Namaste' Eco Excursions

Words from the wise:

There was a note in the Seven Seas Cruising Associate Newsletter a few years back, asking, “What hints would you give to someone who was looking for their very first offshore cruising boat.” When the next issue of the newsletter arrived I read some of the answers and felt that they reflected budgets and desires that could discourage any but relatively wealthy folks from thinking they could get out cruising. So, I compiled the following list. I know this list reflects my experiences and some folks will disagree with me. But remember I am a woman who came to love sailing and enjoyed cruising for more than 55 years, first with Larry for 47 years, more recently with David. Sahula, the 40 foot Van de Stadt sloop which David lived on and sailed around the world during 10 years. Even Sahula, is considered a small boat by many contemporary cruisers. Though I enjoy sailing on board her and appreciate some of the extra comforts she offers, I do not feel she is “safer” or “better” for offshore cruising than the 24’4” Seraffyn or 29’6” Taleisin I spent so many years on.

1. Everyone will try to convince you the boat size they chose was the best and the gear they chose was absolutely necessary – after all if you buy the same it validates their choices.

2. Length, size or displacement do not equal safety. 3. Seamanship, preparation, forethought and flexibility equal safety.

4. The very best piece of safety equipment you can have is a skilled and willing crew.

5. Not one woman I have met cruising on boats over 42 feet felt she could maneuver her boat into port or move it to a safer anchorage without help if her mate was debilitated.

6. Security and comfort do not equal freedom and adventure.

Almost 52 years ago Larry first coined the motto: Go small, go simple, go now. I add, if you wait until you can afford perfection, you might find you or your partner are no longer strong enough or healthy enough to handle a sailboat in rougher conditions, nor mentally flexible enough to leave shore life and enjoy voyaging.

Exciting new research suggests that human restored reefs rebuild entire coral ecosystems just as fast as natural reefs. This is great news for the Keys coral restoration!

“The study was conducted at the Mars Coral Reef Restoration Programme in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, one of the largest restoration projects in the world found that restored coral reefs can grow at the same speed as healthy coral reefs just four years after coral transplantation”

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/03/240308123248.htm

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/03/240308123248.htm

Good news for coral reef restoration efforts: Study finds 'full recovery' of reef growth within four years While the majority of the world's reefs are now under threat or even damaged potentially beyond repair, a new study offers some encouraging news: efforts to restore coral reefs not only increase coral cover, but they can also bring back important ecosystem functions, and surprisingly fast.

Couple of years ago we got to volunteer for coral restoration. My favorite job was micro “fragging” Stoney corals. Pretty simple! Kinda like making puzzle pieces with a jig saw.

Give volunteering a go and feel your environmental heart grow!🐠🐠🐟❤️❤️

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/Gjxbz6anyMWnqUXn/?mibextid=QwDbR1

Survivors!

After a very warm summer at Looe Key these Staghorn outplants (coral grown in labs and planted on the reef) made it! Another small step in Coral Restoration. Thank you to all the scientists and volunteers that make coral restoration possible.

Been awhile since we’ve shared with our friends but we’re still here. Lots of great news about the Reef! We look forward to sharing some of the successes of the many hard working scientists and citizen scientist. More to follow! 🌎✌️

Big electromagnetic storm yesterday and with a charged up atmosphere my eyes are on Tropical Storm Ernesto. The working hypothesis for solar forcing (KP 6+ storms) on tropical systems is rapid intensification and a shift toward a westward track. Currently Ernesto is moving NW and projected to grow to a cat 3 within 72 hours. If the solar forcing hypothesis holds Ernesto should gain strength faster and adopt a more westward track than the models predict.

Eyes Open/No Fear!

Me as an infant riding with my brother Jerry on his Audi scooter in 1957. Thank you big brother for what must have been the nexus moment for this life of profound experiences! Never undestimate the power of a big brother!

So proud that Namaste ECO is part of the solution!!

Loving Florida, Losing Florida - WATERSHED Excessive tourism in the Florida Keys, especially cruise lines, has led to coral depletion and other water quality issues in the area.