Thailand Extras
Written by Peter SwansonSIMPLE SYSTEMS, OUTSIDE LIVABILITY
Our Thailand charter marked my third time piloting a Moorings 474 PC, and I have become fond of these catamarans for reasons obvious and not so obvious. Who wouldn't like a boat that comfortably carries them around a lovely tropical destination? Not so obvious, however, is the 47-footer's utter simplicity of operation.
This, of course, makes sense in a vessel designed for charter by people widely ranging in skills and sensibilities. The last thing a charter company wants is to have to continually respond to questions over the radio about power management or how to use the electronics. A customer who must focus too much attention on operating the vessel is less likely to have a good time.
Letters To The Editor
Written by PassageMaker MagazinePRAISE FOR TRAWLER FEST
Less than 18 hours after leaving Trawler Fest in Anacortes, we were boating at home in Bermuda. Invariably, the reaction at Trawler Fest was an incredulous: "You came all the way from Bermuda for a boat show?!" But Trawler Fest is so much more than a boat show. It is an education on a certain lifestyle, although it is probably an injustice to summarize it in so few words.
We decided the ideal starting point was the PMU course "Building Cruising Confidence As A Couple." Capts. Chris and Alyse Caldwell, as moderators of the course, met or exceeded our expectations. Where Julie and I have different levels of boating experience, the course served as the ideal foundation for learning together and having the same reference to draw upon. The Caldwells provided expertise and shared their experience freely in an easygoing manner, absent of any preaching or lecturing.
Trawler Fest was equally fulfilling. The quality of the seminars exceeded our expectations, and even subjects which might be considered relatively dry were quite fascinating. Another revelation was how much goes on at Trawler Fest: morning seminars, afternoon seminars, boats on show, products on display, expertise on tap, and private boat "open houses," along with the social events. It means there is always a reason to visit the next Trawler Fest.
Richard and Julie Brewer
Southampton, Bermuda
