Out of comfort zone

[johnalison]

I think the essence of the difference is that single-handers, ie not me, accept that they are compromising their safety but are prepared to take the responsibility for this, while a skipper of a crewed yacht is responsible for the safety of the whole crew, and at a much higher level.

 

[DangerousPirate]

I think the essence of the difference is that single-handers, ie not me, accept that they are compromising their safety but are prepared to take the responsibility for this, while a skipper of a crewed yacht is responsible for the safety of the whole crew, and at a much higher level.

Exactly how I understood it aswell.

 

[Cerebus]

There are many people, who wouldn't act sovereignly like you did. They would feel overwhelmed, lose their head, annoy the skipper or need to be taken by the hand for every step of the way. You're not one of those people. You pick up the challenge, juggle it around and grow with it. Not only that, but you've pushed your comfort zone, made memories and experiences that will shape you for the rest of your life, and are pleasant to look back at.

I wonder how soon you felt the weight of your command? Did that come only now or when did that happen?

Felt the weight of command at the time, or at least grow from leaving port to being in the gale. I was lucky it was a good boat and that I had more skill than I actually realised.

We were in charge of someone else’s boat and it was a very expensive one so there was a feeling of responsibility.

I was lucky I was younger than now and could go without sleep ok.

Also I did not want to broach and put us in a world of pain and I did not want to break anything on my watch.

First time on a long passage with strangers in unknown seas I was on alert every 2 hours; keeping sail full, staying on course, making sure I avoided any hazards and checking the chart before and after each watch and keeping a good lookout (a fair bit of traffic crossing the Channel to get to the Irish Sea where the storm picked up). Night sailing for the first time was ‘interesting’, especially when I noted a fishing boat ahead; “trawling or drift nets I was pondering?” and how much space to give it.

I could smell one ship before its lights became visible; that was novel.

Yes, an interesting experience. At the time or towards the end I thought “never again” but that past of course.

I wish they had waterproof cameras at that time (or ones I could afford).

 

[DangerousPirate]

I could smell one ship before its lights became visible; that was novel.

That ship must have stunk.

 

[johnalison]

That ship must have stunk.

I find that one’s sense of smell sharpens a lot when at sea, and have often been aware of smells coming from the land. I also remember smelling a lighthouse SW of the Channel Isles when passing at least five miles away.

 

[Marsali_1]

I find that one’s sense of smell sharpens a lot when at sea, and have often been aware of smells coming from the land. I also remember smelling a lighthouse SW of the Channel Isles when passing at least five miles away.

I think that what happens is that your sense of smell is always signalling things that are different to the "normal" background. Smokers who quit say that their sense of smell becomes really acute in the time after they stop smoking and especially if they are not constantly around smokers. So, if you are at sea for a time the "normal" background becomes different to what you were used to on land so you detect the land scents as different to the background.

This is not a silly question but what was it that you could smell coming from the lighthouse, diesel exhaust?

 

[Wansworth]

I think that what happens is that your sense of smell is always signalling things that are different to the "normal" background. Smokers who quit say that their sense of smell becomes really acute in the time after they stop smoking and especially if they are not constantly around smokers. So, if you are at sea for a time the "normal" background becomes different to what you were used to on land so you detect the land scents as different to the background.

This is not a silly question but what was it that you could smell coming from the lighthouse, diesel exhaust?

Players full strength!

 

[Marsali_1]

Players full strength!

I would have thought Gauloises since the lighthouse was SW of the Channel Isles and he said he was at least 5 miles off. It takes at least that distance for the smoke cloud to disipate enough to be penetrable by anything vertical and moving

 

[KevinV]

Players full strength!

 

[johnalison]

I think that what happens is that your sense of smell is always signalling things that are different to the "normal" background. Smokers who quit say that their sense of smell becomes really acute in the time after they stop smoking and especially if they are not constantly around smokers. So, if you are at sea for a time the "normal" background becomes different to what you were used to on land so you detect the land scents as different to the background.

This is not a silly question but what was it that you could smell coming from the lighthouse, diesel exhaust?

Sorry to disappoint you, but it was rotting seaweed.

 

[Marsali_1]

Sorry to disappoint you, but it was rotting seaweed.

Interesting, I hadn't thought of that, but it makes sense if it is an isolated rock light. I was thinking of a coastal light.

If you want a really powerful sensory experience, I suggest Ile Bonaventure off the coast of Perce, Quebec. I think it is the single largest Gannet colony in eastern North Anerica and the smell is probably detectable well out to sea. It's eye watering and deafening close in!