The 9th episode of Season 3, I explain my reasons for not carrying long range two-way communications equipment aboard the Far Reach. It's expensive, it requires a lot of power, it adds complexity, and the desire for perfect info is a distraction. I do carry a hand-held two way VHF radio for ship to ship communication and for talking with port authorities. I am not encouraging others to voyage any particular way. Voyaging is a personal choice. My only advice to others is to be wary of those who claim you need to have all kinds of "stuff" to be a proper safe cruiser or voyager. The reality is you don't need much and probably the less you have the happier you'll be in the long run. As Capt L.F. Herreshoff wisely observed, "Simplicity afloat is the surest guarantee of happiness."
There is actually a larger issue to be addressed that each sailor needs to comes to grips with--why are you voyaging? What do you want to achieve? What is it about life ashore that causes you to go to all the trouble, difficulty, inconvenience, and exposure to danger (however moderate it may be) for life at sea. I know the answer to those questions for me and sail and equip my boat to help me achieve that end state.
Previous episodes recap:
Season 1, Episode 1, contains a short synopsis of a six year total rebuild of the Far Reach from a gutted bare hull. I also double hand the Far Reach offshore with my sister from NC to the BVI.
In Season 2, I single-hand the Far Reach from Sint Maarten back to NC.
In Season 3, I share my Single-handed voyage from NC to the BVI as well as from the VI back to NC.
To learn more about the rebuilding of the Far Reach: [ Ссылка ]
To read about this voyage, and many others, including additional modifications and updates to the Far Reach since her launch in 2015: [ Ссылка ]
If you have questions or stories to share about your own voyages feel free to post them in the comment section. Happy sailing.
