Project Retirement, ep 2

The one where we figure out how deep the hole goes.

Deciding to become a competent skipper inside of 3 years, from scratch, in such a way as to not kill yourself... is challenging.

A captain on a small boat is the ultimate jack-of-all-trades; when something breaks, you typically have to MacGyver yourself back to port (though while you can stock a huge amount of matchsticks and gum wrappers, most times you are better served with extra sails and rope...)

Here's a list of knowledge that I will have to accumulate before I feel comfortable heading out without strong supervision or cell phone coverage:

Skills of a sailor

Points of wind

Right of way

Renting a bare-boat

Nautical terms

Following the wind

Furl and unfurl sails

Reefing sails

Anchoring

Mooring

Man overboard maneuvers

Docking

Knots

Fire safety

Storm sailing

Passage planning

VHF communications

Skills of a navigator

Meteorology

Cloud patterns

Global wind directions

Using charts

Using navigation instruments

Using guide books

Skills of a medic

First aid

Health insurance

Physical therapy

World healthcare abilities

Skills of a mechanic

Diesel engine maintenance

Diesel engine repairs

Outboard motor maintenance

Outboard motor repair

Skills of an electrician

How to wire AC current

How to wire DC current

Caring for solar panels

Caring for Lithium batteries

Caring for Inverters and MPPT solar chargers

Soldering

Crimping high-gauge wiring

Skills of a plumber

Fixing marine toilets

Fixing pumps

Fixing impellers

Monitoring and caring for a bilge

Skills of a shipwright

Fixing fibreglass

Fixing and sewing sails

Inspecting rigging

Running sheets

Repairing blocks

Repairing seacocks

Shopping for parts

Skills of a diver

Scuba

Filling dive bottles

Skills of a tourist

Customs and de-boarding procedures

Document and paperwork handling

Skills of an amateur radio operator

Frequencies

Sun cycles and propagation

Electronics

Antennas

Analog modes

Digital modes

International communication laws

That's a lot...

Certain things have to be learnt in-depth, while others can be learnt at a high level with proper documentation and reference manuals on the boat. Of course, some things, like how to repair a marine toilet may only be learnt on-the-spot as the need arises. A shitty situation may ensue, but let's flush that aside.

Some of these things, like sailing and first aid, will be learnt through actual courses, where certification is the end product. Other things, like diesel maintenance, can be learnt via mentoring by experts, such as my father.

It only takes time and money... and determination... but mostly time.