I can’t believe it! Where has the time gone? It’s crazy to think it’s been 1 whole year of living full-time on our sailboat. It’s been year of adjustments and learning; also, a year of planning and waiting; lots of waiting.
Small Spaces
I never “dreaded” living on the boat; in fact, it was my idea to move onto our boat early. Small space didn’t worry me. You see when Craig and I first married our first home had only 400 sq.ft.. The kitchen only had 2 kitchen cabinets, a sink and stove; not unlike a sailboat. And the bathroom was small. You could sit on the toilet, put you feet in the bathtub, and wash your hands in the sink all at the same time. So I would say our sailboat head probably has just as much space as our first bathroom. What I’ve Learned After One year Living on a Sailboat is It’s like starting all over.
Learning Curve
What I’ve Learned After One year Living on a Sailboat is how to function with a mini fridge and small freezer, as well as, learned a person can survive without a dishwasher or washer/dryer. I have become educated in boat maintenance more than I ever thought possible and am still learning more each day.
Creaks and noises on the boat are normal and I have become aware of which ones need attention. Most importantly, I have discovered a person can live with only 4 pairs of shoes.
Have A Plan
What I’ve Learned After One year Living on a Sailboat is days can get long and monotonous when you are in a marina so you need to have a plan as to how to fill your day. Some days are filled with boat projects while some days are lazy and relaxing.
I start each day taking Bonny, our dog, on a morning walk. She and I walk to stretch our legs a bit and then there is the “housework” to be done as well as meal planning. The luxury of being at a marina is quick and easy trips to stores; ie, HEB, Home Depot, West Marine, etc.
I honestly think transitioning to boat life has been a bit easier starting at the marina rather than going straight to anchor.
Waiting
What I’ve Learned After One year Living on a Sailboat is waiting is the name of the game. And Craig and I have had to do our fair share of waiting.
We have waited on package deliveries and for epoxy to dry and our rigging to be redone. We have also waited on weather windows to go sailing. We have just waited and waited…and waited.
****************************************FULL DISCLOSURE*************************************************
If I can give 1 piece of advise to someone planning a cruising lifestyle, move onto your boat sooner than later. Give yourself time to adjust.
This past year for me has had its ups and downs and tons of adjustments. But do I regret moving onto the sailboat? This simple answer is no. I needed the time to make peace with the nomad life I will be living. I have learned to go with the flow. We’ll see what I can learn in year 2. After all there’s so many new places to explore.