Meal Preparation Planning

Today, I reviewed and then prepared one of my favorite meals, "German Shrimp with Broccoli". I think this is a tasty, healthy and easily prepared meal for my on board shipmates. The ingredients are quite simple and cooking time is fairly quick. Only a medium sized frying pan with a lid is required for the shrimp and broccoli and a medium sized sauce pan for pasta or rice. A key requirement is a can of "Old Bay Seasoning" which is good to have on board any cruise especially in the Chesapeake! I've made several variations of this dish whilst channeling the spirit of my German Grandmother. I'm hoping Susan will like this dish with gluten free pasta and Extra Virgin Olive Oil. The secret to the recipe is in the cooking method and timing, which I won't disclose.  Everyone I've cooked this for has loved it!

Characteristics of a "competent crew member"

I'm grateful to be asked to crew by Dave and Susan and want to be the best crew member possible. I asked the Skipper what he felt are the top 10 things that make a good crew member? Skipper Dave's reply:

• Fully engaged in the adventure 
• Positive attitude
• Camaraderie
• Safety minded 
• Able to cook something for others / Able to eat what others cook
• Observant
• Able to learn as we go
• Willing to call for help when needed / willing to respond when others call for help - trimming, navigating, watching for danger
• Prepared for heat, cold and wet conditions
• Confidence 

Preparation and Training

Hello again,
   As I have some time before heading to the East Coast and joining Dave and Susan on board, I'm doing preparation and training. In recent years, I've been crewing on smaller sail boats and have a good sense of sailing basics. Never the less, I got a copy of US Sailing Association's book, "Sailing Fundamentals" to review. I also obtained a copy of the "Complete Sailing Manual" by Steve Sleight which has a great section on cruiser sailing. I'm studying each evening especially docking procedures.
   I'm stepping up my daily workouts to include more free weights and I've added swimming. Just seems like common sense to increase my swimming ability for safety sake.
   Finally, I've scheduled a root canal to an abscessed molar that I've been putting off for over a month. I was trying to wait until my Medicare starts in 3 months but I don't want to chance a worsening condition while on the East Coast.

Introduction and General Sail Plan - Sailing on the Veritas

Hey Everybody,

   After months of discussion, I've "signed on" as a crew member for David Taylor and his wife Susan as they relocate their sailboat, Veritas, to the Great Lakes. I'll be flying from San Diego to Newport News, VA on 8/26/2014 for the start of this daunting sailing adventure.

   Skipper Dave’s plan, weather permitting, is to sail up the Chesapeake Bay to the Chesapeake Delaware Canal and then into the Delaware River. Next we’ll sail out the Delaware to the Atlantic and head toward the Hudson at NYC. Then we go up the Hudson to the Erie Canal and into Lake Erie at Buffalo NY.

   The Veritas is a 40' Island Packet Cutter that Dave and Susan bought as part of their retirement plan. Although this boat is new to them, they both have extensive experience and training. I on the other hand have not been sailing on a boat over 20' in many years. So in addition to getting in shape physically I need to review my large boat handling skills.