When we go out, oftentimes
we will share a main and we
find eating local brings the
price down.
Also when provisioning, if
we are in a bigger town or city,
I try to find wholesaler or bulk
supply store.
Some people find it
challenging to step outside of
their usual foodie zone, and
can spend quite a lot sourcing
a particular brand or item.PARTS AND EQUIPMENT
We try to carry a sufficient amount of spares.
This can be tricky depending on where
you are cruising, however generally you
can track down items on the internet to
be sent in, or shop locally.
So yes, we do not always shop at
chandleries. We source things like fuel
pumps from farming and machinery suppliers.
Or water filters from hardware stores. Think
laterally when sourcing your gear.
As an aside, we have changed over to
battery-powered tools, which has been
a boon as we do not have to run ouremergency genny to run them. We simply
recharge through the inverter.SHARE SKILLS AND BARTER
You meet the most amazing people within
this big wonderful cruising community,
who have a wide variety of talents and
skills. Do not be shy to ask for help. You will
be surprised by how many will offer their
skills. It creates community and fosters
long term friendships.
A great way to thank can be with a meal,
or to share some of your skills where they
have a need in return.
I hope this has given you a few more ideas
on how you can be a little more energy
efficient, reduce your environmental impact.
And make those vital cruising dollars
stretch further. ≈66
Cruising Helmsman July 2018PRACTICAL
MAINTENANCE
ABOVE: Cruising provides
opportunities to meet people
and swap skills and tips.
BELOW: Our shade awnings
roll up into bags alongside
the boom.Currently in the Whitsundays
and having sailed in NZ, PNG and
Australian waters, long time cruisers Darren and
Meg are prepping Sarean their Bowman 47, to
continue their global circumnavigation. You can
follow them on their blog http://www.sailingsvsarean.com
or catch Cruising Life videos on YouTube.MEG WATSON