Summer migration
WITH the annual migration of yachts of all shapes and sizes headed for warmer climes underway, I thought this may be a good time to reminisce a little, on how all things boaty have changed over time.
Our first sailing holiday north, to the warm waters of the Whitsunday Islands, occurred in April 1981 aboard our beautiful RORC 32 sloop, Solace.
Solace was the result of three years hard work, building our dream boat from a sheet (many) of paper in our home garage, then completed in the back yard. It really was an adventurous exercise as we had no previous experience in building anything, let alone a vessel we were to trust the lives of Jo and I plus our two kids under the age of nine.
But we did it and the end result on launch day saw a beautifully presented yacht equipped with (then) all the latest gizmos and toys that we could afford. For example, we had a hand pump out toilet, a solar shower, a tiller pilot and a 6.5’ tinny with oars.
Technology was our ‘strong suit’: an HF radio was fitted, as was a speed log, hand bearing compass and rotary depth sounder. Parallel ruler, protractor and dividers took pride of place on the navigation desk.
A big first for cruising boats back then was engine driven eutectic refrigeration. My beer could be produced cold for sundowners.
We sought and gained permission from the schools our two darlings attended to take them out of school for two terms. We were supported in that process by having the schools prepare educational material and assignments to be completed while away from home.
Both the children were
