exists to make cruising easier and more fun. So it’s time to share some advice.
Flexibility
Nica and Carolyn agree that mental flexibility and the ability to slow down are among the most important traits for any cruiser. The theme music of the podcast expresses this key. It’s titled “Slow Down.”
Stay Curious and Open to Adventure
There will be days when you feel tired or homesick. But if you keep that curiosity and sense of adventure, whether you’re sailing in familiar waters or farther ashore, you’ll be enjoying the best benefits of cruising.
Carolyn reminds us that you can’t plan for everything. That’s actually the definition of adventure–not knowing what will happen next.
Not everything will look like a YouTube video. You’ll experience highs and lows. But most of cruising is the mundane middle–washing dishes, moving stuff around to reach other stuff, etc.
Farewell
Carolyn and Nica are proud of all the work they’ve done on the podcast, providing useful tips for others. They love hearing from listeners and look forward to sharing more about this amazing lifestyle.
Links:
Lin and Larry Pardey Books (Amazon)
Today’s episode of The Boat Galley Podcast is sponsored by MantusMarine.com, maker of the Mantus anchor, now available in models with and without a roll bar. Proven to set reliably in the most challenging bottoms, the Mantus anchor digs like no other, making anchoring safer and boating more enjoyable. Mantus Marine brings to market practical, durable and affordable marine products, including: anchoring gear, scuba diving accessories, and rechargeable waterproof headlamp for hands-free lighting and solar charging Navigation light. Visit MantusMarine.com and see for yourself!
Click to see all podcast sponsors, past and present. – https://bit.ly/3idXto7
Music: “Slow Down” by Yvette Craig
Carolyn Shearlock has lived aboard full-time for 17 years, splitting her time between a Tayana 37 monohull and a Gemini 105 catamaran. She’s cruised over 14,000 miles, from Pacific Mexico and Central America to Florida and the Bahamas, gaining firsthand experience with the joys and challenges of life on the water.
Through The Boat Galley, Carolyn has helped thousands of people explore, prepare for, and enjoy life afloat. She shares her expertise as an instructor at Cruisers University, in leading boating publications, and through her bestselling book, The Boat Galley Cookbook. She is passionate about helping others embark on their liveaboard journey—making life on the water simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.
Franklin Viola says
Absolutely wonderful farewell FULL of WISDOM!
You two never stop Sharing, Caring and Educating!
Thank YOU!
Franklin & Donna
SV GypsyCat 105Mc 705
Joni Patterson says
I’ve learned so much from you. Thankyou.
Safe travels.🩷
Mary Balfour- Sv Adiona says
The Boat Galley and the podcast was like having a wise friend on speed dial, particularly those first years cruising. You demystified so much in digestible bits and helped us think about what living on a boat would be and could be. Added fun was getting to know Jeremy and Nica in Pasadena. We wish you both well!
Carolyn Shearlock says
The Boat Galley, the newsletter, and all our articles will still be here! The podcast is the only thing we’re dropping, as it just got too hard to produce between Nica’s cruising and my husband’s health concerns.