"We're not just crashing our boat, but we're crashing our home."."

                  If only every morning could start out like this!  When getting ready to sail into the unknown I like to check all weather/wind sights multiple times a day, and watch the local weather forecast if possible.  Also we look at our charts, GPS, and I like to use Google street maps if possible to get a visual of where we're going. But, as often happens in life, all the preparation in the world won't help a bit if your heads not in the game. 

                 It's like you pull the anchor up, and put it's weight on your shoulders.  Once the boat's loose you, and your mates are the only thing preventing disaster.  On one trip we had perfect weather, sunny with the wind in our favor, only to have our Mainsail tear, furling line tangled, and wench handle go over board.  On the flip side we've been caught in a downpour, with 30 mph winds, and sailed into a slip beautifully with just the Storm Jib out. 

                  The best thing we've learned is to listen to ourselves and no one else. Sailing is a lot of teamwork, and when ones down it affects the other, a perfect day can turn stormy fast.  We know each others moods well enough to tell before breakfast is over if it's going to be a good day at sea, and have passed up perfect weather windows if one of us doesn't have their head in the game.  After all if disaster strikes, we're not just crashing our boat, but we're crashing our home.