Atalanta: A Moment of Reflection

We have lived aboard Atalanta, our Little Harbor 44, since the summer of 2013. We are about to enter our third year and want to share a few reflections about our “lifestyle” experience. We have a safe and seaworthy boat capable of cruising the ocean, a body of specific knowledge (seamanship, weather, basic first aid, navigation, etc.) and a partner to share it all with.

We have visited over fifty island and mainland countries, explored places we had never heard of, and met so many amazing people, natives and travelers alike. Our particular (or some would say peculiar) way of travel enables us to discover places and people in a most special, unique way that is fundamentally different than the experience derived from a week at an all-inclusive resort or via cruise ship.

Each island and each country has a unique history and culture waiting to be investigated. Guid books, internet sites, tourists and locals all help us to learn as much as we can. Upon our arrival to a new country we usually have three missions: First, we have to negotiate our way through the customs and immigration process and pay the appropriate fees. Next we must figure out how to acquire the goods and services we need including propane, food, diesel fuel, boat parts, etc. The process of finding such items can be simple and familiar or challenging and a bit out of our comfort zone. A different currency, different language, unusual forms of transportation and unfamiliar items can conspire to turn a trip to the market into an adventure. Finally, we explore. Most often we take the dinghy to shore and then walk. And then walk further. And walk some more. We have worn out many pairs of shoes and sandals. Taxis, buses, rental cars, bicycles and scooters have provided our feet with some relief.

While the cruising life usually feels like a dream, it is grounded in a few realities that cannot be viewed as benefits. First and foremost is the maintenance of the boat. Boats require constant attention to remain safe, seaworthy and comfortable. Since many of the places we visit are not equipped to serve the yachting public, we have learned how to do much of the repair and maintenance work ourselves. Every nook and cranny in Atlanta is crammed with spare parts and we have learned much about the repair of diesel engines, electrical and plumbing systems, sails and rigging.

Another challenge for us is passage-making which is defined as a cruise that extends for more than a day nonstop. We have not talked to many sailors who claim to actually enjoy multi-night trips. The first three are the hardest because we have not yet adjusted to the rhythm of 3-4 hour watches. One of us is always awake and at the helm, night or day. We often feel “out of sorts” if not a bit seasick, preparing and eating food is challenging if the seas are rough, and so is sleeping when the boat is tossing. Often passage-making is necessary given the distances we travel and the speed (or lack there of) of the boat.

While we would not trade a minute of the time we have spent traveling aboard Atalanta, we are feeling the call of family and land. Children, grandchildren, and family members are deeply missed. We are spending more and more time discussing what the future looks like for us. Will we own a home? Where will we keep Atalanta? What new adventures are in store for us?

Pic from the Past Three Years