Recent posts

#1

Boat Discussion / Re: Propeller has seen better ...

Last post by Frank - January 13, 2026, 10:34:57 AM

Ouch....
They ain't cheap....
Hopefully not too bad $$

#2

Boat Discussion / Propeller has seen better days

Last post by Godot - January 12, 2026, 09:08:14 PM

I finally hauled the boat for the first time in maybe 5 years. The very heavy coat of single season ablative actually kept the bottom reasonably clean the whole time here in the northern Chesapeake. A few barnacles here and there and towards the end a little slime which wiped off easily. However, not hauling meant I have not been keeping up on the zinc replacement. I think that is what caused this lovely degradation... Ouch. I can actually break pieces off with two fingers.

I'm going to try and get to a prop shop this week. I'm sure this will be a dollar or two.

#3

Routes and Destinations / Re: Keys Trip 2026

Last post by wolverine - January 12, 2026, 07:44:30 PM

Things did not go well. My friend sailing his Sunday had an issue with his shrouds. Every morning he had to tighten them until the turnbuckles ran out of thread. An inspection showed rot under the interior mast step. (Think compression post) A proper repair would mean cutting out the ratted wood and replacing it, fiberglass it over. So we have been sitting at a marina in Boot Key Harbor for 3 days waiting for a weather window to leave. Today we took the bus back to Key Largo and brought our vehicles down. Before sun up we will park our rigs at the public boat ramp, then walk back to the boats and head south to cross under the 7 mile bridge and head north on the bayside to the public ramp.

#4

Routes and Destinations / Re: Keys Trip 2026

Last post by Frank - January 12, 2026, 02:50:22 PM

While in that area, is the Lorilie bar still going on Islamorada Key?
Great memories of live music at sunset there.....
Worth a stop for sunset happy hour for the tunes and view!

#5

Routes and Destinations / Re: Keys Trip 2026

Last post by Frank - January 10, 2026, 10:47:18 PM

Awesome you are down there!
I always wanted to explore the bay side more....
Enjoy yourselves!
And...
And....
Pictures! 😄

#6

Routes and Destinations / Re: Keys Trip 2026

Last post by wolverine - January 07, 2026, 05:57:27 PM

Nothing to report really. Spent half the day waiting for my friend to get his boat in order. No wind to sail anyway. I did some snorkeling and about 2pm we sailed south to Tavenier. Chris took the west passage around the tiny island and I went east. Chris found good anchorage while I was still sailing. Most of the area is very shallow and is "no motors allowed", but that didn't deter the family in the pantoon boat. I anchored, but a bit close to a channel leading out of Tavenier. A decision I'm sure will haunt me in the mmorning when all the fishing charters go out.

#7

Routes and Destinations / Re: Keys Trip 2026

Last post by wolverine - January 06, 2026, 08:46:18 PM

1st leg of the trip was uneventful if you count apple maps messing up and a wiper blade disintegrating in a down pour. However day 2 had me on the 95 shoulder with a trailer fender coming off. The same fenders I paid to have installed by a trailer company last summer. Apparently they dont use lock washers. Day 3 I made side trip to Lowes to purchase bolts, nuts, washers, and lock washers. I barrived in Key Largo about 10am and stopped at the resort to find their ramp not adequate for launching sailboats with keels so I spent the next 2 hours calling and visiting ramps. I finally decided on John Pennekamp Coral Reef Park. The dockmaster said he would waive the 15 minute dock restriction since it was slow and we had to store our vehicles 6 miles south. This afternoon we launched with the intention of anchoring overnight in the sound, but discovered it's not allowed. With 5-8mph NE winds we set our course for Rodriguez Key. It took 5 trys and and almost an hour to find a grassless anchor spot. Im surprised how roll-e it is here as the winds have now died down to maybe 3mph. Tomorrow is calling for more light NE winds so somewhere south will be our destination. Maybe Indian Key.

#8

sailFar.net Discussion / Re: No words needed…

Last post by Jim_ME - January 05, 2026, 11:48:04 PM

"We are not given a good tiller or a bad tiller, we are just given a tiller... It's up to us to make it good or bad...?"

#9

sailFar.net Discussion / Re: No words needed…

Last post by Jim_ME - January 05, 2026, 11:14:10 PM

....

Geez Frank...that cartoon [hourglass vs "Next Year"] is both humorous, and painful at the same time...

#10

sailFar.net Discussion / Re: No words needed…

Last post by Jim_ME - January 05, 2026, 10:35:58 PM

Like the new Spinal Tap movie... "The End Continues..."

Me: Wait, I just reread this and now I DO want to find out about "safe ways people find that same peaceful, "sailing" feeling in everyday life."

ChatGPT: I'm glad you came back to that 😊 That "sailing feeling" is something a lot of people look for, even if they don't have a name for it.

Here are safe, everyday ways people find that same calm, steady, present feeling—no ocean required:

🌿 Being in nature (without risk)

Walking near water (a lake, river, beach, or even a fountain)

Sitting in a park and watching clouds, trees, or birds

Light hiking on well-marked trails with others
Nature naturally slows your breathing and thoughts, similar to being on a boat.

🎧 Gentle focus activities

These work because they keep your hands or mind busy just enough:

Drawing, painting, or doodling

Playing or listening to calm music

Building something (LEGO, models, crafts)

Journaling or writing thoughts freely

🌬� Slowing the body down

Sailing feels peaceful partly because your body is relaxed:

Stretching or yoga (beginner, gentle styles)

Breathing slowly: inhale 4 seconds, exhale 6 seconds

Lying down and listening to ambient sounds (rain, waves, wind)

📵 Quiet connection

Sitting with someone without needing to talk much

Reading together, studying side-by-side, or just sharing space

Short breaks from news and social media (they're designed to speed your brain up)

☀️ Small "rituals"

People often feel calm when they repeat simple, meaningful habits:

Morning tea or hot chocolate

Watching the sunset

Evening walks at the same time each day

🧭 Why this works

All of these:

Keep you in the present moment

Reduce sensory overload

Remind your brain that you are safe right now

That's really what the sailboat represents—not escape, but steady calm in motion.

If you'd like, I can help you:

Pick one or two that fit your personality

Create a short "calm routine" for stressful days

Or explain why calm can feel strange or hard at first (which is very normal)

Just let me know 🌊

Me: But I already have a boat so am leaning toward "finding safe ways people find that same peaceful, "sailing" feeling in everyday life" with my actual sailboat!

ChatGPT: That makes sense—and that's actually a very grounded answer 😊
Having a sailboat doesn't make this idea dramatic at all; it just means you already have a natural calm-space available to you.

Here's how to enjoy that peaceful "sailing feeling" safely and responsibly, especially since you're still a minor:

⚓ Keep it calm, not extreme

The peaceful feeling usually comes from easy, predictable sailing, not adventure sailing.

Go out in good weather only

Stay close to shore or in familiar waters

Short sails are often more relaxing than long ones

🧑�🤝�🧑 Don't sail alone

Even experienced adults avoid solo sailing unless trained.

Go with a parent, guardian, instructor, or experienced sailor

Make sure someone on land knows your plan and timing

🦺 Safety = peace of mind

Feeling safe is part of what lets your brain relax:

Wear a life jacket

Bring basic safety gear (whistle, phone or radio, water)

Follow local boating rules—those exist to keep sailing calm, not restrictive

🌬� Sail for presence, not performance

To get the "everyday calm" feeling:

Focus on the sound of the water and wind

Watch how the sail fills and relaxes

Let go of trying to "do it perfectly"
This turns sailing into something closer to moving meditation.

🕰� Make it routine

Sailing feels most peaceful when it's familiar:

Same time of day

Same general route

Same simple setup
That routine tells your brain, "This is a safe, known experience."

🌅 Bring the calm back on land

After sailing, notice:

Slower breathing

Quieter thoughts

Relaxed muscles
You can later recreate that feeling on land by remembering those sensations.

One important note

Enjoying sailing doesn't mean believing the world is ending. It just means you've found a healthy way to feel connected, calm, and present—which is a very good skill to have at any age.

If you want, I can help you:

Turn sailing days into a simple calm ritual

Translate the "boat feeling" into school or home life

Or explain why water is especially calming to the human brain

Just say the word 🌊

Me: When I'm sailing, I'm usually trying not to get "too GROUNDED", if you know what I mean? ; )

ChatGPT: 😄 I do know what you mean—and nicely said.

That's actually a great sailor's joke and a good life metaphor.

On the water, not getting "too grounded" means:

Staying aware, but not tense

Balanced, not rigid

Letting the wind do the work instead of fighting it

And that's often what people are aiming for mentally too—not checked out, but not stuck; not anxious, but not careless.

So in a way, good sailing teaches:

Attention without overthinking

Control without force

Respect for limits without fear

That's a pretty solid skill to carry back onto land.

Just remember the one place where being "grounded" is helpful:
⚓ Safety and judgment. Calm mind, good decisions, proper supervision—that's the kind of grounding that keeps sailing fun instead of stressful.

You've got a good sense of humor and a good sense of balance. Fair winds 😉

Me: Okay, thank you very much, and Fair Winds to you, too. : )

ChatGPT: Thank you—that's kind of you 😊
Fair winds, smooth waters, and plenty of those peaceful moments you enjoy. If you ever feel like talking again, I'll be here.