Having never sailed before and only been on a handful of boats for day trips, I was a little nervous about joining the guys on the boat for the canal transit. My biggest fear wasn't seasickness (a very common problem that Adam, Alan and Trevor probably don't even think about because they're so used to the rocking); it wasn't falling off the boat to where the crocodiles might lurk; and it wasn't the lack of shower facilities. I was most concerned about getting in the way or breaking some expensive piece of equipment!
Luckily, the guys were so easygoing - Trevor took some time to teach me a couple simple knots (no, I have no idea what the names were), which I practiced should the need arise for me to help move bumpers around or something. After a couple days, I figured out their rhythm and was able to find some things I could do to be helpful - washing dishes, cleaning up the living space, and helping cook allowed the guys to focus on the boat stuff that I had no idea about. I would never be able to help out with a long crossing without learning all the details about sailing, but I had a great time with this short trip of motoring through the Panama Canal!
Another thing that struck me about my visit to the boat was the very distinct culture among the people on the water. Sailing can be a very isolating experience, but while we were moored, there was a set time each day when the crews would communicate with each other by radio about all kinds of things. Helpful tips about where to find parts for your boat, requests for people who might be traveling home (in our case, the US) to take mail back with them (it's much cheaper than mailing things internationally), information about book exchanges, and all sorts of other things! The people are very friendly - I was amazed by how many people Trevor, Alan and Adam had met during their short stay in the area! It was an eye-opening experience for sure, and I'm so glad I had the opportunity to join them, if only for a few days.
- Kelly
