Ruth Ann is a cutter-rigged Bayfield 29. She can handle almost anything that the ocean can throw at her. Not all weather is comfortable for the crew, obviously and the skipper will do his best to avoid bad weather. Nevertheless, it should be expected at times that the ride will get uncomfortable. Trust that the boat can handle it.
Ruth Ann sleeps four max; if we are really good friends. No cabin exists with any kind of privacy, therefore we will be living together for the duration. The settees in the main salon become a double and a single. There are two quarter berths aft but are often storing various items.
Ruth Ann can carry a limited amount of water and diesel. Water is available throughout most cruising grounds. It is *not* always free and can sometimes be expensive. In the Bahamas, there are remote areas where water is scarce. Outside of crowded, dirty harbors, seawater will often be used for cooking. Water is not normally rationed but it must be used mindfully. Further, the engine can only run for 20 or 25 hours at full capacity. She is a sailboat, we will motor only when it is critically necessary.
The head is a composting toilet. This is a simple device but care needs to be taken to learn and use it correctly. Full instructions will be given during the Boat Introduction. There is nothing especially squeamish about its use; it’s just different. Everybody sits. Guys(!) -- there is no standing to pee unless you are holding on to a shroud and peeing off the side of the boat.
There is no shower inside the boat. Showers are accomplished on deck or ashore. Wet bums should never be placed on interior upholstery. The salt in saltwater gets into any fabric and prevents it from ever drying all the way out. Everyone will have a saltwater towel to keep outside and a towel for fresh water inside. Bring a large beach towel for your own vanity and shyness. In lieu of showers, we will often lather up, take a quick dip off the side and then get a meager freshwater rinse afterward. Special care need to be taken with wet saltwater towels and bathing suits; keep them off the upholstery!
There is no shower inside the boat. Showers are accomplished on deck or ashore. Wet bums should never be placed on interior upholstery. The salt in saltwater gets into any fabric and prevents it from ever drying all the way out. Everyone will have a saltwater towel to keep outside and a towel for fresh water inside. Bring a large beach towel for your own vanity and shyness. In lieu of showers, we will often lather up, take a quick dip off the side and then get a meager freshwater rinse afterward. Special care need to be taken with wet saltwater towels and bathing suits; keep them off the upholstery!
Hard shell luggage cannot be accommodated. Please pack in duffels or frameless backpacks. There is nowhere to fit hard shell luggage and because most bunks do double duty as dinette or settee during the day, you cannot leave a hard suitcase on your bunk.
No comments:
Post a Comment