This subject has been brewing with me for several weeks now. I alluded to it in a past blog. Now, I find I am going to do something I rarely do, be critical of some one else’s position on a matter. I started reading a book called “Simply Sailing, A Different Approach To A Life Of Adventure” by Connie McBride. It is the story of a family who sold everything, purchased a 34 foot cutter, and started the sailing life style. I say “sailing” because Connie McBride would consider being called a “cruiser” an insult. I was intrigued initially by the ingenuity of this family and applauded their willingness to embrace a minimalist lifestyle. The McBrides settled on a policy of if something breaks they simply remove the broken piece of equipment and either do without or as in the case of their head they replaced the head with a bucket. Thats right, you read correctly, a BUCKET. Their refrigerator broke, they removed it and didn’t replace it, they use a pressure can and a baby swimming pool for a shower, they removed their steering system because they would have to trust “a stranger” to weld a piece on and replaced it with a tiller, they use kerosene lamps for all lighting including their navigation lights and the list goes on and on. I really do admire their willingness to sail in 19th century conditions. What I have a problem with is the “off the wall” rationalization the author uses to justify their decisions and mocking anyone who chooses to sail with a modest amount of comfort and not to mention safety. Of course all electronic conveniences such as charting systems, anything but a handheld GPS and heaven forbid radar are considered luxuries only cruisers not “real sailors” would use. They pride themselves in sailing off anchor and into anchor without the aid of a motor (which they do have but pride themselves on rarely using) even in questionable conditions and encourage you to do the same. I feel a lot of their statements are just plain foolish, some untrue, and a few showing questionable good judgement.
Let me say I am not now nor will I ever be a minimalist, far from it. I want convenience from my AC/Heat, my watermaker, XM radio, refrig/freezer, my composting head down to my ice maker. I am not the least bit embarrassed by my indulgences nor do I judge anyone who has more or has less. Everybody should do as they want and are able but………..DO NOT mock and/or criticize anyone who chooses not to embrace your lifestyle. I am not a sailor, heck I might not even qualify for a cruiser….but make no mistake, My Rusty can sail as good or better than most…….I stake my life on it every year…….and more telling, I stake my children’s lives on it.
Ok, now I feel better…..
Sea Yawl Later!!
Linda
PS I couldn’t bring myself to finish the book…..simply don’t want the aggravation