ON the water, ON the Go, ON purpose!

An interview with Derek Peterson (DP) by the Real World Cruising Staff (RWC)

RWC: Why did you attend the workshop series and why are you signed up for the cruising coach program?
Derek Peterson: Guy, and his wife, Melissa have been there. They have had successful careers. They have found a boat. They have bought a boat. They have lived aboard. They have prepared their boat for cruising. And, most importantly, they LEFT cruised for over four years. I wanted some folks who have been there. Who have struggled with the issues that people face From boat design, to rigging. Electronics to plumbing. Tools to crews. Provisioning to keeping your relationship afloat.

RWC: Derek, you are a real outdoor kind of guy! You have bicycled from Anchorage Alaska to the southern border of Mexico. That is pretty adventurous, why did YOU need someone to help you get out there?
DP: I had long dreamed of sailing, even subscribed to Sail Magazine and Cruising World 25 years ago, when living in the mountains of Arizona. I used to walk the docks of harbors in Sitka and Juneau Alaska during my 20 years there. And, when it was time, I took a class from Guy on what to look for in a world cruising boat, and made my purchase. The other courses have guided me on my journey. I will be leaving, in the fall of 2010, to apply all I have learned on board my Cal 35, Phyre.

RWC: What have you learned so far?
DP: Really, you want me to say it all? I am afraid that there is not enough time to tell you it all. Nor enough space to have it written for others. Needless to say, I have read numerous books, but nothing, and I mean nothing, was more important than the dialogue around cruising, and being able to ask questions, and apply knowledge, right away.

RWC: Why Real World Cruising?
DP: Guy Stevens is the only one doing these courses and kind of personal instruction. But besides that, he is a boat surveyor, a master rigger, and he KNOWS his boats. Besides, he's fun to be around, has GREAT stories, and really expects me to GO!!

RWC: Would you recommend the course and coaching to others?
DP: The simple truth is that most people, like 1 in 1000 actually leave the dock. And, in these economic times, there is NO BETTER time to take a couple years ON (most think of it as off) on the water, on the go, on purpose, to follow your dream. And, Guy and the Real World Cruising staff will reduce the fear and anxiety, explain, through stories, on how to prepare to leave, and LEAVE! I can't imagine leaving the dock without their support, like having an angel on your shoulder.

RWC: Any concerns?
DP: The only concern I have, and it is totally selfish. I think that, by taking Guy's courses, YOU WILL be more likely to leave. And, perhaps, instead of me having a small anchorage to myself, in the Sea of Cortez, I'll be sharing it with you another of Guy's students. And, to be honest, that will be fine! But, I would have preferred to be alone. With that said, when you arrive, hail me down, and come aboard. We can exchange Guy stories. We are all in the same community.