Journal Entries

July 2005

1 July - When I first started this website I wasn't really sure why I was doing it, other than wanting to share something which I found exciting and of immense interest. I also thought it may be useful to someone who was considering doing exactly what I had done and hoped that after seeing my site, their doubts may be alleviated. Having lived on my boat for a year now, my life has changed dramatically. I am a very different person in so many ways to the one I was those 12 months ago. Having a boat changes you as a person. It provides so many valuable lessons about life and about yourself as a person. Someone once said to me that being on my own so much wasn't healthy. I disagree. The ability to exist in solitude without being distracted by the trivialities which surround us provides the opportunity to explore your own personality introspectively. I suppose it's a kind of meditation, a lesson in patience, courage, organisation, and above all independence.

I am reminded of something I once read, "No matter how important a man at sea may consider himself, unless he is fundamentally worthy the sea will someday find him out."

26 July - I have received several emails wondering what has happened to me this month. My apologies for not keeping my journal up to date. Work has been a killer. Not much to report on the sailing front unfortunately. I still haven't had a chance to finish all of the portholes or the bowsprit. Hopefully I'll get a chance to do these things in the coming weeks. What a shame I need to make a living. As the saying goes, "I'd rather be sailing". I promise next month will be more interesting.