Independence

People tend to associate sailing with independence and freedom.  After all these boats are designed to be self-sufficient.  We can travel with the power of the wind, crossing oceans if so inclined.  Such travelers have watermakers onboard their boats to turn salt water into clean drinking water.  Given that range is limited to your fuel, food and water capacities, the possibilities are expansive.

If you look it up in the dictionary you'll see that independence means a lack of support and/or control from outside parties.  With that definition in mind sailors seem very independent indeed.  Except I hesitate on that word "support".  See, we find we are constantly aware of support from a large community.

We have friends and family that provide moral support.  I have a business partner who provides help so I can continue to serve clients needs.  We have our sailing mentors who are always there to confer with about everything from how to clean our raw water strainer to marriage counseling.  We have dock neighbors who have spent hours helping us track electrical problems and others who have gone out of their way to connect us with suppliers locally and in other countries.  For that matter, while here at the marina we depend on the service of an organized operation to provide us with comfortable, well maintained facilities.

So today, as we celebrate our independence, I'm also celebrating my dependence on wonderful people.  Although I love islands, I have no desire to be one.