After a few sea trials, I still feel nervous. It will be the first time we will sleep at anchor, and there are a lot of things I have to think about to get ready: fuel, provisions, emergency kit, radio, sailing permits, and more… Did I mention the sailing plan?? No, I didn’t, because I still don’t have it. I am used to read nautical charts in my job as a marine biologist onboard research vessels, but this time I am totally freaking out every time I look at the chart!

I have pretty clear in my mind what are we going to do, but for some reason, I can’t write it down, and even less draw the navigation route on the chart. My head is spinning around other things: who is going to sleep where? How much food will be needed? Should I take extra water just in case? What will be on the menu? What if they don’t like it? Are we going to cook onboard or have previously prepared meals? When was last time I checked the expiration date of fire extinguishers? What if the engine fails?

COVID prevention measures will have to be implemented, and that poses an additional challenge in a small vessel. Thankfully, we are used to sail fully covered because of the sun, but… will it be possible to stay indoors with the mask on with the warm temperatures we have?