How to be a virtual cruiser
In case some of you are wondering how to become a Virtual Cruiser. I have made a top 10 list just for you! They are in no particular order.
1. Start watching almost exclusively; National Geographic Channel, Discovery Channel, History Channel with just a bit of the travel channel thrown in. Why? To find out about those really cool places you want to go see.
2. Get DSL. You are going to need to research those unique places you've seen on TV. Nothing hurts a dream more when you are waiting for an amazing photo to load and it takes a half hour over dial-up.
3. Subscribe to Wooden Boat Magazine (a boating magazine for the rest of us), Sail, as well as Latitudes & Attitudes. Just to read some great stories and get your enthusiasm up. There are others of course, but if you can afford a new boat, what on earth are you doing reading this? Go now!!
4. Learn to Sail. Well... if you plan on becoming a real cruiser, this is just prudent. If you plan on staying a virtual cruiser all your life, then skip this step. We should put, learn to swim here too - especially the kids.
5. Join the SSCA (seven seas cruising association). This is where real cruisers hang out. They publish a great bulletin monthly with articles submitted by members of their travels all over the world. A must have.
6. Start building your library. We have gathered an amazing assortment of books. Don't forget books on refridgeration, storm tactics and knots!
7. Start downsizing. Have that garage sale and get rid of those chia pets,
useless kitchen gadgets and worn out clothes. Will you be able to fit your household into a 30-40' boat, or smaller? Unless you live in a batchelor apartment, I doubt this very much. We are constantly doing this. But much of it is for my sanity, I can't stand clutter - although you could never guess this by looking at my desk.
8. Learn the Ham radio. If you plan on ever calling for help, this would be a smart thing to do. But also nice to chat with other cruisers to find out the weather of where your going and also a way to send email, believe it or not.
9. Try out new ways to cook. We are constantly looking at recipes we can make with fewer items and even all from cans. You're not going to be able to run to the grocery store if your in the middle of an ocean to get something to nuke for dinner. Oh, and try new foods from ethnic markets. Some are great, others...well, not so great. But you have to be open to try new foods or be prepared to stay near home.
10. Save up money. The least fun of the whole plan. It takes money to get out there. All the people we read say to just go, but we tend to be a little more cautious when it comes to being poor. You don't need a fortune, but enough to cruiser for a couple months at least.
Thats it. Have fun. Oh, and takethe money you got from the garage sale and start a cruising kitty - the fund you use when you sail.
1. Start watching almost exclusively; National Geographic Channel, Discovery Channel, History Channel with just a bit of the travel channel thrown in. Why? To find out about those really cool places you want to go see.
2. Get DSL. You are going to need to research those unique places you've seen on TV. Nothing hurts a dream more when you are waiting for an amazing photo to load and it takes a half hour over dial-up.
3. Subscribe to Wooden Boat Magazine (a boating magazine for the rest of us), Sail, as well as Latitudes & Attitudes. Just to read some great stories and get your enthusiasm up. There are others of course, but if you can afford a new boat, what on earth are you doing reading this? Go now!!
4. Learn to Sail. Well... if you plan on becoming a real cruiser, this is just prudent. If you plan on staying a virtual cruiser all your life, then skip this step. We should put, learn to swim here too - especially the kids.
5. Join the SSCA (seven seas cruising association). This is where real cruisers hang out. They publish a great bulletin monthly with articles submitted by members of their travels all over the world. A must have.
6. Start building your library. We have gathered an amazing assortment of books. Don't forget books on refridgeration, storm tactics and knots!
7. Start downsizing. Have that garage sale and get rid of those chia pets,
useless kitchen gadgets and worn out clothes. Will you be able to fit your household into a 30-40' boat, or smaller? Unless you live in a batchelor apartment, I doubt this very much. We are constantly doing this. But much of it is for my sanity, I can't stand clutter - although you could never guess this by looking at my desk.
8. Learn the Ham radio. If you plan on ever calling for help, this would be a smart thing to do. But also nice to chat with other cruisers to find out the weather of where your going and also a way to send email, believe it or not.
9. Try out new ways to cook. We are constantly looking at recipes we can make with fewer items and even all from cans. You're not going to be able to run to the grocery store if your in the middle of an ocean to get something to nuke for dinner. Oh, and try new foods from ethnic markets. Some are great, others...well, not so great. But you have to be open to try new foods or be prepared to stay near home.
10. Save up money. The least fun of the whole plan. It takes money to get out there. All the people we read say to just go, but we tend to be a little more cautious when it comes to being poor. You don't need a fortune, but enough to cruiser for a couple months at least.
Thats it. Have fun. Oh, and takethe money you got from the garage sale and start a cruising kitty - the fund you use when you sail.
posted by Lori at 8:18 AM
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