On this post Kaisu makes a confession, tells about her thoughts on leaving and makes a few compliments to Jussi.
I confess. This happened in November 2016, probably on our way from Ceuta to Madeira, perhaps on the fourth day of sailing. We were sailing with the Sail Training Association Finland’s Swan s/y Vahine. A nice 25 degree angle made it difficult to move.
I was laying in the saloon, tired, not feeling too well as tried to pull my sailing gear on. On that weak moment I think I may have said the words: “No. This kind of long distance sailing is not for me! Next time I’ll keep with the shorter routes.”
And to be noted, the responsibility was divided between 3-4 person watches. So I didn’t really even have such a rough time.
But then as I climbed up and took a look at the horizon, I felt a dizzying feeling of freedom. Wow, this is so nice! The bad world is somewhere far away and I don’t want to be anywhere else. I felt a deep sensation of peace. This is where I belong.
What we are doing now is aiming at that deep sense of peace. And obviously: seeing the world. Cliché, but true – we only have one life and there’s so much to see in the world. Sailing gives a possibility to see places we couldn’t reach otherwise. Our home travels with us and as a bonus the means of travel is environmentally friendly.
Sailing around the world is sounding so BIG that I haven’t dared to say it out loud, especially to outsiders. I have rather talked about Heading out to the seas. Doing a longer sailing trip. Or some other way of going around the issue. For many it’s a BIG deal. And big deals always seem suspicious.
As permanent members of crew we have two sensible, goal driven grownups with guts, aiming all the unused energy on this project.
Luckily we have been able to come out of the closet with our plans at the meetings of the Finnish Ocean sailor’s and our yacht club Sindbad’s meetings. There the reactions have been nice and easy. Ok, so when are leaving? What was the boat you guys have? Do you happen to need a SSB radio?
I don’t know if there’s something wrong with the settings of my brain, but I just don’t see this voyage at all impossible. We need a reliable boat (we have), experienced crew (Jussi is, I’m still woring on it. But I think many of the other better halfs have coped with a narrow experience in the get go), money (savings and freelance work that’s possible during the trip) and a sensible route (avoiding the hurricanes and the pirates).
I don’t know if there’s something wrong with the settings of my brain, but I just don’t see this voyage at all impossible.
These things considered, there will be sailing (helped by the windvane and the autopilot, so we don’t have to steer 24/7) and visiting interesting places. And as a permanent members of crew we have two sensible, goal driven, grownups with guts, aiming all the unused energy on this project. So, what could go wrong?! 🙂
These days it begins to be exactly one year to go before we head off. Practical issues are getting more real everyday. Where are we going to store all our stuff? What are we going to sell, what to take with us, what to store? Is there enough space in our parent’s house/apartments to store our stuff?
How about the dog? Plants? Bills? Taxation? Insurances? Vaccinations?
When are we going to release our flat? Can we move in to our boat already in May? How do I launch myself as a freelancer? Where do I sell all my stories? How about the dog? Plants? Bills? Taxation? Insurances? Vaccinations?
And then, the praise I promised. It’s hard to describe how big of a job Jussi has done for Liberta. I’ve helped as much as I’ve could, but the reason we are so far on our preparations, is mainly due to the hours put in by Jussi.
Jussi has been acquiring information, buying the right gear and mounting them. Stayed up late, waked up early. Made nightshift after nightshift at the boat, after the normal workdays. Maintenance, renewals, reparations. The engine, water tank, WC, windvane, autopilots, the rudder, the anchor, windlass, the electrics, communication devices, navigation, the interior… countless of things already fixed and also many still to come.
He knows his stuff as a captain and now knows also every inch of the boat. All in all, I couldn’t be leaving in a better company. <3
Kaisu
Sailing Kaisus. At the left and in the middle, feelings from the Bay of Biscay (2015). It wasn’t too funny, until I got to the helm. The joy at it’s peak on the right as we were heading out for a beer after the long voyage to Madeira (2016).
P.S. Read here where it all began: The adventure begins!