T&T: The WIFE driving? (was Praktek fenders)

[Albin43SDtr]

'Lo All,

I had considered commenting on ?Who's at the Helm??, but wasn't going 
to, until Rich Gano wrote this (excerpted) email. It is almost 
exactly what I had considered writing, with one exception. Molly 
injured her back many years ago, so has very little upper body 
strength. She does what she can. She is not the least bit interested 
in trying to learn how to handle the boat as she has no innate 
ability to do so. She drives the car, because she has to, but not the 
van; she simply does not enjoy driving at all, so it is not just a 
boat thing. She does take over the helm, when anchoring and in open water.

At 11:56 PM 7/15/2006, Rich Gano wrote:
>I agree with Hans that the best suited person should perform whatever
>seamanship duty (like fending off a lock wall) come up.  But I am best
>qualified in ALL cases and it will remain so.  I cannot be in two places at
>once and I have been unable to convince Mary to do more than relieve me at
>the helm in clear conditions (no barges coming down narrow water ways, etc).
>She a sweet lady and likes being on the boat, but simply does not like
>conning, even in the open waters.  She refuses to have anything to do with
>maneuvering in close quarters - period.  We do fine with hand signals with
>her at the lower helm and me on the bow for anchoring, but that's about as
>far as it goes for her handling the boat when mooring and unmooring. ...

I learned to singlehand the old sailboat, and it just seemed natural 
to do it with the Celestial, accepting help when, and if, needed. 
Molly's job when docking is to get the spring line if she can. After 
that, she just watches to be sure nothing is going wrong. To 
rejuvenate an old argument, this is why I prefer twin engines. I can 
maneuver within a slip or whatever/wherever when required.

Molly truly enjoys being on the boat as a passenger (in good 
weather); and, when at anchor, she is a gourmet cook. Works for us.

Oh, and I can attest to how nice and sweet a lady Mary Gano is. Rich 
speaks the truth.


Take care and be safe.

Wayne
M/V Celestial
Albin43 Sundeck