Strictly Sail Long Beach 2012

This was the first year for the Strictly Sail Long Beach in a long time. In years past it was a combination of sail and power. Scott and I are most fond of the Strictly Sail boat shows that are held around the country, with our favorite being the Strictly Sail Oakland show. When it came to our attention they were holding on in Long Beach we decided to drive up for the day, and are we glad we did. It was definitely a smaller show than we'd been to before, but they really made up for quantity with quality. It seemed to be a success from the venders point of view also. We overheard several saying how surprised they were with the number of attendees, especially on a Thursday. The best part for us, were the seminars on cruising Mexico and we think we've found a marina in Ensenada to stay while we check in. The marina was represented by the dock master and they offer to help with our check in with customs, which is very nice considering Mexico is changing it's requirements for entry and it's not really certain what all will be changing. The best we can tell, for those interested, you can no longer make your first stop anywhere in Mexico without clearing in first. For our west coast cruisers, this would mean no more going to Turtle Bay first and then checking in at Cabo or La Paz. You would be required to either check in at Ensenada or go straight down to Cabo without stopping. As of now, that is the only significant change to entry by boat. OK, OK.... back to the boat show: We also found a wonderful North Sails rep who invited us to bring our used North Sail into his loft for a free inspection and quote on putting a sun guard on it. The best thing is his turn around time: THE NEXT DAY!!! That's amazing as most lofts give a turn around of 7 days. I also fell in love with Dufour boats.

http://www.dufour-yachts.com/

Quality of craftsmanship really impressed both of us. They actually use solid wood throughout, not pressed or laminates like so many other manufacturers. Their representative was a fountain of knowledge on their boats. Usually when reps find out we already have a boat and are just checking things out we are quickly disposed of, but this guy was wonderful. He was really proud to be with this company and even made sure we saw the other Dufour on display and pointed out all sorts of features and details we would have missed.

We found that kind of pride in the product being represented was pretty consistent with the vendors. We rarely felt hurried or that because we weren't buying we were a waste of time for them. Every vendor we approached was glad to spend time explaining their product and it's uses. We only had one vendor who wasn't on his game. We felt he didn't know enough about his product, but the impression was made that he might have been manning the booth for someone on a break. So, in light of all our excellent experiences we'll let that one slip. We've got the website and address. There was one other wonderful thing about the show, most of the vendors represented companies that were from Southern California. We could go directly to the location within a reasonable drive from Newport Beach. For us this is great because it cuts down on shipping. Well for non -boaters this is all pretty boring, but for the boating geek I would recommend the New Strictly Sail Long Beach show if you are in the area. It's still no where the size of Oakland, but it's worth a look.

Fair winds!

Just a couple of thoughts

With our leaving drawing near there are so many questions that people ask when they find out what we are doing. After 7 years aboard a boat the questions about "what's it like?" begin to get stale. It's my life. Yes it is very different for those who don't live on a boat, but the longer I live on a boat the more that life seems strange to me. The look on people's faces when they begin to talk about something on TV and we look vacant never ceases to amaze me. The idea that TV is not a constant part of our daily lives seems to confound people. I used to be addicted to the noise of a TV. The first thing I'd do when I came home was turn it on, whether I was watching or not. It was the noise I needed. Now I find my life constantly interrupted by noise. Airplanes, traffic, the chatter of people just talking, even the music as I'm shopping seems a distraction. The other distraction is the constant rush of today's lifestyle in America. Scott and I live in one of the most populated areas of the country and when we are out and about we feel overwhelmed at times. Cars rushing by, people in a hurry. Grocery shopping which was so much fun for me has become a drudge of "get in, get out". I've found the crush of people when shopping to be claustrophobic at times. We've slowed down so much over the last few years it amazes me more people don't jump off the wheel and do it. So for me that is what life on a boat is like.

Another of my favorite questions is about "stuff". Where do we put it all? That's a funny one to us. We've downsized and downsized again over and over. We finally look at each other and ask why we even have something. So the question of where we put it all tends to be a funny one when you've done you damnedest to get rid of all you can. It's actually very liberating. My wardrobe is about a 3rd what is once was, but what do I really need? Something warm in the winter and something cool in the summer. A sweater or two for the other seasons. We are both avid readers, but with technology as far as it is that's actually OK today. For entertainment purposes we both have electronic book readers, but for resources we keep hard copies. I am a huge cookbook collector. I've just limited myself to 20, so when a new one comes in an old one goes out. As with my galley, a new tool must have two uses, otherwise there is no home on Reisender for it. I also find that I don't need the gadgets I once found I did when on land. I can chop garlic with a knife. It may take a little longer, but who cares? It's just a little more love in a meal. Tools for Scott is a big one. Most of the weight in Reisender is because of our tool lockers (PLURAL), but where we are going we need to be self sufficient. Who couldn't stand to be able to take a care of themselves a little more independently?

I won't bore you too much longer, but the biggest question we hear is about fear. Aren't we afraid? Actually, yes, often, but do you know of anything in life worth doing that doesn't make you a little afraid? If you happen to be married, was that one of the scariest and nervous days of your life? In my years, I've learned there is no such thing as absolute safety. Earthquakes, fire, car accidents all happen, so we could stay on land and let one of them get us, or we could take our chances out here. While this isn't for everyone, we are happy and love the choices we've made. We are actually very boring people in our opinions. We've got friends that amaze us everyday with their accomplishments. I guess it's all in the seat you're sitting in as to what the other person looks like.

Well, just a couple of thoughts. Fair Winds!