CONTINUITY

And once again we ponder the soul of a boat

Janice Anne Wheeler Jun 28

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As a Cormorant, only four feet away, broke the barely-rippling surface of the harbor I realized one of the things I had missed most about being on the water. As a vessel sways in her fluid world, either on dock, at anchor, on a mooring, or underway, there is a distinct feeling of continuity with the environment; the sea creatures feel it, too. I was sitting in the pilothouse, Mac on lap, when that sleek, brown, ever-wary female surfaced and was alarmed not at all. “What are you doing, Crazy?” I asked her gently. Another of my quirky-to-the-core habits; I talk to bees and elk alike if they come within my range of vision. I once talked a Yellowstone Bison Bull into the best photograph I’ve ever taken, or one of them, anyway… (wait, maybe I shouldn’t take credit for that?! Was he just curious? He wasn’t charging…). Anyway….

The Cormorant eyed me curiously with a distinctive flick of water off feathers, surveyed her surroundings, preened a bit, and dove under STEADFAST’s new, smooth, Bahama-green bottom. They’re usually so reactive, so nervous. I could hear her surface on the other side and wondered nonsensically if she noticed how fine that new finish was. I laughed out loud, knowing that my own obsession and that of my detail-oriented partner are overboard, to say the least.

Instead of causing consternation or apprehension in that flighty fish-eater, I was simply another water-dweller. It’s a different link in the chain, I think, and the Mallard ducklings; I cannot get enough. They paddle furiously right below my toes, imitating mom as they forage and explore. Three bobbed along yesterday, only two remained on the mirrored surface this morning and we contemplated the other’s demise. The last brood we spotted, twelve strong, diminished even more rapidly until they appeared no more. Mother Nature prevails, even as it spars amongst its own.

It may be the dolphins that prove my continuity theory the most— they leap with joy at the sight of us, then dance around and under the bow, gazing up at me, until some other entertainment attracts their sharp wit. We leap with joy each time they honor us with their energy.

It is nice to write about something besides boats and then I STILL ended up writing about boats, in one form or another! Yeesh. This lifestyle certainly is all-consuming, for anyone who chooses to dive in. I’ve met lots that climbed right back out, too! If you’re intrigued, make sure there’s a sturdy exit ladder somewhere.

In the last couple weeks of refit, as close as we were, I still took a quick breath inward, bracing myself when the question arose. That question. The fan favorite. “When will you launch?” I got to the point where I simply shook my head and smiled. “I’m not predicting that anymore. I’m tired of being wrong.” Plain truth: we were tired of the whole damn project, right, wrong or indifferent; a final series of obstacles was almost too much to master.

I’m astonished to say none of that really matters today.

It’s amazing, as I lingered in my favorite place at sunrise, how the hard work melted away.

I didn’t think it would. Melt away, I mean.

What turned out to be an incredibly character-building two years also turned out to be endlessly rewarding, well, maybe not endless, but so far, anyway, worth all the salt. That young Sea Scout I introduced to you last weekend was such a surprising delight—many of you commented on his blue ribbon presentation. He returned twice more, simply to sit on the pilothouse floor and gaze down into the aft cabin, telling everyone how much he loved STEADFAST. I’m not saying this for bragging rights, let’s be clear. It really was rather astounding. He didn’t want to leave; felt the soul that I elude to here, that special essence and spirit that loved, well-traveled, well-tended wooden boats can acquire. I so wish I had captured his image; slight, with disarrayed chestnut hair, thick, aqua-gray glasses that sat a little low and the demeanor of an old soul himself. Nicolas, aged nine, forever etched in my memory. I can often tell people who are truly effected. Another woman felt her too, strongly enough to grab my arm and tell me how amazing and startling it was. It most certainly surprised me, too, the first time. (Are you on here yet, my new friend A? I hope you took the time to subscribe!;)).

My left thumbnail is still Rustoleum gloss black from the windlass project three weeks ago and the other nails are tattered, as a reminder, perhaps, that we’re not really finished as finished is generally defined. I don’t notice them, of course, until I’m out with some lady friends and everywhere (else) there are manicured nails. I got a glimpse of that stubborn crescent this morning at Yoga in a proper downward-facing dog, but let me tell you that at the annual awards Ceremony for the very prestigious Chesapeake Bay Antique & Classic Boat Society Show in St. Michael’s, Maryland, no one cared. STEADFAST was presented with a Platinum Restoration plaque as well as, very unexpectedly—fierce competition—BEST IN SHOW by both People’s Choice and the official Judges. My favorite may still be the Junior blue ribbon but it was intensely gratifying to be recognized by such a diversely knowledgable group of wooden boat gurus. Remember, I’m a cook/gardener from the mountains, I still say things like “Oh, that’s beautiful!” Instead of, “What perfect finishes,” and then inquiring into the brand utilized. (Still lost, faithful landlubber of my past? ‘Perfect finish’ means that the paint and varnish are smooth, shiny and appropriately protecting the precious commodities beneath with coat after coat after coat, painstakingly applied, as we know…)

In light of our thrilling re-entry and friend-filled weekend on the water, we put invitations out for our Open Yacht Party & Launch Celebration; if you didn’t get one but want to share some joy, you just received your official notification of said gathering! Come experience a piece of seafaring history on Saturday, July 11, 2026 Harborside @ Richardson Maritime Museum 4-7+. We’re supplying Libations ***, Provisions & Entertainment. Contributions are welcome & it’s not only dolphins that can dance on the bow!

Until next week, Happy 250th to The United States of America— if you have a chance look at the Tall Ships gathering in Baltimore this weekend and then New York—stunning workmanship, seamanship and dedication to an era gone by. ~J

THANK YOU as always for being aboard.

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IN CASE YOU WERE WONDERING: According to us and Google AI:

***No, a libation does not have to be alcoholic.

While the word is often used as a playful term for a cocktail or a beer, its core definition simply means “a drink.” Historically and culturally, libations encompass a wide variety of non-alcoholic liquids.

© 2026 Janice Anne Wheeler
Living aboard Sailing Yacht STEADFAST again soon!
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