Hello and Welcome to Sailing Simple
A new column at Small Craft Advisor
We’re excited to launch a new column here at SCA, this one from Dave Zeiger and Anke Wagner is called Sailing Simple. We recently posted a chapter from their new book here, and now we’ll hear from them on a monthly basis. —Eds
by Dave Zeiger and Anke Wagner
Anke and I have been sailing the archipelago of Southeast Alaska for three decades. Among its remote and wild islands, we sail engine-free by wind and water, brain and brawn. We live aboard, year round, on vessels of our own design and construction. Foraging wild foods, fuel and materials keeps us independent on a minimal budget.
Once upon a time, the ways of living as we do were unexceptional. It was an Age of Sail.
Before motorized propulsion, small vessels sailed these waters. Sailors inherited and shared knowledge of means and method. Of what wind and waters were doing when and where. And ashore, when and where to forage wild fodder. Most any old–timer was happy to sit a cheechako newbie down and set ‘em straight. But those old–timers are gone, taking much of their knowledge with them. Leaving us to reinvent and reassemble a “wheel” from times long past.
Over the decades we've collected and refined (understood as simplified or even dumbed-down) attitudes, means and methods which further independence and extend our time on the water. Many are swept together from diverse sources; some are from the School of Hard Knocks.
In this column we wish to share what we’ve learned, especially as applies to small craft from a longer-term cruising and live-aboard perspective. Nothing of this is offered as yashoulds or yacan’ts, but rather as opinion and options for consideration. Options to be adapted to your circumstances as you see fit (or not!).
So c'mon aboard! Let's tip a cup o' kindness!!
Dave Z and Anke (Zeiger/Wagner)
NOTE: I’ll be happy to answer any questions posed in comments, though it may take me a bit to get to them.
If you’re interested in more from us:
abargeinthemaking.blogspot.com
Sailing in Place: Our Life Afloat in Southeast Alaska's Archipelago (Book or eBook)
•SCA•
Truly enjoyed the Mustelid series on YouTube. Looking forward to your writing, recipes (?), and more. Cheers!
Great to see you both here! Being an ex-Alaskan and sailor from Southeast I've been interested in your writing and videos for a while. It keeps us involved in a small way with "home".