Have just been looking at some Utube footage on sailboats, hydroponics
at sea etc.

It seems that every second nautically minded person posting calls
himself "Captain Jack" or Captain someone or other.

Just curious as to how many fellow boatees add the title in front of
their names.

I simply cannot imagine introducing myself as "Captain Peter" or
"Captain Panaengotis". I'm not a professional mariner who has worked
up from 3rd mate to command.

Captain Bruce von Bangkok and Captain Larry or even Captain Vic de la
Kafe don't sound as ridiculous even if a little pompous.

Does the title come with a US boating qualification or is it assumed
with boat ownership as is the weekend boater's cap with "Captain"
emblazoned loudly and the gold leaves of an admiral of the fleet?

If so, I'll adopt the title of Nakoda - means the same but has the
romantic flavour of Joseph Conrad about it - and I'll wear a sarong
and songkok for authenticity.

Any thoughts Larry, Bruce, Captain Vic? - if you can manage to get
your face away from your coffee cup.

BTW, for those with less than perfect teeth. Just got new dentures,
top and bottom - quote in Sydney, Australia - AUD$2,000. My dentist in
Panglima Garang, Malaysia (between Banting and Kelang) who is Sydney
University trained charged RM 700 - AUD $214. I also bought new
eyeglasses for myopia and astigmatism - first pair including tinted
plastic lenses, script and hardening coating - AUD $60. Second pair -
same but bifocals - AUD $40. They are not cheap looking frames and are
made in Japan with sprung hinges.

My dentist had three receptionists/nurses. I offered to buy one of his
women but he wanted too much for each of them.

Work out the price of a holiday to Malaysia with effectively free
dental care (crowns, caps dentures, fillings etc) and eyeglasses.

It may be a developing country but is not third world and is very
safe, even for people who speak poor English with a slow drawl.

cheers
Peter