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Veuillez me contacter pour informations en FRANCAIS. En fait, je prefererais etre equipier sur bateau Francophone parce que je juis aussi citoyen de la Suisse et je dois apprendre et etre au courant en Francais. Deutschsprechers oder Schwyzerduutschsprechers auch willkommen!
I have 10 years past experience in the high Arctic as a DEW-Line AVIATION RADAR OPERATOR, including air-ground radio communications, logbook entries, acting as a night watch keeper, monitoring radar & instruments. Associated training: CPR, First Aid. Aircraft operations are taken seriously; we don't 'F' around. I have been trained to follow emergency procedures and I'd like to sail with a captain & crew who take safety seriously; e.g. training for various MOB maneuvers. Being on a very isolated base for extended periods is like being on a ship at sea for months at a time. Thor Heyerdahl was asked how he found crew for Kontiki; he said "rather than hire a radioman I find someone who I'm willing to spend 6 months with and teach him how to use the radio". I agree! A "team personality" is more vital than technical skills. Personality is key in emergencies, too. We have a DUTY to stay calm & positive because panic is catching. (This typically British attitude I learned from my late father, a classic tea-drinking Englishman.)
After moving to the west coast, I purchased and currently solo SKIPPER a well-found Hunter 25' sloop equipped with Harken furled 150% Genoa, lazy jacks, Raytheon autotiller, Honda outboard. I use charts & Android NAV APPs at all times, which is why I'm very comfortable NIGHT SAILING with little visual references. I take her out in all weather conditions. I have extensive experience with ANCHORING and have learned what works and what doesn't, since she has never been at a marina but always moored or anchored. (eg: Don't leave your boat on a Danforth--they hold well but aren't good at resetting if the wind and tides change while you're ashore.)
My sailing Bible is "Power and Sail", the handbook of the US Naval Academy. Why do naval midshipmen learn to sail when they will be officers on powered warships? The answer is that a few years as a sailor gives you an understanding and appreciation of winds, tides & storms that power boaters with 20 years experience may not have. That is why I always try to sail off my anchor, sail into and out of harbours, sail reefed in heavy weather. It's not just because I don't like motoring; one day you may be on a lee shore and if you have motor problems, you can claw your way off under sail or power & sail.. but only if you've practiced. Emergencies are not the time to learn how to do basic maneuvers.
While in the Squamish area, home to some of the best ROCK CLIMBING & bouldering in the world, I found climbing meshes PERFECTLY with sailing. It's not just that understanding of rope mechanics and knots is critical in both sports and it's good to be able to climb your mast. The mentality is the same: whether you are soloing an easy pitch or on a pleasant daysail, you must be PRESENT & AWARE at all times, because.. a moment's inattention, you fall overboard and that's the end. Knots I use regularly: bowline, rolling hitch, clove hitch, reef with double fisherman tails, Prussic, Klemheist, figure-8 on a bight/rethreaded/etc. My balance level: walking a railroad rail. Slacklines too hard. :)
PS: If you need help with your PC, android devices or if you'd like a WordPress website, I can help you with all that. I read & understand equipment manuals.
PPS: If I understand this site's matching algorithm, if I choose 'open to romance' then my profile will ONLY be shown to boat owners who have checked 'looking for..' or 'open to romance'! Most skippers are male, so I checked 'strictly no romance'. I am single & straight.