Lin Pardey

Last month I asked if any of you had questions you'd like me to answer. I hope to address each of them over the next few months. But there is one that several people asked requires and answer that would be far too long for a Facebook post- How did you and Larry manage without and engine, and why did you do it?. So I have posted the answer as a substack. You do not need to be a subscriber to read it. Either search for Lin Pardey, Go now on substack, or click on the link in the first comment. See you there.friends asked

I hate wasting food. So about twice or three times a year, I go through all of my food lockers and check for rusty cans and dried provisions that may be nearing their use-by dates. I gather these items in a place where I can get to them easily then plan what I call “can night.” That is when I try coming up with new recipes for old inventory and test them on the crew. Or, I try to think of ways to incorporate these items in new recipes, some of which I might use on our next passage. I’ve found I can add new flavors to fresh salads by incorporating canned beans or canned fruit. I’ve combined canned fish with egg salad for a fresh tasting sandwich filler. I remind myself that pasta casseroles can be just as tasty savoured in a secure anchorage as they are during an ocean passage. I’ve had several people write and tell me some of my at-sea canned meal recipes, derived from my “can nights” and described in the 4th edition of my book, Care and Feeding of Sailing Crew have become favorites of theirs too. Check it out here: https://amzn.to/4fj7RpO

If money were no object, which boat would you own, and why?

Our plans to circumnavigate Ireland were derailed when we came to anchor next to this fleet of Galway Hookers in the rocky inlet called Carrarow on the west coast of Ireland. Rowed over to have a closer look. Skipper asked how long we planned to stay around. Larry had his standard answer, "as long as it's fun." We ended up racing and cruising with this fleet of amazing antique boats for the next two months. A real highlight and reminder of why it pays to throw out schedules when you go cruising.

I would like to thank all of you who took the time to share questions you would like me to answer here. I made a list today. Lots of food for thought. I hope to answer the first one within the next few days. Meanwhile we have Sahula almost ready to head off northbound along the Queensland coast. First goal, crossing the wide Bay Bar at slack tide. Shooting for a Thursday departure. If we miss that we'll leave on Saturday as, even though we aren't superstitious, we definitely don't start any voyage on a Friday.

One of the hard decisions Larry and I made a few months into our very first cruise definitely set the tone for the rest of my cruising life. It is discussed in my latest Substack post. You can find a link in the first comment, or type Lin Pardey - go now in your search engine. The photo below gives you a clue.....