Small Comforts after a Long Day on Deck

The last thing you want on a boat is for you—or the rest of the crew—to go squirrelly. You know the feeling: grumpy, surly, and overdue for something to enjoy. There’s work to do, but there has to be a little life around it too.

Let’s face it: every pirate has his or her joys. Sorry. Mariners. We’re being professional here. Mostly.

Every sailor has their thing

For some, it’s a fishing rod or a crab or prawn trap. For the greenhorn on their first trip to the high seas, it might be their iPhone 15 Pro Max. A whole world in a pocket—and probably the first thing they check when the work is done.

For the captain? Maybe it’s one peaceful moment without hearing the engineer’s two cents about an oil change that’s still two weeks away. There’s a little crew humour for you. Even peace and quiet can be a luxury aboard.

Different people, different comforts. You don’t have to share somebody’s favourite pastime to understand why they want it with them.

Mine comes with the view

For me, it’s the sky. Crystal clear or stormy, there’s something about looking out over the water and taking it in. Then there’s the sea’s sweet breeze—that smell of adventure.

That’s one of the things I enjoy about being out here. Some comforts come out of your bag. Others are waiting beyond the rail, when you have a moment to notice them.

Bring a little joy aboard

So bring something you like. Something that gives you a little enjoyment when the work is finished. It doesn’t have to impress anyone else, and it doesn’t have to take up half the boat.

🏴‍☠️ Packing reminder: leave a little room for whatever keeps you from becoming the grumpiest pirate aboard.

And keep your eyes open. You might come aboard knowing exactly what makes you happy, then find a few more simple comforts along the way.

For me, the changing skies and that sea breeze are a pretty good place to start.

Both illustrations are imagined scenes created for this story.