Dimensions in Small Craft

Article by Jonathan Lewis

A recent submission entitled, “Does Size Matter?” was a catalyst that ignited some memories from days gone by. I was working at a small watersports company on the wharf in Christiansted, St. Croix when I observed my workmate and friend engaged in conversation with two elderly women at the counter in front of the shelves holding numerous t-shirts available for purchase. I had two scuba tanks in hand and was making my way to the compressor in the back room when a noticeable giggle emerged from one of the aged tourists and the other insisted that the displayed garment wasn’t to her taste. I stopped to lend assistance to my Italian co-worker, as her English, although improving, still lacked the knowledge and nuance of a native speaker. In a melodious manner, she once again recited the inscription imprinted above and below the barque silkscreened on the shirt she now held proudly in front of her torso, gripped at the shoulders and hanging flag-like before her. Again she repeated, “It’s not the size of the ship, but the motion of the ocean” as it it was a perfect purchase for these octogenarians desiring a nautical souvenir. I couldn’t contain my laughter as the two women looked at one another, turned and departed the premises. My colleague glanced at me and then pleaded for an explanation as to what had just occurred. Was it something she said? I then tried to delicately inform her as to the double meaning of the words she so proudly recited and the inappropriateness of her sartorial choice for the vanished tourists. Needless to say, we both laughed, blushed, and laughed some more.

Which brings me to the point of this article. We really have to drive home the fact that a bigger boat is usually not the right answer and shouldn’t be what we aspire to. In fact, this idea contributes to the dissatisfaction and disillusionment of many. The ability to be able to easily singlehand a vessel increases the opportunity to use it exponentially. Becoming proficient in its operation allows one to operate in instances and locales where a larger craft may be exempt purely based on length, beam, draft or all of the above. Yes, standing headroom is nice but at what cost? The bigger the rig, the greater the load and the larger the gear required to properly handle those loads. If it’s necessary to drop or furl sail to safely maneuver and negotiate a channel or anchorage, that certainly impacts one’s approach and should be a consideration on choosing the proper vessel for your intended purpose. A soul-searching endeavor is required and an honest appraisal of your needs and desires.

Hence the 28,000-mile McIntyre Mini Globe Race 2025 demonstrating the abilities of craft and crew in a compact package. This solo around-the-world race and adventure in 5.8 meter sailboats is about to begin on February 23rd, and if that isn’t proof enough, remember what the t-shirt said, “It’s not the size of the ship…” •SCA•