Syzygy Sailing

I’d like you to meet Justin. He’s a mild-mannered, hug-able and lovable character, with a booming laugh, and an affable easy-going persona.  We’ve known each other for seven years and only once can I remember me yelling at him to clean up our ski condo we were renting at the time. He yelled back. We made up.

He has taken a liking to Tim-Tam’s. Since his arrival, he has made most of the meals eaten on the boat. I love him for it. He bought me (us) four cases of beer that should last us for…. well actually I’d prefer not to speculate.

Justin is here for at least two and a half months, at which point I plan on convincing him/kidnapping him to stay on longer.

For four and a half months the boat has stagnated in Brisbane. However, Justin is here now and it is time to change that.  The plan is to cruise up the coast of Australia for the next eight weeks, and then hop over to Papua New Guinea and then onto Indonesia, at which point, said convincing/kidnapping will occur and perhaps he’ll stay with me for another five months. The plan includes scuba diving as often as possible, spear fishing, trolling for fish (which despite Syzygy’s terrible track record, Justin brings new found enthusiasm), drinking, merriment and more drinking.

Now that we are actually moving, I expect there to be much more to write about.  Exciting and fun things to write about, instead of the drudgery of work and frustration that I’ve chosen not to write about.

And now, here’s a few words from Justin himself:

Ahoy there!  I have been aboard Syzygy for only a few days now, and they have been great days.  Learning every little nook and cranny and starting to get used to life aboard a sailboat.  I grew up on Long Island and living near the water have always had a great affinity for boating.  I got my first small row boat as a 6th grade graduation present, and feel in love right away.  I spent most of high school sailing small boats, kayaking, and using the small row boat.  It’s always been a dream of mine to do what i’m doing so hopefully once we set sail tomorrow morning I will begin to live my dream!  I’ve never been to Australia before so extremely excited to see, do, and explore.  I spent a few days in Sydney then flew up to Brisbane to meet up with Jon and Syzygy.  Hopefully we’ll be updating the blog with many fun and exciting stories.  I am grateful for Jon having me on the boat, and hopefully my stay here as a “deck swabby” is a good one!