This week, we finally got the chance to get out on the water. This is what we’ve been working for, and we’ve been looking forward to it for a really long time.
Since we are new boat owners, we have a temporary clause in our insurance policy which means that we need to have a competent captain accompany us whenever the boat is underway, very similar to having a learner’s license for drivers. After some time on the water, when our captain feels that we’re competent and comfortable, we will be able to waive the insurance clause and head out on our own.
We’re very fortunate to have Eudora’s former owner be our captain. He has boated in these waters all his life, and once hosted training charters on this very boat. He’s extremely patient, and the perfect teacher for my learning style.
For our orientation cruise, we started by learning about route planning. It’s very important to be aware of the tide, winds, weather and vessel traffic along our route. Next up was the pre-start checklist. Everything needs to be stowed away so nothing rolls around when underway, and then then all of the equipment needs to switched on and checked before departure. The whole process can take an hour or more before setting out.
Once we were prepared for departure, I got my first learning experience. It was my task to untie the stern lines as we pushed off, and then jump aboard and grab all the lines and fenders off the stern and stow them on the deck. It seems like such a small thing, but these are the things that for me are major confidence builders. I’m eager to learn every little thing about how to efficiently operate our boat until it becomes second nature.
Our journey took us up the coast underneath the Second Narrows Bridge, where Matt got to practice steering us under the bridge and compensating for the tidal current. We then went to Bedwell Cove to practice anchoring. I’m again insanely proud of the small bits of knowledge I gleaned: how to deploy and retrieve the anchor using the windlass.
On our return journey we used the public dock at Cates Park to practice docking. Matt took a handful of runs at it, and definitely shows that he knows what he’s doing. A few more practice runs and he’ll master it.
I have to say here how incredibly proud I am of Matt. He has loved boating and being near the water all his life, and having a Nordhavn has been an incredible dream. He has worked hard for our family to get us here, I was grinning like an idiot watching him confidently handling the wheel of our beautiful boat. Our captain was also very complimentary of Matt’s skills so far.
It really was a perfect day on the water. This is what we’ve worked so hard for, I can’t wait for the day when we can cast off the lines and head up or down the coast for the weekend, anchor in a quiet cove somewhere, take the kayaks for a paddle, or go ashore for a hike, and then come back for a cozy afternoon aboard. It’s so incredible that we’ve talked and thought about it for so long, and it’s finally here within reach.
We can’t wait for our next chance to get out on the water!
