The more I think about, dream about and consider achieving my future goals, I’m reminded of the many things I still must learn. There’s so much that I’ve yet to try, risk and achieve. Things that I’ll ultimately need to have at least a working knowledge of, but even better to have mastery of.
The things I refer to is an ever-growing list, but I know there’s even more that I haven’t thought of.
I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.
– Pablo Picasso
The shortlist of skills that have recently been on my mind are these:
- Heaving to: I’ve only done this maneuver once before. It’d be nice to practice it more and become proficient at it.
- Anchoring: This is something I’ve never done at all. I only recently finished reinstalling my anchor cleat in the anchor locker. I need to read up on this skill and just spend a day practicing dropping it, setting it, then pulling it up. I guess this will also be a good time to use the anchor alarm app.
- Fiberglass work: I already know that much of the work I did on the shelving on the interior should have been done with fiberglass, but I don’t know yet how to work fiberglass.
- Reefing while underway: I’ve sailed with reefed sails a few times, but I’ve always reefed prior to leaving the slip. I know my future will include times I need to shorten sail while underway, so this is a skill I still need to get some practice doing.
- Sailing during darkness: I’ve only accumulated .75 hours of sailing during darkness on my sailing log. This is definitely a skill I need to spend more time on.
Although there’s this short list and MUCH more on a longer list of skills and abilities that I’ll need to master, I’m looking forward to it. I consider myself to be someone who always likes to learn, so I know I’ll enjoy the adventure and journey along this path.
Any readers have a skill list you want to practice more so as to become more proficient?
Mike
I like the quote. Good way to look at things.
In my thinking, I learn how to do things myself because I can’t afford to throw money at every little problem (regarding repairs at least). Always good to learn new skills for sailing too. When you’re out on the water, no one else will be there to help you.
So far, my proficiency list is more refit related. When it comes to sailing, I could use practice with EVERYTHING. I had my boat in the water at Kentucky Lake for 1 year and only got to sail 3 times. This being the only sailing I did since taking ASA101 the year before I even bought the boat. That’s part of why I like sailing. There’s always something new to learn or brush up on.
Daniel, you hit the nail on the head when talking about learning to do things due to lack of funds! That’s exactly the way I am! I refuse to pay money to someone if it’s something I can already to myself or teach myself to do. Many times in the past, I’ve just taken things apart when it stopped working to see if I could remedy the problem on my own. Nowadays, Google has SO much information that if I don’t already know how to do something I’m only moments away from learning thanks to Google and YouTube.
I’ve enjoyed following your refit. Learning a lot there too!
Mike
Good to see you’re still working at it! We have just started to practice heaving to. I’m certain it will make our lives easier. As will reefing under way. Another one to add to our list.
the funny thing is that we’re in our third year of actively cruising and we still have pretty much the same list.
Deb
SV Kintala
http://www.theretirementproject.blogspot.com
Haha! Now that IS funny Deb!