Hold Steady.
- Captain Coco
- Oct 4, 2020
- 2 min read
For all of you land lubbers out there and your own safety, one of the first things I always emphasize when stepping on to my boat is the 'three points of contact' rule...
If you are docked, under sail, or anchored at sea this simple rule will save you from going for an unwanted dip in the sink! Handrails, as their name implies, are there for you to hold on to for stability and safety while navigating around your boat.
Recently, I broke my own rule and unfortunately experienced my first fall off of Intrepid.
An epic boat bail to say the least. I've hopped on and off of her so many times with effortless ease. I became overly confident, and disregarded my one simple rule. Three points of contact. I stepped over the railing while carrying a tote, when my footing slipped. Next thing I knew, one leg is in the water while my other shin is in burning white hot pain. From four feet, I slammed my shin straight on to the metal railing of the dock. After a few hours in the ER, thankfully I have no broken bones but a severely bruised periosteum and a potential sprain to my distal interosseous ligament. COOL.
As I've mentioned before, I tend to learn the hard way. And as much as I am rewriting that pattern, I still slip up. So, the point of my story is to remind you to check yourself, no matter how comfortable you are on a boat. Slow down, take your time, stay present, and never break your own rules. Hold steady. There are hand rails on board for a reason.
On Intrepid, the original handrails were weathered, frail, and needed to be replaced.
As much as I like to challenge myself, there are some jobs that are just out of my comfort zone. So, I had some help from an old friend, and replaced the old with anew, back in the summer of 2015.
Old Removed Sanded & oiled Dry
2015
Old vs. New
Sanded Prepped Oiled Dry
Spring 2019
Summer 2019 - Sanding
Spring 2020 - Before & After
Every year I clean, sand, and oil these handrails to keep them looking good as new.
With time and age new depth and character emerges within their grains.
A beautiful unfurling.
When I neglect the upkeep on Intrepid, the lists and tasks quickly become overwhelming. These handrails are an annual reminder and analogy for me to continue to invest my time, energy, and love in to each project, passion or relationship that inspires my own personal growth. A commitment to consistency, care, and attention through a disciplined mindfulness practice will naturally create stability, strength, and longevity to persist. A solid foundation to hold on to.
Fair winds and following seas,
Cpt.Coco
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