Man and machine: A most beautiful relationship
Day 8
Stats - 9/6/2023
Time: 2100
Trip Miles: 950
Weather: Overcast, dark and squally
Wind: 6 knots from the NW
Sea State: Calm - 3 foot swells from the SW
Propulsion: Motoring at 6 knots of speed
Randall on the bow of MŌLI repositioning a jib furler guide
LET ME MAKE MY CASE: Those of you who know me and especially those of you who work with me understand that I excel in two areas. First, I am really good at pointing out other people’s problems and second, I am good at telling other people how to fix their problems. God forbid I could ever fix (much less recognize) any of my own shortcomings! So think of me on MŌLI, this beautiful craft that could be viewed either as perfect sailing machine or conversely as one big fix-it problem that travels the world in a constant state of depreciation. (Who was it that said, “Boats are in a constant state of sinking, it is up to us to keep them afloat”.)
Randall finding AND stopping the leak on the diesel heater
So try to imagine, if you can, that MŌLI, the strong, perfect and beautiful sailing machine and home that she is, needs someone (a human) who understands her “body” and every nook and cranny in her engine compartment, her fuel and water tanks, her bilges, her storage lockers and steering mechanisms. To accomplish this her human must understand her inner systems (her “mind”) including mechanical, electronic, hydraulic, and her every sort of inner-materials (her moods?) be it aluminum, brass, wood, canvas or plastic, held together with a multitude of liquids and compounds (make up??!!), lubes, glues, tapes, ropes, shackles, and strings (I think I have listed perhaps 30% of the objects on this boat).
Fixing the leaking seawater faucet that was spilling water every time we pumped
Now imagine if you can that there exists one man who understands the physics, mechanics, engineering, and history behind every object, every system, and every part of this boat. He can anticipate its useful life and how to fix, optimize, and extend that life, and when necessary make the replacement or repair without having to go to the local chandlery, hardware store or West Marine because, well, there are none. And every tool necessary be it a screwdriver, saw, hammer, drill, hole punch, chisel, wrench, tape, needle, thread, palm, or leveler is neatly stowed in a practical, accessible, and organized manner.
Just one of Randall’s tool bins - mostly woodworking
The opposite bin full of power tools
Cases with just the right nuts, bolts, screws and washers
Randall’s “To Do” list - it grows and grows, but things get done!
Time to unveil the mystery - that person is not me. I think I can earn my keep on this boat (or I think I will be able to at an unspecified date in the future) but I, in no way, shape or form can identify, much less fix anything on MŌLI. Even more frustrating is the fact that I do not have the capacity to even tell someone what to do about it!!
Identifying the rotten egg and getting it out of the salon food storage area. I can take credit for smelling it!!
I am fascinated and beyond happy to observe Randall as he moves about the boat effortlessly, from one mini-project to the next, fixing, glueing, drilling, tightening, replacing, repairing, and cleaning. Day in and day out with no one to tell him what to do or how to do it. I do not mean to sound pollyannish, but MŌLI transports us and allows us to use her as a home while she takes us to the most amazing far corners of the earth. In exchange, we, well, ok Randall (for now!) take care of her every need. On a personal note, not since watching Jorun care for our infant children have I seen such a beautiful symbiotic relationship. I would also be remiss if I did not mention that Michael Johnson exhibited this same level of care to his loving Gitana as we sailed the Barring Sea following his foray through the NWP.
Sewing suspenders on my pillow case so it wouldn’t keep sliding off - Randall had to help me thread the needle and start the stitch! But yes, in my own small way, I am learning how to fix and mend.
At a certain point the lines between man and machine blur. Does it really make a difference anyway on the open seas? Because both the man and the machine are equally important to my wellbeing. I feel fortunate and privileged to be on MŌLI and under the care and supervision of Randall.
Last night’s moonrise - good night to you all!