
Beginners Guide to Escaping the Rat Race!
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Alternatives to Boat Ownership
#23 There are many downsides to owning a boat. In fact, it’s often said that the happiest day in a boat buyer’s life is when they first buy a boat, and the second happiest is when they sell it!
Catamarans vs Monohulls
#22 If you thought Trump or Brexit was a divisive topic, its nothing compared to the catamarans vs monohull debate within the cruising community!
Appeal for Assistance: Endangered Dugong Calf in Distress
Appeal for Help: The Raja Ampat Marine Park Authorities informed us that this endangered dugong calf that we’re trying to save is not their concern.
What are the Most Popular Blue Water Sailboats?
#21 Cruisers sail the oceans in all sorts of boats, from super yachts to modified barrels (I’m not kidding!)
How NOT to Buy a Boat!
#20 In many ways, your ‘new’ boat becomes an adopted member of the family with its own personality and idiosyncrasies, constantly needing attention.
DEFCON 9: What about Health Care and Insurance?
#19 This might come as a revelation, especially to folks from the USA, but the cost of family healthcare around the world is really quite affordable, even when using private healthcare providers.
DEFCON 8: What about all my Stuff?
#18 There’s an entire culture stoking a belief that more is better. However, it should come as no surprise that any endeavour involving freedom, travel, and adventure is about learning to live with less.
DEFCON 7: Won’t I be Lonely?
#17 The cruising community is wide, expansive, and very sociable. If loneliness worries you, don’t let it. The community is encouraging, and friendships and support are never far away
DEFCON 6: How do I Learn Boat Maintenance?
#16 Cruising can, at times, feel less like freedom, travel, and adventure and more like a relentless effort to keep your head above water—sometimes literally!
DEFCON 5: How do I Learn to Sail?
#15 Sailing is only one of many skillsets a cruiser must acquire but luckily, one of the easiest to obtain.
DEFCON 4: Money - How much will I need?
#14 Few "sail away" books address the gap between making the decision to go and making the money to go. Yet, this is often the biggest obstacle.
A Nice Cup of Tea
#13 As you may or may not be aware, May 21st marks International Tea Day, so I would like to pay homage to two of my favourite night watch companions: tea (quite obviously) and Eric Arthur Blair.
DEFCON 3: How do I Get my Partner Onboard?
#12 How can you ensure that your partner is fully invested, not merely because of your enthusiasm, but because they genuinely share it?
ANZAC DAY in Australia and New Zealand
#11 This week, I want to take a time-out from my usual posts in respect of ANZAC Day here in Australia.
DEFCON 2: What About the Kids’ Education?
#10 Institutional incarceration is a tried and tested form of punishment, and many kids view school that way too.
DEFCON 1: What about my Career?
#09 A well-rounded, resilient life transcends a singular job or career; it should embody a blend of problem-solving, risk-taking, and uncertainty.
DEFCONs and Elephants in the Room
#08 Inertia is fateful, but doubts, fears, and concerns don’t have to be. As Seneca so succinctly said: "It's not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste much of it."
You’re All Individuals!
#07 Many people live their entire lives with the choices they made in their teens. Career choice, partner type, hobby, music tastes, political leanings, fashion sense—some never leave their hometown.
Adversity and the Keisaku Stick Treatment
#06 Life is like a book, and it’s shorter than you think. How you choose to populate the pages of your book is entirely up to you.
Developing the Right Mindset
#05 Not to worry too much, but a common thread ties sociopaths, novelty seekers and risk-takers: the pleasure chemical dopamine.