Cruisers go through a life-bending transformation as they move from land-based living to full-time cruising.   The metamorphosis begins with real and imagined anxieties, fears, dangers and unknowns.  The physical part of adjusting to cruising soon wanes, and cultural and lifestyle issues become front-and-center…sometimes to the point of questioning the reason(s) for being out there.  Slowly and gradually, the sunsets take center stage, stress melts, and the winds of the oceans mold the cruiser into a human more connected with nature, more self-confident, and more self sufficient.

For those doing it for the first time, here are some tips and thoughts on what to expect.

Eventually, you get to the point where you forget your last name and it does not matter because all cruisers want to know is your first name and the name of your vessel.   Last names become a blur in the sunset.  If available, your ham or SSB call sign will be also be useful.    Write your last name down somewhere on a piece of paper and put in a safe place, since you will need it eventually when returning to land-based life.