When we set out to sail around the world via Cape Horn, we had little knowledge of what we were getting ourselves into aboard our J/46 Sweet Ruca, even though Kate and I were experienced racing sailors from the Midwest USA.

We both grew up sailing on the Great Lakes. Kate started in Optis and Thistles, winning a Jr. National Championship and later becoming a US Sailing instructor. I was cruising with my parents on Lake Erie at a young age. I moved on to racing both one-design and offshore, culminating in an overall win of the esteemed Chicago to Mackinac race as a navigator with Kate as a helmswoman.

Kate, Curtis and Roxy the sailing dog at anchor in Rikitea

When I was young, I read the tales of the Whitbread and Vendee Globe races in my father’s sailing magazines. Visions of palm trees and tropical islands were not lodged in my head, but towering waves of streaking foam attempting to overcome grimacing sailors in oil skins while water washed the decks clean cemented in my consciousness.

Cruising sailors, we were not, at least not at the beginning. Anchors, dodgers, and refrigerators were outside our sailing vocabulary. However, we were quickly hooked on the lifestyle after spending a month cruising through the beautiful waters of Lake Huron’s spectacular North Channel and Georgian Bay on a spartan J/105.

Something drew me to this challenging route. When we left port in Newport, RI, I thought I knew what it was, but later, I would learn there is much more to this route than screaming down frigid waves to go around a rock! 

The obligatory Cape Horn rounding photo.

Only now, at anchor again in the crystal blue water of Rikitea (Gambier Archipelago in French Polynesia), I can look back at the experience gained sailing a route around the bottom of the Americas. The experience is more than a sailing accomplishment. Becoming closer to nature and spending time amongst cultures that live very simple and remote lives resonates most with me about this journey. It has changed my perspective.

Sailing Cape Horn & The Canals of Patagonia

“The tales of rough usage are for the most part exaggerations, as also are the tales of sea danger.” ~ Joshua Slocum

This quote by one of sailing’s most famous authors sums up our thoughts on sailing in this area. Don’t read this wrong; the passage is fraught with challenges and no place for beginners. The forces of nature will brutally punish mistakes in these areas, and there is no one to call for help. It is not an easy place for yachts, still very much the Wild West of sorts, but this is also the draw.

With the advantage of a well-prepared modern boat, an experienced crew, proper planning, local knowledge passed on from other sailors, and today’s improved weather forecasting, most of this area’s dangers can be avoided. As in the books, there are still 70-knot williwaws (violent squalls), snow storms, uncharted areas, and ice to sail through. However, with proper planning, careful navigation, and waiting for weather windows, these dangers can be effectively mitigated.

Kate and Curtis on the foredeck of the Micalvi – Puerto Williams Chile

The place to gain local sailing knowledge is the Micalvi Yacht Club and Cedena Sailing School in Puerto Williams, Chile. Here, a mixture of newcomers, seasoned Cape Horners, and Antarctic adventurers come together in what may be the ultimate high-latitude sailing brotherhood. OCC Port Captain Lalo Cruz & his compatriots there both teach the next generation of young Chilean sailors in Optis and Lasers and share their knowledge of this area with cruising sailors arriving from all corners of the world who have left their flags on the hallowed walls of the Micalvi.

The interior and bar of Club Yate de Micalvi showing the flags left by sailors from around the world. We recognized many other OCC boats.

After leaving Puerto Williams, we were again very much on our own for the next 600 miles in the cold and icy Beagle Channel. This is perhaps the most awe-inspiring and challenging section of the journey. Towering mountains and glaciers dramatically meet the deep fjords in an intimidating but beautiful way. 

Sweet Ruca at anchor in front of the Seno Pia glacier.

Due to the dangers and inaccuracies of the charts in this area, one should only sail during the day and take refuge in one of the many well-protected notches during the evenings. We secure the boat every night with not only the anchor but also with 4 100-meter shore ties, as the conditions can change quickly and strong gusts can materialize from almost any direction.

As the climate here is driven by large storms that continually roll through the southern ocean, it is possible to take advantage of some very beautiful and sunny days between weather systems. On days with no wind, the silence and still air is only interrupted by the sounds of falcon wings moving through the air and cracking glaciers in the distance. 

Waiting out a storm in Caleta Brecknock

Moving northwards in the canals, the Beagle Channel meets the Strait of Magellan, and the scenery begins to change from snow caps above the tree line to barren, windswept rocks as the storms moving across the South Pacific crash into the shores of Chile with uninterrupted force. 

Glacier Pio Xi unleashed a sea of bergy bits in Canal Wide, many were larger than our boat.

Our next stop and sign of civilization would be the remote island village of Puerto Eden, where the last of Chile’s indigenous Kawaskar people still reside. This is a place where the changing of time is apparent. Once a disconnected village that thrived on local artisanal fishing, the shift toward the influence of tourism and technology is evident by the building presence of the cruise ship industry and Starlink. The island’s sole diesel generator still turns off every evening; when the lights go out, the feeling of wilderness returns in the hours of darkness.

Puerto Eden

We again set sail north through the Messier Channel towards Chile’s next big challenge. The Gulfo de Penas (meaning gulf of despair) separates Patagonia’s fjords from north to south and is the gatekeeper of the southern canals. A compulsory journey into the heavy seas of this area must be timed well, as the winds, waves, and currents here can damage even the largest of ships, as evidenced by the famous story of the Wager which lies wrecked at its entrance. This area is perhaps even more challenging than Cape Horn itself. 

Once into Patagonia’s northern section, one feels much safer and free to explore. Fuel, food, and civilization are now in reach if needed. We enjoyed this area very much, deciding to double back and spend another summer here, taking in the glaciers, hot springs, hikes, and most importantly, the kindness of the local people who still live a remote lifestyle but are beginning to create a good network for eco-tourism. Perhaps this area, between Gulfo de Penas and Puerto Montt, including the beautiful island of Chiloe, is the best of both worlds and may give the sailor all that is needed if Patagonia is on the bucket list. 

Caleta Sisquelan at the entrance to Laguna San Rafael

This area’s resounding beauty and culture is only interrupted by the influence of commercial fish farming. These aircraft carrier-sized complexes, which run diesel generators 24/7 and fill the sky with light, now reside in almost every nook and cranny of this beautiful area. After months in the pristine southern fjords surrounded by nature, we began to see the sad effects and pollution of these behemoths. The impact of mankind’s consumption and industry is stunning and concise. 

Sailing in front of snow capped volcanoes.

After so many miles in harsh sailing conditions, the boat needed a bit of refreshment to prepare for the 4000-plus nautical mile jaunt to our next destination, yet another of the world’s most remote places, Gambier. In Puerto Montt, we checked and refreshed maintenance items on the boat: running rigging, autopilots, sails, safety items, engine, and chain plates, and replenished our provisions for the upcoming trip. We also met many local Chilean sailors here who were wonderful hosts and became great friends.

Puerto Montt’s Club Reloncavi, much has changed here since the cruising guides were published.

Venturing Across the Pacific Ocean

After enduring the difficult climate of southern Chile for so long, we were ready for a change of scenery and temperature. Venturing into the Pacific Ocean, it was difficult to leave not only the beautiful mountains but also the kind people we met in our wake. 

We were finally ready for palm trees and coconuts again, though what we would find ahead in our next destination would once again encompass the kindred spirit of those who live a remote lifestyle. 

The archipelago of Gambier and the island of Mangareva, French Polynesia, was now the next destination, set firmly in our Expedition routing software. The journey would be 23 days of nonstop sailing, skipping Easter Island and Pitcairn due to weather conditions that would prohibit landing there.

The weather was poor, cloudy, rainy, and there were large swells. What we had hoped would be warm water spinnaker sailing for days on end in a deep blue ocean was not the case! Beam seas of gray and white crashed the deck as we reached at speed under reefed sails away from the mainland. Occasionally, we would have respite, the sun would come out, and we could set the gennaker again. Easy sailing was always short-lived, as the kite was doused again, and the stormy weather pushing up from the south returned.

Testing out the storm jib to slow the boat in big on the way to Gambier.

 We spent the last week of our passage under a heavily reefed main with little or no headsail as we ran in 3+ meter seas and winds gusting into the 30s day in and day out. A large breaking wave sheared an internal pin in our autopilot ram, requiring us to switch to our spare unit underway. At one point, we decided to get our unused storm jib out to balance the boat and limit flogging of the Genoa while surfing, all while keeping speeds under control and at a cruising rather than racing pace. I usually want to go faster, but this was one of those occasions where slowing down was prudent.

Arriving in French Polynesia

Exhausted from a fast and wet trip, we made landfall in Gambier early in the morning. The steep peaks jutted from the sea and were a welcome sight after the long and rough passage. Entering the western pass over the top of a visible coral reef contrasted the endless blue we had been sailing in for almost a month.

A view from the top of Mount Duff, overlooking the harbor of Rikitea

 Few boats venture to this remote archipelago, roughly 800 miles south-southeast of the Marquesas. We found ourselves the only boat flying the OCC burgee. The cruisers that do make it here, though, are a very diverse group from all points on the globe, many of whom were on their second circumnavigation. They are both blessed to experience this unique place, home of the black pearl, and be well lined up for a downwind journey through the less visited portions of the Tuamotu atolls. 

Rikitea, surrounded by an internal reef and again by the outer islands, is a great place to relax and take in the local culture while enjoying essentially the same views of the tall ships that arrived here hundreds of years ago. The islanders are friendly and welcoming to cruisers. The economy is still supported mainly by pearl farming and is not yet overrun by touristic tendencies. 

Here, it is wonderful to see the cruisers who arrive tend to blend with and adopt the local culture and language. Many family boats were here, with children attending the local school. 

Youngsters played football (soccer) in the streets, and the social activity amongst the adults included dinners of local fish and grilled chicken while exchanging stories between islanders and cruisers. While not apparent at first glimpse, the Polynesians, some of the world’s original ocean voyagers, have much in common with the sailors that arrive here. Living in close harmony with the environment around them, here is an unsaid understanding that the ocean is a great equalizer.

The island of Mangareva in Gambier, French Polynesia

We spent time here sailing the majestic outer islands and exploring uncharted coves. There are deserted islands, which you might see in a postcard, but they can still be fraught with danger. Care must still be taken as the outer reefs are still very wild, evidenced by a cruiser that was attacked by a shark while freediving there. With little medical care available on the island, he had to be flown to Tahiti by an emergency military medevac as civilian airplanes were not allowed to land on the airstrip after dark. 

As we sailed through the Tuamotus on our way to Tahiti, it was apparent that these islands are people’s homes, farms, and ways of life passed on from generation to generation. In these remote places, material goods and possessions are not what make a person wealthy. Here, riches are not shown in dollars and cents in a conventional way but in smiles, family, friendship, and congregation. 

Manu has an entire island to himself, great respect is needed to gain permission to access his island, but despite our language barrier we enjoyed wonderful conversation, sharing details of each others lifestyle

When I left the USA to cruise and sail around the world via Cape Horn, I thought it was about checking a box—checking the 1000-mile box to join the OCC, sailing around famous bits of land, gathering stamps in a passport, etc. Now, that is no longer so. What we have found aboard Sweet Ruca after all these miles in far-flung places is that cruising is an adventure into the human spirit. It is a way to connect more deeply with people and nature. 

Dinner with Blanca on Isla Magdalena – If you sail in Patagonia make sure to stop in and see this wonderful woman who lives alone and off the grid

Traveling this less-trodden route via sailboat has given us the unique ability to gain new perspectives and introduce us to new and diverse experiences, people, and cultures. We can also share a newfound wealth of knowledge with other sailors and those we meet ashore. The road less traveled is undoubtedly a bit more difficult, but a path worthy of the choice.

You can find out more about Kate and I and our boat at our website, www.sweetruca.com, and watch the Patagonian adventures on YouTube.

The post Taking the Road Less Traveled to The South Pacific – Featured in the OCC Flying Fish Magazine appeared first on Sailing Sweet Ruca.

Whether they’re navigating stormy seas or leisurely cruising in calm waters, our curated list of the six best Christmas gifts for sailors in 2023 promises to bring joy and utility to their nautical endeavors. From high-quality sailing gear to personalized accessories, compact waterproof speakers, a trusty sailing knife, Yeti-style coffee cups for onboard warmth, and waterproof smartwatches, these gifts are designed to cater to every aspect of a sailor’s needs.

Get ready to make waves with presents that reflect the spirit of adventure and the thrill of the open water.

6 Great Christmas Gifts For Sailors

1. Nautical Accessories: Consider accessories like a leather-bound sailing logbook, handheld compass, grill, fenders, barometer, clock, or a ship’s bell. These thoughtful touches add a unique and sentimental aspect to their sailing adventures.
    
    
   
2. Compact Waterproof Speaker: A rugged, waterproof Bluetooth speaker is a fantastic gift for sailors who enjoy music on the open water. Choose one that’s compact, buoyant, and capable of delivering great sound even in challenging conditions.
    
    
   
3. Sailing Knife: Equip them with a high-quality sailing knife, a versatile tool that comes in handy for various tasks onboard. Look for a design with corrosion-resistant materials and a secure grip for safety.
    
    
   
4. Sailing Sweet Ruca Coffee Cups: Keep their onboard beverages warm with durable, insulated coffee cups designed for maritime adventures. Sweet Ruca cups are known for their ability to maintain the temperature of both hot and cold drinks, making them perfect for long sails.
    
    
   
5. Waterproof Smartwatch or Fitness Tracker: A waterproof smartwatch or fitness tracker designed for water activities can provide valuable data like heart rate, GPS location, and weather updates. It’s a practical gift for sailors who want to monitor their performance and stay connected on the water.
    
    
6. High-Quality Sailing Gear: Upgrade their sailing experience with top-notch gear like waterproof jackets, sailing gloves, or high-performance sunglasses. Look for reputable brands known for durability and functionality.
    
    
   

These gifts cover a range of needs, from safety and functionality to comfort and enjoyment on the high seas.

The post 6 Great Christmas Gifts For The Sailor In Your Family appeared first on Sailing Sweet Ruca.

We often find ourselves revisiting these sights and smells, day dreaming at the office of when we can next feel the wind in our hair, see the water rush past the hull, and breath in the fresh, salty air from the ocean.

Sailing Sweet Ruca Offshore

When we first step foot onto that unstable surface of the boat, it gives us that feeling of excitement, that we are leaving our life behind for a brief moment and focusing solely on what’s ahead. 

We are boaters because we love that feeling of pride in the vessel that keeps us afloat. We are sailors because we have that feeling of calm when the wind bites at the edges of our eyes and whistles through the rig to our ears. It’s that feeling when the boat rolls up on a wave and straightens back out, sending you flying down the liquid roller coaster, white foam all around you, and a smile forms at the corner of your lips. 

We are explorers because we realize that life is a never ending classroom, with so much to learn. That feeling of reaching a new destination or accomplishing a goal is the reward for all your hard work and effort, studying the weather or tides or sail trim. 

Whether you’re leaving the bay on a Wednesday night after work for a few hours of sailing before sundown, or casting off the dock lines for a circumnavigation around Cape Horn, we all crave #ThatFeeling of being out on the water. 

We are boaters. We are sailors. We are explorers. We support each other like family. It’s #ThatFeeling of community that keeps us going back out there, finding new crew, making new friends for a sundowner, or handing over the wheel to a first-timer. 

When we add fresh paint to the hull and watch her launch for the first time after a lot of hard work, we get #ThatFeeling of gratitude. And for us, it’s a big thanks to Akzonobel and their International paints for providing beautiful coatings that make the boat look great and perform its best. Because of our fresh Galverette, Intergard, Intertuf, and Micron Premium paints on our bottom, we have confidence in the next stage of our journey sailing towards Cape Horn. 

We are out here to find #ThatFeeling of knowing the world on a deeper level. To experience #ThatFeeling of excitement day in and day out. Share with us what #ThatFeeling of boating means to you. 

@Akzonobel @intlyachtpaintap

The post What #ThatFeeling of Sailing Means to Us appeared first on Sailing Sweet Ruca.

Traveling abroad can present unique financial challenges. Whether you’re studying, working, or vacationing, you need a reliable and convenient way to manage your finances when you’re away from home. Wise banking app is an excellent tool that can help you do just that. In this article, we’ll explore how using Wise can help you manage your finances while traveling internationally.

Benefits of Using Wise Banking App

Wise is a digital banking app that provides fast, secure, and affordable international money transfers. Here are some of the benefits of using Wise:

1. Competitive Exchange Rates: With Wise, you can avoid the expensive fees and unfavorable exchange rates associated with traditional banks. Instead, you get to enjoy low fees and mid-market exchange rates that are as close to the actual exchange rate as possible.
2. Convenience: The app allows you to manage your money on the go, and you can easily track your expenses in different currencies. You can also send and receive money with just a few taps on your phone.
3. Debit Card for Easy Access to Cash: Wise also offers a debit card that can be used at ATMs and for point-of-sale transactions around the world. This makes it a great option for anyone who needs easy access to cash when traveling internationally.

Use of Wire Transfers Overseas vs USA

In some countries, wire transfers are the preferred way of sending and receiving money, especially for larger transactions. In other countries, such as those in Europe, bank transfers and mobile payments are more popular. Wise has made it easier for us to adapt to these differences and make international money transfers without having to worry about the exchange rate or high fees.

Our Conclusion About Using Wise For International Banking

Wise banking app is an excellent tool for managing your finances when traveling internationally. It offers competitive exchange rates, low fees, and convenience, making it an ideal choice for anyone who needs to send or receive money in different currencies. Whether you’re a student studying abroad, an expat living overseas, or a traveler exploring new destinations, Wise can help you manage your finances with ease.

Wise (formerly known as TransferWise) has saved us a few times when we needed cash or needed to send or receive a wire transfer on short notice. Our banks at home back in the states were difficult to complete a wire through, especially an international one. With Wise, we dealt with wire transfers in Uruguay, Canary Islands, Germany and in the United States quickly and easily, for both business and personal use, all through one app. The debit card has also saved us when in need of cash or when making a purchase in a local currency. (Trust us, your USA Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express are NOT ACCEPTED EVERYWHERE IN THE WORLD!) Our Wise debit card has worked where others have not.

At sweetruca.com, we are an affiliate of Wise banking app and may receive compensation for any purchases or signups made through the affiliate link provided in this article. However, we only recommend products and services that we have personally used and believe will provide value to our readers.

If you’re planning on traveling internationally, managing your finances can be a daunting task. That’s where Wise banking app comes in. With its competitive exchange rates, low fees, and easy-to-use platform, it’s the perfect tool for keeping your finances in order while on the go. We highly recommend checking it out! By signing up through our affiliate link, not only will you get to enjoy all the benefits of Wise, but you’ll also be supporting sweetruca.com and helping us to continue providing valuable content to our readers.

Ready to take control of your finances when traveling abroad? Sign up for Wise banking app through our affiliate link and start enjoying all the benefits of this powerful financial management tool today. Simply click this link to get started for free!

The post Traveling Internationally? Here’s How Wise Banking App Can Help You Manage Your Finances appeared first on Sailing Sweet Ruca.

Writing a book is a significant undertaking, and for many authors, the process can be time-consuming and challenging. However, recent advancements in AI technology have made it possible to write a book with less effort and time. In this blog post, I will discuss how ChatGPT helped an me write a short book titled “Sharing the Journey,” and the positives and negatives of AI book generation.

The Process of Creating a Book Using ChatGPT

I started by providing ChatGPT with a general outline of the book’s storyline, character profiles, and key events. The AI language model used its advanced natural language processing capabilities to generate a rough draft of the book, with dialogue, descriptions, and actions based on the author’s input.

While the initial draft was impressive, I had to edit and revise the content to ensure that it aligned with their vision for the book. ChatGPT, like any machine learning model, has limitations and can make errors in grammar, punctuation, and syntax. Therefore, I had to review the content and correct any mistakes to ensure that it was clear, coherent, and engaging for readers.

However, the AI technology had several benefits in the book writing process. One of the most significant benefits is that it saved me a considerable amount of time and effort in writing the book. Instead of spending months writing and editing, I was able to complete the book within a shorter timeframe, allowing me to focus on other aspects of the book publishing process, such as cover design, and complete other maintenance tasks on board the boat.

Additionally, the use of AI technology provided me with fresh and innovative ideas (these are ChatGPTs words, not mine, and this is where things can go off the rails). ChatGPT’s natural language processing capabilities allowed the author to explore different narrative approaches, character arcs, and storylines, and find unique ways to engage the reader. (Honestly it’s engagement score when measured in Grammarly, another tool I use to proof read for us was quite high, overall the text scored an 86%, not bad, but not up to my usual scores or those of full time writers.)

Concerns With AI Book Generation

However, there are also some potential negatives to using AI book generation. One significant concern is the lack of human creativity and emotion in the writing. While ChatGPT can generate text that aligns with the author’s input, it lacks the ability to create something truly original or groundbreaking. A machine learning model can only generate content based on what it has learned from previous examples and may not be able to produce something that is wholly unique. (This is true, and ChatGPT sometimes includes some things that are completely untrue, before editing and forced re-write queries, ChatGPT tried to say  our J/46 Sailboat was a brand new custom built superyacht….ummm no, she is a 22 year old classic we bought used and work incredibly hard to maintain ourselves.)

Another concern is that AI book generation may not be suitable for every author or every book genre. Some genres require a more personal and emotional touch that may not be achievable through AI technology. Additionally, some authors may prefer the traditional writing process and enjoy the creative process of writing, and may not want to use AI book generation.

In conclusion, ChatGPT is a powerful AI technology (sort of, we question if OpenAI’s ChatGPT is true “artificial intelligence” or just a pre-programmed random BS generator) that can assist authors in writing a book with less effort and time. However, while AI book generation has many benefits, it is essential to remember its limitations and that it may not be suitable for every author or genre. Nonetheless, the use of AI technology in book writing is an exciting development, and it will be interesting to see how it continues to evolve and impact the publishing industry in the future.

My Thoughts On AI Content Generation

My Words: It is interesting to test this new tech. I am very interested in all things internet and the ability to use technology to simplify and scale processes. In the long run, I have to admit, I am a bit scared to see where this technology will take the world. I am skeptical of its end results, will this bring about the end of the world as we become stuck in a feedback loop in the race to the bottom of stupidity? We kind of just want to run and hide on our sailboat in a remote corner of the earth where AI won’t reach us, but at this point we know that is impossible. I feel like I have to explore the technology and begin to understand it for our own good, as this snowball has only starting rolling at the top of the mountain. I just hope humans don’t get too lazy and hand the helm off entirely, cue the Matrix and Terminator movies!

Disclaimer: I used ChatGPT to write most this post, my comments are in parenthesis and in the “My Words” section at the end. I would love to hear your thoughts and comments on this new technology in the comments below. Some of the links above are referral links to amazon which we do earn income from, this helps us to fund our journey and continue our sailing adventures and content creation. 

The post Using ChatGPT to Write the Short Book: Sharing the Journey appeared first on Sailing Sweet Ruca.

Valentines Gift For Sailors – Men:

1. A custom-made navigation chart: Surprise your partner with a handcrafted navigation chart that shows a special route or location that you both hold dear. It can be a cherished memory or a planned destination for the future.
2. A high-quality pocket knife: Every sailor needs a trusty pocket knife for everyday use, and it can also come in handy during emergency situations. Choose a durable and practical design, and don’t forget to add a personal touch with an engraving.
3. A waterproof camera: For the adventurous sailors who love to capture every moment, a waterproof camera is an excellent gift idea. Whether it’s for underwater photography or action shots on deck, it’s a great way to create lasting memories.
4. A personalized sail bag: A sailor’s sail bag is a precious and functional accessory, and personalizing it adds an extra touch of sentimental value. You can embroider your partner’s name, a special message, or a meaningful image.
5. A sailing-themed book: For the bookworm sailors, a sailing-themed book is a thoughtful and educational gift idea. You can choose from a variety of genres, from adventure stories to technical manuals, depending on your partner’s interests.
6. A romantic dinner under the stars: A romantic dinner is always a classic Valentine’s Day idea, but for passagemaking sailors, it can be elevated to the next level. Plan a special menu, set up a table on deck, and enjoy the breathtaking view of the starry sky.

Valentines Gift For Sailors – Women:

1. A stylish and practical sailing jacket: A good quality sailing jacket is essential for any sailor, and it’s also a fashion statement. Choose a design that suits your partner’s style and needs, and don’t forget to add a personalized touch with an embroidered name or message.
2. A set of high-quality sailing gloves: Sailing gloves are not only protective but also functional and comfortable. Invest in a durable and ergonomic design, and surprise your partner with a set of gloves in her favorite color.
3. A waterproof phone case: A waterproof phone case is a must-have accessory for any sailor, as it protects your device from water damage and allows you to take photos and videos in any weather condition. Choose a design that suits your partner’s phone model and personality.
4. A personalized sailing journal: For the creative and introspective sailors, a sailing journal is a thoughtful gift idea. You can customize the cover with your partner’s name, a special quote, or an inspiring image, and leave the rest for her to fill with her thoughts and experiences.
5. A sailing-themed necklace: A delicate and elegant necklace is a great way to express your love and appreciation for your partner. Choose a sailing-themed design, such as a sailboat or an anchor, and add a personal touch with a birthstone or an engraved message.
6. A spa treatment on board: A relaxing and rejuvenating spa treatment is a luxurious and romantic Valentine’s Day idea. You can create a spa ambiance on board, with scented candles, soothing music, and a professional masseuse, and let your partner unwind and recharge.

We do earn a small amount of revenue each time something is purchased through the referral links on Amazon.com in the post above. It helps fund our voyage while we are sailing around the world and enables content creation while aboard. Want to learn more about this voyaging sailing couple, and how we stay together through challenging conditions at sea? Follow us on our YouTube Channel or visit us on Patreon for behind the scenes details of our daily lives. We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below, what do you think the best valentines gift is for your significant other on board?

The post Top 6 Valentine’s Ideas for Passagemaking Sailors – Him & Her appeared first on Sailing Sweet Ruca.

Top 7 Reasons to Have An Inflatable Paddleboard on Your Sailboat

1. Convenience and portability: One of the biggest advantages of inflatable paddleboards is their convenience and portability. Unlike traditional hard-shell boards, inflatable paddleboards can be easily deflated, rolled up, and stored in a small bag, taking up minimal space on your sailboat. This means that you can bring your paddleboard with you on your sailing adventures without sacrificing valuable storage space. 
2. Easy to transport: Inflatable paddleboards are also easy to transport. They can be carried in your car trunk or checked as luggage on an airplane, making it easy to bring them with you on your sailing trips. Our pick for ease of transport: Bluefin Ultra Fast Touring Board
3. Stable and easy to use: Inflatable paddleboards are generally more stable than traditional hard-shell boards, making them easier and more comfortable to use, especially for beginners. Their inflatable design also provides added cushioning, making them a great choice for exploring rocky shores or calm lakes. 
4. Good for fishing: Many inflatable paddleboards are designed with fishing in mind, offering additional stability and storage for fishing gear. Whether you’re fishing for sport or for dinner, an inflatable paddleboard can be a great addition to your sailboat’s arsenal. Our pick for fishing: Sea Eagle Fish 126
5. Safe for pets: If you have a pet dog, an inflatable paddleboard can be a great way to transport them to shore for some exercise and playtime. The inflatable design provides added cushioning and stability, making it easier and safer for your pet to jump on and off the board. Our pick for dogs: Driftsun 11×34 SUP
6. Versatile: Inflatable paddleboards are versatile and can be used for a variety of activities, including yoga, fishing, and exploring. They are also great for taking out on calm lakes or rivers, providing a fun and easy way to enjoy the water. Our pick for a “daily driver:” Bluefin Paddleboard / Kayak Combo
7. Affordable: Compared to traditional hard-shell boards, inflatable paddleboards are often more affordable, making them a great choice for sailors on a budget. With their convenience, portability, and versatility, they are a great value for the money. Our value pick:  Roc 10′ x 33″ Beginner Inflatable SUP Paddleboard

In conclusion, inflatable paddleboards or standup paddleboards or SUP’s are a great choice for cruising sailboat owners. They offer a number of practical benefits, including convenience, portability, stability, and versatility, making them a great way to enjoy the water and explore new shores. Whether you’re fishing, yoga, or just looking for a fun way to enjoy the water, an inflatable paddleboard is a must-have item on your sailboat.

There are many options for your paddling style and budget. Check out some more different options we think are cool in our list of different paddleboards we have curated on amazon.com. These are affiliate links and purchasing through them allows us to take just a little bit from Jeff Bezos’ mega yacht fund and put it into our cruising kitty to help fuel our adventure and keep creating fun content for you!

The post Inflatable Paddleboards For Cruising Sailboats: The Top 7 reasons to Have One On Board appeared first on Sailing Sweet Ruca.

How to Avoid Becoming Seasick

1. Stay Above Deck: Staying above deck and getting fresh air can help alleviate seasickness symptoms. Being in fresh air and sunlight can also help regulate your body clock and reduce feelings of nausea.
2. Hydrate: Dehydration can make seasickness symptoms worse, so make sure to drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol.
3. Eat Light: Eating a light meal before sailing and avoiding fatty and heavy foods can help reduce feelings of nausea.
4. Ginger: Ginger has been known to be effective in reducing symptoms of motion sickness. You can take ginger in supplement form, or you can chew on ginger candy or drink ginger tea. Ginger Chews 
   
5. Acupressure Bands: Wearing acupressure bands can help relieve seasickness symptoms by applying pressure to the P6 (Nei-Kuan) acupoint on the wrist.
6. Medications: Over-the-counter medications, such as Dramamine, can be effective in reducing symptoms of seasickness. For those who have had a more severe reaction to motion sickness, prescription medications such as Scopolamine may be necessary. Dramamine
    

One medication that has been effective for many sailors, including Kate, is Sturgeron otherwise known as Cinnarazine. It is used by the British Royal Navy, but unfortunately, Sturgeron is not available in the USA, but it is available in many other countries. If you are in the USA you may have to travel outside of the US to get it, we picked up ours in St. Maarten and Grenada, as unfortunately it has not been FDA approved for use in the USA. This does not mean it is unsafe, what we think it means is that there is more likely not enough money to be made for a drug company to put it through the lengthy and expensive approval process in the USA, so a great medication is unavailable to Americans simply because of politics, bureaucracy, and money.

In conclusion, seasickness is a common problem for many sailors, but it can be overcome with a few simple steps. Staying above deck, hydrating, eating light, taking ginger, wearing acupressure bands, or taking over-the-counter medications can all help alleviate symptoms. If you’re planning a sailing adventure, don’t let seasickness hold you back. With these tips, you’ll be able to beat nausea and enjoy a comfortable and enjoyable journey on the water.

Want more info about seasickness, visit the following links:

NOAA: What Causes Seasickness

BoatUS: Seasickness Remedies

The post Saying Goodbye to Seasickness: The Best Ways to Overcome Nausea at Sea appeared first on Sailing Sweet Ruca.

1. Chapman’s Piloting

This is the book to start with when learning about boating and navigation. Perhaps it is the best all around resource to have on board to learn about navigation and piloting a recreational powerboat or sailboat.

2. USCG Navigation Rules Handbook

This is a requirement for any US Coast Guard Documented Vessel to have on board. It is a great resource for learning boat navigation light patterns. This is very important for nighttime navigation. It also covers all of the rules of the road, helping you to know what you should do when vessels meet on the ocean.

3. Jimmy Cornell’s World Cruising Routes

There are over 1000 routes in this book which help you find the right time and place to start and finish your voyages. Following the routes in this book will generally lead to pleasant offshore sailing and avoid major storms and hurricane seasons. We don’t always take sailing routes in this book, as we enjoy challenging conditions which are off the beaten path, but we do consult it regularly.

4. Nigel Calder’s Boatowners Mechanical and Electrical Manual

If there is a name synonymous with DIY boat work it is Nigel Calder. This book will cover everything you possibly need to know to maintain your boats important systems while sailing, especially your engine and electrical system, which may be most sailors biggest challenge. Keeping your boat in top condition is a challenge in harsh saltwater conditions, but it is very important as a working boat is your primary means of transportation and your home.

5. Sir Ben Ainslie’s Complete Sailing Manual

If you want to sail around the world, well, you need to learn to sail. This book covers how to really sail boats big and small, catamarans and monohulls, both fast and slow. Written by national champion and Olympic sailors, you will learn how to sail and trim the proper way to make your boat move through the water. This means more speed, less fuel consumption, a smoother ride, and a happier crew!

6. Bowditch’s American Practical Navigator

Do you want to know everything there is to know? This giant book will teach it to you. This is the book you can find on the bridge of every US Merchant Maritime vessel and is the reference manual for professional seaman. Its over 1200 pages cover meteorology, navigation, oceanography, weather, and contains countless tables, charts, and illustrations.

7. Pardey’s Storm Tactics Handbook

A list of essential around the world Sailing books can not be complete without a how-to book from Lin and Larry Pardey. The number one reason sailors never leave port is fear of bad weather. The number one reason people abandon ship is because of problems when the going gets tough. This book will teach you what you need to know to get through tough storm conditions safely on your sailboat.

8. Dashew’s Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia

Perhaps the original Performance Cruising sailing couple, Steve and Linda Dashew have compiled all of their vast knowledge of sailing and boatbuilding into one book! This book contains all you need: from the time you start thinking about purchasing a boat to sail around the world, to reference items and ideas while en-route.

There are surely lots of other great books, both inspirational and educational on the topic of sailing around the world. These are books we have actually read and find valuable enough to carry aboard with us. We think you will love them also. If there is one we forgot, please drop us a note in the comments below.

Note: We do earn a commission off of the links to Amazon to purchase these books. We think it is a win/win, as we can share some of our knowledge with you and you can support our journey at no additional cost to you when you make purchases.

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Linked Article: https://themirrornewspaper.com/aw-graduate-sails-world-documents-adventures/

We are not living in a row of little boxes with a mortgage, car payment, and regular jobs. This makes us somewhat of a curiosity to others.

Understandably so, we think our lifestyle is pretty cool too. It feels good to have this freedom. We have made it a goal to inspire others to get outside the box and go for their own goals.

We have had to work hard to overcome our nervous feelings about talking to a camera and sharing our thoughts and lifestyle with complete stangers.

Enter a reporter from a small midwestern newspaper. Most people outside of a few hundred mile radius can’t find Whitehouse, Ohio (where Curtis went to High School) on a map. Surely they would never think of reading it’s small local newspaper called The Mirror.

We hope to change that also. Their reporter, Karen Gerhardinger, put together an exellent article which answers all of the questions one should ask.

Many reporters just glaze over topics to create content as quickly as possible. Fill boxes, create keywords, and drive traffic is the goal.

Not Karen, she truly took a deep and holistic dive into our history, sailing, and safety.

Her series of articles about people whom graduated from Anthony Wayne High School have the goal of inspiring others from a small midwestern town to do, see, and be more. Even if you hail from a town far away, they are worth a read.

We hope you enjoy her article: https://themirrornewspaper.com/aw-graduate-sails-world-documents-adventures/

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