Second Date With Descanso

On November 7th, 2012 we met with some apprehension.  We may not have if one of us had flaked out.  Maybe bad weather or car trouble could have stopped us.  Instead, we found each other and it was the best first date ever!

Her name is Descanso and she is a tremendous motor yacht.  We crossed Puget Sound, cruising from Seattle's Shilshole Yacht Club to the Strait of Juan de Fucha and on to Victoria, BC on a 6 hour journey.  This was the most incredible thing I had ever done in my life. She showed me another way.  I couldn't believe where I was or how I got there.  I had been invited thanks to her Captain, Chris Couch, to make the passage as a guest.  I flew back to Seattle in a commuter plane called Kenmore - that then the second most incredible thing I had ever done.  Placed in the front seat of this small plane - the view brought tears to my eyes.  I have never seen such beauty in my life to that point.  Descanso and I are to meet again soon, making the second leg of a trip to San Diego, Ca. when weather permits. A second date with Descanso as crew!

 Captain Chris Couch has more than 35 years of experience as a professional mariner.  August 1976 to December 1989 Chris worked for  United States Coast Guard holding the ultimate rank of Chief Quartermaster. From March 1990 to present as a professional mariner, 4 transpacs, 4 canal transits and 10 to 15 thousand miles completed safely each year. With ease I put my trust in my Captain - although he doesn't like me to call him that so I'll call him my friend.  He operates on the notion that safety is a responsibility and works to ensure that others take their boating experience seriously.

Chris writes to us all and has produced literature to help assist others in making their journey as safe as humanly possible :
"The quality of your boating experience is directly related to the quality of your maintenance, preparation, decision making and trip execution. From Alaska to the Antilles, from Cabo to the Chesapeake - As well as maintenance, maneuvering, trip Planning and Troubleshooting - I hope you find this guide useful.
Always plan ahead, always think ahead.

Thank you,
Captain Chris Couch"

At Compass Headings you can read, print or purchase his literature. The site includes: The Checklist on Outfitting your boat, Troubleshooting, Safety Equipment, Mariner Math, Vessel Conduct, Trip Planning, How to Select your boat - and SO much More!

Not only does he give us words to boat by but finds that as in boating, life has it's lessons.  He shares with us his poetry and thoughts at links  Struck Twice Over   and Come Close To The Edge as only a man well traveled with something to say can. 

Chris - you are respected and admired plus you make me laugh! Job well done.