Untie the Lines

I was checking out some of the cruising forums this morning, like I do most days, just to pass the time and maybe pick up a good tip or two, and came across a post that linked to videos on Youtube.  The video series, called Untie the Lines, started in August and details (in short 3-5minute weekly updates) the journey of a young German girl who bought a boat in Panama in hopes of sailing around the world.

She is learning as she goes and, despite facing some trials and tribulations along the way, maintains a "go with it attitude" and focuses on the task at hand.  I just really love how honest and open she is in the videos about the realities of refitting a pretty derelict boat, sometimes her emotions are almost palpable. 

These videos are also a good reminder for me that you don't need an expensive boat with all the latest/greatest/best gear (despite what the forums say) to make the dream a reality.  It's so easy to get caught up in thinking that you need a top-of-the-line hypalon dinghy with a rigid bottom and a 15+ horsepower motor* or AIS AND an SSB radio AND radar AND a liferaft AND AND AND.  Honestly, it's exhausting.  When asked what they'd have done differently before leaving, cruisers don't typically say "I wish I'd upgraded my dinghy" or "I wish I would have gotten a bigger chart plotter".  Nope.  Instead, their sentiment is usually; "I wish I'd have left sooner!". 

*I understand that having a functional dinghy is important...I'm not saying a half floating dinghy that leaks like a sieve is the best idea.  But should it stop you? I don't think so.  Sometimes it's the misadventures along the way that make the best memories.

And I love this girl's sense of independence, resolve and commitment to making her dream a reality.  Plus, it makes me realize how utterly mechanically useless I usually am onboard.  I think I need to step up my game.

Anywho, there are currently 17 short videos, with a new video being posted every Friday.  I know I'll be tuning in every week to follow along,  and you should check it out too!