Seven things I wished I’d known before taking my nautical leap of faith:
1 Outboard motors are your enemy. You may think your strapping young boyfriend will always be in charge of that thing, but eventually you’ll need to conquer it.
2 Non-slip shoes are essential: non-slip slippers, non-slip flip flops, non-slip everything. It takes a while to get used to how your boat moves, even when it’s docked.
3 Stop baking. It’s not necessary. Just don’t.
4 The best boat food is the kind you don’t have to cook at all. Think hummus, guacamole, cheese and crackers, yogurt and seasonal fruit.
5 When it comes to wine, embrace the box. It stores better on a boat, and the quality of boxed wine really has improved. Plus, it’s eco-friendly.
6 Consolidate your toiletries. Use it until it’s gone, then buy another. Gone are the days that you smell like sweet pea on Monday and vanilla on Tuesday.
7 Get involved with your new community. Boat people are a diverse group and as a woman, you’ll be adored. What’s more, boat people look out for each other. They know each other’s stories, they’ll help you fix your rudder, and they’ll give you lots and lots of unsolicited boat advice.
Illustration by Eric Hanson
