The First Mate

[binch]

Few postings mention the first mate.
We have spoken to many live-aboard boats over our 36 years afloat. Some first year new-bies, and other old hands.
The thing that strikes me is the courage and devotion of many live-aboard wives.
Most live-aboard starts are the idea of the man. I think the devotion and loyalty of many wives who "go along" is fantastic. Some do not endure longer than the first Biscay gale, but many do. Many boats abandon the world cruise at Gib. We have noticed that it is not always the wife who wants to stop.
I think that the first year is important. If that goes well, then the team is set fair.
I am drivento post this because I was discussing the Hiscocks and the way Susan took over in the later years. And it was Laurel Cooper who was in command on their last cruise.
Women endure.
Share your tot with one today.

 

[Tradewinds]

I'll drink to that

 

[Wansworth]

When we had a boat the wife was always there either; oblivious to the danger and heroic man at the tiller or was deeply into her crossword....down below....We have bought ba new boat and shes coming as mate ..although after 30 years she still cant tie a bowline!

 

[maybh1]

..although after 30 years she still cant tie a bowline!

To my eternal shame neither can I after 25 years of boating

I seem to have a mental block in place regarding anything to do with knots.

Show me how to do it and two minutes later I have forgotten everything

May
Xx

 

[dslittle]

When we had a boat the wife was always there either; oblivious to the danger and heroic man at the tiller or was deeply into her crossword....down below....We have bought ba new boat and shes coming as mate ..although after 30 years she still cant tie a bowline!

After a couple of hours at the helm in a very nasty blow, my 'First Mate' (who had been helping during the 'ordeal') came up from below with a steaming cup of hot coffee. It was probably the best drink that I have ever tasted (with the stiff brandy 30 mins later not far behind). That unspoken moment was one of the times that made me realise that we could live together on a boat very happily for the future. I wouldn't do it without her.
A bit early for a drink here just now but I shall raise a glass to all First Mates later...

 

[Tomahawk]

Asleep right now

My first officer is sleeping at the moment.. later today we get back to preparing the boat for departure in September..

I will owe her everything when we do cast off as she made it possible, she also navigates, cooks, and brings me a skippers nip when I need it, most important she does a very happy dance whenever we are on board.. I used to think I am the luckiest man in the world... Now I am happy to learn that others also have an equally devoted first mate...

I just feel so sad for those who do not have a soulmate..

 

[Nostrodamus]

I totally agree with what has been said. My wife is the heart and soul of our boat and it is her who makes it a home.
She will be the first to admit that she has no great passion to learn about anything nautical but she instinctively knows when she is needed or I need a rest and will be there before I even ask. She doesn't know it yet but she is becoming a damn good sailor.
A lot of time cruising is spent not at sea but exploring new surroundings. I could not wish for better companion or could not imagine what it would be like to have no one to spend the magical moments with.

 

[FullCircle]

Only yesterday Mrs FC surprised me by telling me how she has been trolling for a Houseboat to move onto, as well as keeping Full Circle for our retirement trip.
We have been together for 9 years now, and she had not stepped foot on a sailing boat before.
It would not be possible without her.

 

[bjvarley]

We are an equal couple on the boat - Brian does all the boat fixing as well as helming at tying up and casting off and I do all the admin and liaison. This means that I am listed as Captain, which confuses some of the officials. However it is necessary as I have to do all the signing in and so on.
As an aside, I thought it would be nice to be able to contribute to the forum under my own name and tried to set up an alternative username. However as we share an email address it wouldn't let me. Ah well - there is no point having a separate email account just for that. Perhaps we can change our user name.
Rosemary Smith (other half of Brian)

 

[nimbusgb]

We are an equal couple on the boat - Brian does all the boat fixing as well as helming at tying up and casting off and I do all the admin and liaison. This means that I am listed as Captain, which confuses some of the officials. However it is necessary as I have to do all the signing in and so on.
As an aside, I thought it would be nice to be able to contribute to the forum under my own name and tried to set up an alternative username. However as we share an email address it wouldn't let me. Ah well - there is no point having a separate email account just for that. Perhaps we can change our user name.
Rosemary Smith (other half of Brian)

get yourself a free gmail account and use that to register your own username!

 

[bjvarley]

We dont want multiple email accounts to keeep track of.