I appreciated the way this thread started out.. saluting our mates, admirals, wives, girlfriends, companions or however else you want to address them here....
but then something happened.....
this site does seem to be predominately "inhabited" by men, but a lot of us here have an equally enthusiastic female half that deserves a lot of credit for the enjoyment we get out of life.
there are other guys still looking for their "mate", and still others that are content to sail solo.... sadly, some have lost what they previously found....
in my world, for now, my Mate deserves all the recognition I or anyone else can give her for her willingness and desire to get out there in the elements and follow me thru the "hell" that I consider fun. and by "hell" i mean that I play as hard as I work... its with a purpose and a passion. like work, the more passion you put into it the more rewards you get out of it. she doesnt always understand my passion and drive for always trying to squeeze a bit more out of whatever it is I do.... but she enjoys the rewards.
and in addition.....
---she puts up with the boat being "under construction" all the time, as I always have a project going when were at the dock or on the hook....
---she recognizes me as the captain and follows my orders without question, even though sometimes I might not always be right.
---she isnt very big but she is still able to handle the sails and deck by herself... while im barking orders.
---she has put up with my constant "reinforcement" to her that everything onboard DOES have its place, it has a reason for being where it is, and it needs to be there if its not being used at the moment.
---she makes sure that the boat is stocked with provisions and refreshments, that is to the liking of the captain.
---she insures that the captain gets his victuals and refreshments timely and the way he likes them.
---she doesnt complain when the captain extends or shortens the cruise by a couple of days without notice.
---she doesnt complain when the "boat budget" has gone over its limit...
---she always makes sure the captains berth is warm before he gets there.....
....... she has learned to adjust and adapt and actually seems to enjoy spending time around me in spite of my sometimes cantankerous ways....
all of this is the very least of why she deserves recognition..... mostly she deserves it because she is woman enough to understand and put up with me.
