Do you make a pact with Neptune?

[jssailem]

While reading the blog of John Kretschmer this morning "A Serious Ocean" I was reminded of the challenges we accept, sometimes lightly, when we venture away from the security of our harbor. For some it is the warmth of their home, others it is a port on the edge of a great sea, but all of us venture forth at some point.

When we do, do we think about that step, that tossing of the line to the dock with excitement and dread?

John, while considering his experiences in November of 2010, stated: "As sailors, the pact we make with Neptune, with nature, is as serious as it gets, deep ocean sailing is not a casual enterprise."

Sometimes in our effort to encourage the adventure for new to sailing explorers, do we go too far and not share enough caution?

 

[SailormanDan]

I am reminded of the local sailing club that liked this quote: "It is better to be standing on the dock wishing you were sailing, than to be sailing and wishing you were standing on the dock." But then it struck me that "You can't sail around the world if you are standing on the dock."
I usually single-hand, but still struggle with that question with myself and my own limits and the limits of my boat: "do I go out today or skip it?, or am I wimping out?"

 

[Pat]

I struggle with the same question(s)....the wind can be wild on these great plains lakes too and I think for the better, I ask
myself each time of the wisdom of my venturing out....so far, I've always come home safely with no issues....but I'm often reminded of my brother Michael who drowned in an area lake, so I think your caution is wise. You are to be admired!
Patrick in Wichita

 

[CloudDiver]

I'm not a religious person, so I don't necessarily believe that any pact I make with a god or gods is going to change come what may. But I still do it... Why? Because I do understand the underlying reasons the human psyche would appeal to Neptune for favor and protection on the seas. It does not matter if you believe in the Greco-Roman God of the Sea or not, I look at like a show of respect to the power of nature, the skies and the sea. When you show that respect you are affirming that you would not make such venture without being sure of your ability, knowledge, and your vessel. When you make that pact or daily affirmation you recognize that the sea could throw anything at you and come what may, you and your vessel are ready for it (but not asking for it, storm avoidance is part of the knowledge/skill).

 

[kappykaplan]

After my cancer diagnosis in 2014, I set a goal of 2000NM on the water for 2015. I way over-achieved, racking up more than 2700NM, 2300+ solo. In hindsight, I took a lot of risks that I shouldn't have - came home safely every time, though. I set the same 2000NM goal in 2017, got 2055NM - more risk averse and cautious now. And I've set the same goal for 2018. Excellent question and thought, John.

 

[jssailem]

Cloud. Understand the thoughts. Once one has ventured out and seen an angry sea the idea of religion is either very relevant or the recognition of Nature and the acknowledgment of his/her power make sense even to a non believer. Watching the uninitiated gripping the rail launching fish food you hear their pleas to God.

Kappy. Happy for you that you have beaten back the cancer. Even more pleased that you have sailed so many miles accomplishing your goals.

I know when I cast off the lines that I have prepared for the experience. I have a route. I have left a plan with friends. I am provisioned and dressed for the adventure. Even so there is a bit of an uneasy feeling. What will the weather do? Will my preparations be enough? What have I forgotten something? Still I cast off the lines and proceed out of the marina. Most of the time I remember to pull in and stow the fenders before I too far down the river. There is an exhilarating feeling when that first swell raises the bow. Yes I do make a pact and a say prayer.

 

[Sailm8]

My experience has been that you are asking for extreme bad luck if you pass a West Marine and fail to make a donation.

 

[jssailem]

@Sailm8 you are on your own with WM.

 

[Sailm8]

Don't I know it. There's a WM about every 2 blocks here in Florida. It gets expensive.

 

[Rick486]

The rule on our boat has always been when the hook is down safely, and the boat is cleaned up, the first sip goes over the side to Neptune/Old Man/whomever you wish to show your appreciation for a safe passage. Side benefit is that we are not tempted to take that sip underway, which is another whole story.

 

[JamesG161]

What I have found is a "Mind Set" [perhaps divine intervention] that determines your Safe outcomes.

In most of my SBO posts I normally stress SAFETY.

If you begin any adventure, land or sea, think about the Possible Outcomes in advance.
____
Even on a simple event "Day Sail", the first thing I do is what I call the boring...
Captain's Lecture on Safety

If my crew begins to become, lets say UnSafe, I will do a gentle reminder.
_____
Last July 4th weekend they crew was enjoying themselves
Suddenly over Ch 16 USCG broke in...
"Pon Pon ... Pon Pon" Boat reported on Fire... [ it was barely visible to us]
I couldn't hear the rest of USCG, from the revelry aboard our boat.
"Quiet Please!" no response from the Crew.
I finally raised my voice to an "upsetting volume". The crew shut up with this amazed look on their faces.
Before we could see if we could assist, another boat was rescuing the people who had abandoned ship.

Moral to Story...
The mind set of safety to begin any adventure, will be your best weapon to be prepared.
Jim...

PS: The crew remembered the Safety Lecture and was not mad at me.

 

[TomY]

I don't make pacts with Neptune. The sea is the most powerful piece in the immense, natural wonder, of our amazing life on planet earth.

The sea is no person or god that I deal with, that would trivialize the sea to me. It's deader than a doornail and does not think.

If it kills me, I won't take it personally. More like how big fish eat little fish, they just do it, if you're handy. The ocean is a very, very big fish.

I make pacts with myself. They go like, "OK, if we get out of this one, I promise you I will NEVER do this again." And I remember those pacts, well.

The sea is dangerous just off the docks. Yet I feel safer sailing to Portland(if I can choose the weather), than driving there.

I'm not sure you can tell someone else about the sea(nobody has ever asked my advice there...). Their experience with the sea will be personal.

 

[jssailem]

I make pacts with myself.

I like that thought. You have a great D shaped window to view and reflect on such thoughts.

 

[Jfyiiimail]

I too don't make pacts with the sea. It does not care any more than a big mountain cares about the people skiing on it.

I do however carefully manage risk (life jackets required the dog and i) and try to learn from my mistakes.

 

[jwing]

Nature is unique lover. Her seductive delights are innumerable and she gives them away freely to anybody who seeks them - no questions, no judgment. However, as much as I love Her, She does not love me in return. She will kill or maim me as readily as She will fill me with joy. I partake of Her gifts often, yet I am always aware of Her wrath. Thanks to scientists that have gone before me, I understand that much of Nature's dangerous behavior follows recognizable patterns. I steer clear of those patterns. Some of Nature's wrath seems random. I accept those risks in order to enjoy Her gifts.