On 11/2/10 2:02 PM, Wilbur Hubbard wrote:
wrote in message
...
snip

Please tell me..."what cruising really is all about."

We just bought a new boat and we plan to do some cruising, but I sure
wouldn't want to break any of your rules when we do.

So, please list your rules in order of importance.




I shall be delighted to do so:

(rules about what cruising is all about listed in order of importance)


1) Cruising is a planned, uneventful, private and successful voyage from one
venue to another that takes into consideration the vessel, the crew, the
weather, the water, the stuff upon which the water lies and the hard stuff
around the edges of the water.


Agreed, for any sort of boating.


2) Cruising under sail is doing the above without using the motor unless the
wind dies completely.

3) When cruising you should remain as inconspicuous as possible at all
times. This includes while underway and entering and exiting ports of call.
This also includes anchoring. If anybody's head pops out of a nearby
companionway or hatch to see what all the commotion is about as you pass by
or anchor you are doing something wrong.

Not necessarily.



4) The same can be said about when you are getting under way.

Agreed.


5) When you're anchored don't run a portable generator. Don't run your
diesel at all unless there is an emergency and unless you are downwind of
EVERYBODY (diesel fumes go a long way downwind and are sickening and
unhealthy to breathe). Put a strap on that noisy wind generator in an
anchorage. If you need terawatts of electricity then stop being an obnoxious
skinflint with your noisy Honda portables and cheapass wind generators
whooshing and whistling and grinding away. Purchase and install a
water-cooled, inboard diesel generator and use it instead because they are
acceptable quiet but never use it upwind of anybody else.

Fortunately, we have a water-cooled, diesel generator.



6) Idle speed only when using your dinghy. Better yet, get your fat ass in
shape and use a rowing dinghy.

Agreed, especially the latter. I'm in the market for an inflatable dink
that actually will row nicely. Probably aren't any.



7) Leave the barking dogs and crying babies at home.

Leave the dogs at home, drown the crying babies! :)



8) Cruising should be done for its own sake. If you can't enjoy cruising
without conducting a running dialog via the internet or telephone the whole
time, you aren't cruising - you're showing off or trying to show off and
you're making a pain in the ass out of yourself.

Sometimes.



9) Cruisers are self-reliant. Never expect to be rescued. Don't ever call
for a rescue unless you're gonna die without a rescue. And, if you're gonna
die, think twice about calling for a rescue as the fact that you're gonna
die probably means you deserve to die because you've been too stupid to
live.

10) Go cruising. Shut up about it. Don't bother anybody else when you're
cruising.


Wilbur Hubbard



I don't think you'd be a lot of fun on a cruise, Wilbur.