The boat

[TC Chris]

trying again. Here's my spring project, the same one since 1969. It's available -light imaging in dim light. Below the boat, lower right, is the mast. I have special permission the keep it next to the boat because it's spruce and requires varnish maintenance. Running around just above the MC number is the mahogany toe rail that gets sanded and then two coats of varnish each year. We launch on Friday for the 58th time. I don't get as nervous as I used to.

[William]

Nice looking boat, Chris. Can you sail it by yourself?

Bill

[TC Chris]

Yeah, I learned to single-hand when I realized that it was the only way to get out sailing enough. It was after my brother said "Have you ever calculated the per-trip cost of owning this boat?" Of course, when it comes to toys, economics is not really a prime consideration, but still. It's usually more fun sailing with others, but the sailors I know have their own boats, and the non-sailors operate on schedules. Schedules are a work thing for me, and besides, sailing depends on the weather. I go when the weather allows and get back depending on the wind.

Sailing is always challenging. A dry mouth tells me I'm anxious, and I get a lot of dry-mouth moments when sailing. But that forces me to think things through, to analyze options, and to be careful. Life does not challenge us so much these days. There are big ones, like job security, illness, etc., but just day to day, life is pretty safe. When I'm out on the water, my well-being mostly depends on my own actions. That can be terrifying sometimes but rewarding overall.

Chris Campbell