The boys are so happy on the boat, even the 78-year-old boy. Everyone has a job sailing a 39 ft catamaran: setting the course, hoisting the sails, lowering the anchor, even driving the dingy. Everyone likes the vantage point of sitting in the captain’s perch.

There are many mechanical components on the boat that attract a boy’s attention too: there is a control panel with lots of switches for the generator, batteries, lights and pumps; the captain’s chair has instruments for direction, depth and speed; and a VHF radio for communications.

Anchoring is the most intense activity. There is much discussion after studying the charts, and scouting out the underwater landscape. We drop, wait, back up, let out more, check our positioning, set the bridal and wait some more. We send in the divers to study the positioning of the anchor, all to convince ourselves the anchor will hold. Sometimes it slips and requires a second attempt. Other times it holds much to well…long story!

Ryan is the fastest fish among us, so powerful and elegant in the water. He’s happy to be slipping through the open sea. It’s the first time it has occurred to me that Ryan’s athletic skill in the water will outlast Jack’s on the field well into adulthood.

The VHF radio is the main source of communication with other boats, local restaurants and the boat base. Every morning at 8:30 the cruising net shares the news on VHF 26. They announce the weather, events, and swap supplies. The friendly banter among the boaters and local shops is infectious.

How many Voges men does it take to drop off laundry and pick up milk? All of them, when the mission involves driving the dingy to a new beach!

This was after my first failed attempt to wash laundry in the sink. The t-shirts still smelled like sweat, plus now had the cloying floral aroma of body wash. When I asked the boys if they needed clean underwear, they proudly announced they had plenty of inventory because they’d only worn 2 pairs since we left home a week ago. Boys are gross.

To learn more about life on the boat, see my next post on culinary adventures.