You have worked very hard to be able finally own your yacht and prepare her for the round the world cruise you have always dreamed of. For some it is the culmination of a lifelong but steady march towards the time when you are finally ready to change your dream into realty.

Others are more fortunate and once they have decided this is what they want to do, then in no time at all you are waving them goodbye. It does seem a little unfair but the truth is that you will when leaving most likely be in it for the long haul and they may not be gone for very long.

The reason for this is simple.

Many of these sailors lack genuine experience. You have probably heard of the term \”one man’s storm is another man’s breeze\”? The difference between the two is that the breezy sailor is theoretically well qualified and practically very experienced.

If this is your dream and you do not want it to end in a disaster, go and complete the seamanship courses that will help prepare you for dealing with possible emergencies on board like fire, medical problems, man over board and worst of all sinking. Not funny when you are in an ocean and alone.

Share the experience

Having just yourself as the only experiences person on board to rely on is not good enough. If your partner is going to join you then get them involved. They will then understand what is happening when the yacht unexpectedly heels over in a strong gust or the sails suddenly back wind. Rather that they let out a scream of delight and not one of fear as is often the case, because if it is fear, your dream could possibly be in tatters.

At some stage whether you like it or not, you are going to hit a bad storm. If you are mentally and physically prepared and your boat is sound, ninety nine percent of the time you will be fine. In fact driving your car to work has been proven to be a lot more dangerous. No doubt you will feel anxious and be a little worried as the sea rumbles and the wind roars about you but because you understand what is happening , you are in control and that’s what helps to keep a cool head.

This toughness can only become part of you if you have spent lots of time boating on the water. Get out there as often as you can in good or bad weather, and in big or small boats. Ask if you can help crew for some sailor who may be doing a coastal delivery and if you are lucky it includes a couple of nights.

Achieved goals.

By the time my wife and I set sail we had achieved most of these goals and when the time came to let the lines go for the final time and leaving our marina it was a lot easier to do than it for some other sailors and their crew.

Getting ready to leave all that is so familiar and comfortable to you and starting a whole new way of life is very stressful. Remember to do all you can to stay healthy by eating well and exercising often.

If all goes well and the time to set sail has arrived the smile on your face will only get broader.

Frank Bio’s
Frank Rijkers is a Certified Offshore Yachtmaster.He has sailed the oceans around world in his home built 34ft sailing yacht (Footloose). As charter boat skipper in the Caribbean and as captain on private yachts, go to http://coolboatingsupplies.com for some cool ideas on yacht safety

Frank Bio’s
Frank Rijkers is a Certified Offshore Yachtmaster.He has sailed the oceans around world in his home built 34ft sailing yacht (Footloose). As charter boat skipper in the Caribbean and as captain on private yachts, go to http://coolboatingsupplies.com for some cool ideas on yacht safety

Author Bio: Frank Bio’s
Frank Rijkers is a Certified Offshore Yachtmaster.He has sailed the oceans around world in his home built 34ft sailing yacht (Footloose). As charter boat skipper in the Caribbean and as captain on private yachts, go to http://coolboatingsupplies.com for some cool ideas on yacht safety

Category: Recreation
Keywords: Mental toughness,prepare for cruising,get experienced cruising,get sailboat certified,sailing strong