Sailing Vessel Froo Gal

31 January 2015

Sailing Films

Image courtesy of Idea go at
FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The weather has been so awful recently, we have end up sitting by the fire watching films. We like sailing films, but there aren't enough. Here is a list of our top 10.

1. All is lost
Well whilst we enjoyed it, it seems that many sailing don't. Here is a list of things you need to ignore to enjoy the film.

2. Master and Commander: The far side of the World
A film that we watch again and again. What's not to like? Russel Crowe, history, sailing, wildlife, battling the French, this film has it all.

3. Dead Calm
The classic sailing thriller.

4. Captain Phillips
Although not based around sail, it is as relevant to sailors today as it is to merchant shipping. The threat is all tool realistic.

5. Waterworld
Mad max on water -- great fun.

6. White Squall
A sailing film for sailors.

7. Captain Ron
A comedy for sailors.

8. Swallows and Amazons
A classic for kids of all ages. Read the books too. Your kids will love the stories, especially if you read the books to them.

9. Castaway
We watched this for the first time a week ago nearly 10 years after its release). Fortunately it is a pretty timeless film. Granted the sailing element is limited, but -- you have to admit it -- every sailor thinks, "what if I get shipwrecked on a desert island?"

Image courtesy of George Stojkovic at
FreeDigitalPhotos.net

10. The Perfect Storm
A stark reminder that the ocean is the last real wilderness on earth, that is readily accessible.

Here is a pretty comprehensive review of nautical films.

Films we now want to see:
1. Wind
2. Turning Tide
3. Knife in the Water
4. Riddle of the Sands
5. Between Home

Please share your thoughts on sailing films and tell us your favourites.

10 January 2015

Choosing Boat Graphics

Readers of this blog will know that we have some simple graphics already. We need to have some graphics (decals) made for the boat with at least the boat name -- Froo Gal -- and the Small Ships Register (SSR) number.

We could something simple like the logo on the right, which is our current preference. Alternatively we could push the boat out (if you'll expose the pun) and add some form of pictorial graphic. Searching the web for inspiration from copyright (and/or royalty) free images, here is our top 5 of our initial findings, working on the theme of froo (bling) gal (girl). Please let us know what you think.

1. The original Froo Gal (one of many similar options from http://www.graphics99.com)

Betty Boop, Cartoons, English | Forward this Picture

2. Froo (The Cat Lord of the Universe) Girl (from Tumblr here)

3. The Original It Girl (Marylin Monroe)
marilyn monroe cartoon drawings

4. Marylin Logo (here)

Marilips

See here for other Marylin lips graphics.

5. Simple diamond logo (from here)

Ridiculous (and more serious) ways to make money more slowly than the minimum wage (or better),... whilst afloat

We on Froo Gal love to dream up ways to make a 'living' whilst dropping out of the rat race taking off around the World (or at least round Britain, as that keeps the tax simpler). Here are some of out more ridiculous ideas:

1. Gold Panning Recreational gold panning can be fun, but it has to rate as one of the slowest ways of making money in the UK. It Sounds like a perfect activity for the Froo Gal crew. The British Geological Survey reported in 1999 on UK gold deposits. The report provides some hints at where to look. In practice Helmsdale seems to be your best bet for recreational panning in the UK, as it is encouraged by the landowner (for tourism). This seems certainly the slowest way to generate income in the UK.

2. Writing and publishing poetry Well why not? Who has not dreamed of writing poetry? Whether to make money or express unrequited love, we suspect everyone has had the odd (sometimes very odd) flight of fancy when it comes to poetry. However, with each generation, poetry seems to be a little more removed from the grasp of the ordinary man or woman. Ignoring its modern equivalent -- song writing -- for a moment, poetry seems to be the preserve of the rich, eccentric or mad. Yet, the ocean, sky, sunsets; people, rhythm, passion; and exhilaration, despair and hope of sailing are well placed to inspire poetry. So who knows...? This could become a passion, but history shows that sales are generally slow during your lifetime. Substantial income after you pass away (in tragic circumstances at sea) is neither guaranteed nor helpful for the cash-strapped cruiser.

3. Selling your photographs as stock photos As with all the ideas in this post, we assume that none of these are your previous profession. If they are, then you are well place to live a life on the high seas. Reader of this web log will already know that we know that sunsets are easy to capture whilst afloat. iPhones and DSLR cameras make capturing the moment pretty simple. Having an eye for a photograph has been replaced by the opportunity to take thousands of photographs to be stored and reviewed at leisure on inexpensive storage media or on line. The new skills is being able to chose the right image from the vast array of your own picture and those available to you on line, if you are writing a blog, etc. Similarly, photography into an income stream requires a similar eye. Making it efficient, in this competitive World is an added challenge. In our experience, editors don't want to have to edit the material sent to them.

4. Write a novel and e-publish We all have a novel in us, or so goes the adage. Our worry is that these are usually, at least partially, based on ones own experiences. Escaping the rat race is one thing, but drawing the World's attention to your life does not seem the right thing to do contiguously. Similarly, writing about your sailing experience is now commonplace, but hardly a recipe for a best seller. Our novels might have to be completely ficticious!

5. Complete on-line surveys, polls, etc. We are sure there are many things you can do on line to earn 'rewards.' This seems to be the nearly the dullest of them all. If you have any experience to the contrary we would love to hear from you.

6. Tutor Now this is more important and rewarding than other in our list so far. Passing on basic education, laced with your experience and wisdom is both important and can be rewarding. If you have more specific skills to share, perhaps you might the next generation in ways that stretch their imagination well beyond that of their immediate family. In our view this is really important. Most of us live quite narrow lives. We don't mean that in a pejorative way. Rather, well before Adam Smith observed that our race specialises in our occupation and contribution to society, individuals in each generation have become more reliant of their neighbours and society as they have become more 'niche' in their own contribution (on average).

7. Baby-sit To us, this is the less well paid version of tutoring (above). When we we spend time with friend's children, we teach them mathematics, talk about history, ask open questions, and encourage them to question the World. Children today are twice as smart as we remember being, yet the challenges that they face are manyfold that our generation face(d). Yes this could be seen as low-entry-level employment, but the responsibility is second-to-none.

8. Beach-comb This seems romantic, impractical, and in extremis unethical. Take care what you take from the beach. Many made items that wash up are surely fair game. Items that you can eat might be acceptable, but the collection of purely cosmetic items (shells and the like) could never be acceptable to the cruising visitor -- take only photographs, leave only footprints!

9. Recycle Collect aluminium cans, scrap metal, and even rotting seaweed if you can make better use of it. The former should not be on the beach or the streets and the latter is better used on your garden or compost bin. Driftwood in your BBQ is not worse than burning charcoal briquettes.

10. Enter competitions Anyone can do this. A laptop, tablet, smart-phone or internet cafe and a postal address is all you need.
11. Write away for free samples It is amazing what you can get for free.

12. Gigs on Fivrr (is there a UK version?) Do a small job for a small amount of money. You may not make minimum wage, but it could be an easy way to gain the freedom and flexibility you are seeking as a sailor/live-aboard/cruiser.

13. Be an extra Working as a film extra could be a fun part-time, ad hoc occupation. It seems to us to be a relatively low skill option, but watch that travel costs don't out-weigh any income you generate.

14. Freelance There are a variety of general to highly specialized skills you can utilize as a freelance worker, one line. Google to find sites and get ideas if you don't currently have skills and experience that make the options obvious to you.

15. Pet sitting (or dog walk) Sit pets for friends or work for an agency. This can be done from a marina. You might need a bicycle to get to clients houses.

16. Day trading Don't lose your shirt (or your boat)!

17. Mystery Shopping A great job if you like shopping and low skilled. See this example FAQs to learn more.

18. Grow your own food Are you limited to you boat (herbs are popular) or could you get a council allotment as a live-aboard?

19. Brew your own beer or wine This seems popular with long-distance cruisers. Do you homework to see what works best afloat.

20. Skill swap/barter Cruisers (your neighbours) will have skills you need and (perhaps) vice-versa.

21. Paint, click or write and sell your work on-line Art, photographs and e-books can all be sold on-line. You'll need to consider how to store any physical work and fulfill orders.

22. Work on others' boats Working on boats can often be low skilled, but hard work. Labour rates in marinas can be very expensive. If you are time rich, why not tap into this by working for others?

22. Street performer If you can play the guitar, mine, do magic or sing, this could be a very easy option.

23. Stand-up comedy Yacht clubs, bars and comedy clubs may welcome your humour. If your cruising area is large enough this could be a viable form of employment whilst afloat. Alternatively, telling a few jokes could earn you a meal or a few beers on a more ad hoc basis.

24. Tour guide Marinas are often near tourist areas. Why not learn about the attractions and then share your knowledge with others for money or perhaps as a volunteer?

25. Fitness instructor Perhaps all you need as a beach? Lead a class, for fun or token contributions!

26. Telecommuter This could be the fastest way to live aboard your boat -- a proper job you can do from your boat, car and laptop.

27. Fast food worker. You can learn to sell or cook Big Macs and find work almost anywhere.

28. International yachting jobs (Skipper, engineers, chef, steward, etc.)
With some additional qualifications you could make a great tax free living aboard someone else's luxury yacht.

29. Hair dressing The skill to cut and style hair has a world market. Selling or bartering these skills or just keeping your crew trimmed could be a very useful asset to any long-term cruiser or live-aboard.

30. Sell, water, snacks, etc. If you are moored or anchored near a popular beach or tourist area you could make a little money selling from a cooler box full of ice. Just make sure that you are not breaking any law.

31. Teach Why not pass on your knowledge by teaching at a local adult education college or tutoring neighbours kids. Recent years have seen a growth in tutoring agencies -- hourly rates can be quite high.

32. Virtual assistant This is another great way where your laptop and wifi Internet connection. Managing diaries and emails, booking travel, and keeping busy execs organised in the rat race from the oasis of your boat could be a great compromise to get you out of the rat race.

33. Diesel mechanic and marine electrician With the right experience and skills you could be a valuable addition to a marina or the cruising community.

34. Politics , charities, and pressure groups Canvassing, leafleting and market research jobs can easily be done on an ad hoc basis. Volunteering is particularly easy, especially for a cause close to your heart.

35. Short-term contract work Why not take a seasonal approach to you cruising? Take a 3-6 month contact during the winter and sail in the UK over the summer or work in the UK over the summer and sail somewhere hot abroad in the UK winter... I heard the South Pacific beckoning.

36. Interim management Working on short-term assignments that that suit you and provide some variety could be a useful solution whilst afloat., but are you going to store all those business suits and shirts? Like any short-term contact work, interim management might be best done from your house, allowing you to sail for part of the year.

37. Call centre or telemarketing Any job that just requires your phone, a laptop and Internet connection like these must be high on the list of options for an live-aboard sailor.

38. Journalism Like any form of writing, it is likely that freelance journalism can be undertaken from anywhere. Be aware that this is a very competitive and relatively low paid market.

39. Volunteering (not to make money) Whether it is litter-picking, politics, community work or other charitable work, volunteering is both valuable to society and beneficial to you. You make friends, make a contribution, feel good about yourself, and (perhaps) learn some skills.

40.On-line selling Could you establish an ebay shop? Or is selling off your pre-cruising possession a practical and money generating alternative to putting your land-life into storage?

A few points to consider:

41. Employment vs. income generation Why are you doing it? What is your motivation? We currently write in the hope that people read our work. We also like to 'think out load' and trade views, ideas, and advice. We like the idea of supplementing our income whilst cruising in our early retirement (some years off now), simply because it is a challenge and keeps options open. It it were easy, we might feel differently about it.

42. Keep it legal Make sure that you are allowed to work in the country of your cruising. A work permit or visa that allows you to work may be hard to come by unless you are under 30.

43. Pay the tax owed Dropping out of the rat race is no excuse for dodging your civic, social, societal, and legal responsibilities. Generally there are many ways to enjoy cruising and avoid any ambiguity with the law. Make sure your visa is valid. Check out the tax implications of your stay and hence don't overstay your welcome. Cruising in the EU (European Union) should be straight forward as there is freedom of movement, employment, etc. But some local 'by-laws' have recently challenged the legal rights of sailors, for example spending time in Spain. It seems that this group has been singled out (with the assumption of their affluence) for special treatment with respect to taxation. Your boat could be impounded if you spend too long in the country (whereas you boat can spend as much time as you like), unless you register and pay the requisite taxes. We don't know all the subtle rules -- it would pay for you to understand the details if you plan to spend any appreciable time in Spain, Greece or a growing number of EU countries that are struggling economically.

44. Don't forget why you are sailing Aren't you sailing to see the World and drop out of the rat race? If so, are you working because your starting budget is insufficient or is money not really your motivation? Or did you run out of money too soon? Whatever the answer, you'll need to decide whether working and sailing are compatible for you.

45. Don't forget to help out your neighbour (for free) The oceans, seas, and even coastal/inshore sailing are wild. To survive you will draw on your seamanship and the skills and help of both other sailors and marine professionals. Be sure to help others when they need it.

Understand the difference between cost, price and value!

Gadgets & Products Review

Happy New Year! It is now the week of the London Boat Show. We went last year and were disappointed by it compared to other shows, so we have skipped it this tear (2015). Over the years that the Froo Gal crew has been sailing -- with friends, chartering, racing, and in boat ownership -- we have bought and tried numerous sailing gadgets and products. Here are some of our top tips. We should just add that we are not promoting these items and some may no longer be for sale, as they will have been updated, superseded or otherwise been taken off the market. They may give you some Christmas present ideas for the sailors in your life.

1. Hand held GPS We have a a Garmin 12XL hand-held GPS unit bought in the early days of GPS in the early 2000s. It is still going strong. It tells you where you are, reliably. Another example of a quality, long-life product. It was not expensive. At first we found that it had a fairly limited battery life, but turn off the unnecessary key-click sounds, use Duracell batteries and an external (cigarette-type) power lead and it is a great device. It has helped us through early morning fog (on budget charter boats) and acted as a great back-up to chart-plotters on many cruises. We have a second (slightly more modern) Garmin eTrex hand-held GPS unit, which we bought for a family member who never used it (and thus we 'inherited' it -- he is not dead). It has a map function, but we don't use that afloat. Our only slight grib is that it has a slight different (arguably worst) user interface to the 12XL -- an unnecessary innovation, which all product developers seem unable to avoid. We would be much more loyal to brands and products if their innovation concentrated on price, quality (longevity), performance, durability, and avoided any unnecessary change in user interface. We keep one in our grab bag and the other as a backup to the chart plotter handy for the chart table.

2. Strhal Wine Glasses Polycarbonate plastic that looks and almost feels like glass. These will add a touch of class to any yacht inventory, in addition to the safety benefit over glass. In keeping with our usual theme, they should also last much longer than cheaper plastics and should therefore net a real saving. Moreover, this investment makes us just a little more likely to stay for a drink or two on board rather than heading for the pub, restaurant or yacht club -- another way of a saving a few quid in style. See the Strhal website for details.

3. Hammock This is a must-have accessory for any sailor. A large string hammock hung between the mast and the forestay creates an instant place of sanctuary for any skipper or crew member needing to find some personal space or 'chill' time. You can find something suitable for 5GBP and upowards from ebay, etc. This would make a great present for any sailor. Every one should have a hammock in their kit bag

4. Folding cockpit cushions This is the first luxury on the list. But some of the Froo Gal crew swear by them., so they make this list. The type -- ComfortSEAT -- that one of the skippers bought last year is particularly luxurious. It is hinged and instantly creates the need to sit around reading a book or watching the World go by. These make a good present for the boat owner who has everything.

5.Cordless drills set Every red blooded DIY enthusiast needs a cordless drill. The imperative of ownership for a boat owner is double, as ready access to a 220/240V or 110/115V supply can be sporadic when cursing. Price (and inversely proportionally, weight) is usually a matter of the battery technology. You also need to consider the drive voltage and resultant torque and accompanying tool set.

6. Mooring Gadget When short handed a mooring 'helper' can be valuable. There are many types. Here are a selection: EasyMoor, MoorFast, Mooring Mast, Line-a-Sure, Landing Loop, and Hook&Moor.

More to come...

Understand the difference between cost, price and value!