PassageMaker - July 2018

July/August 2018 passagemaker.com 97

Some things are easy to learn... but diffi cult to master.

A boat designer friend stopped by the offi ce. As we talked he spotted a couple of guitar

cases in the corner. I knew he played actively but I haven’t really done so in decades. Still,

it got me thinking about how I picked up the guitar in the fi rst place. I’d played other

instruments without much success. With the guitar I found one that seemed fairly easy

to play and enjoy, but as I advanced I came to appreciate just how diffi cult it was to truly

master.

I found boating about the same time and came to realize in that way they’re similar. You

see, for most of us boating is a recreation, not a job. Like most I was looking for an

enjoyable pastime, not some overwhelming challenge. Of course expectations manifest

in different ways. Some embrace the technical minutia and reach out to learn more and

more. Others just want to be on the water. Boating allows either. Training can be as

simple as an introductory cruise with a salesman or previous owner. A larger boat can

require days with a professional captain. Still, start up can go relatively quickly. Soon you’re safely enjoying time afl oat with family and friends as your skills improve.

Like music however, you are still at the baby step period of your development. Some never move beyond that stage and that’s OK as long as they are aware of their limitations.

Sadly, some stretch beyond their ability and get into trouble. However the magic happens when you accept the reality that to reach more advanced levels, the learning never

stops. Reading, practicing, stretching your skills or embracing challenges allow you to grow. How far you grow is your decision. You can plot your course to become a boating

virtuoso, or you can just have fun noodling around.

But then that’s just my opinion.

CHARLES NEVILLE associates

Naval Architects

223 Broadway, Centreville, MD 21617

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