Isolation Afloat

FENDING FOR YOURSELF IN COVID-19

By Karen Oberg for Pantaenius Insurance

Rob thinks this Thai poached Nannygai is the best fish dish Karen's ever cooked

KAREN OBERG and her husband Rob have been live-aboard cruisers since 2011, and have sailed through South East Asia, the Mediterranean and the UK. They are currently cruising the Queensland coast on their Whitby 42 ketch ‘Our Dreamtime’. In this excerpt from her blog, Karen reflects upon how living on board provides the skills to fend for yourself, and shares some onboard provisioning and cooking tips.

“Fend for yourself” means to take care of and provide for yourself without depending on anyone else. It is a good feeling to know that you can “fend for yourself”. In recent world developments relating to COVID-19, I realised how well prepared we were for self-isolation. Sure, we haven’t totally cut the umbilical cord to society as we will still need supplies, diesel and petrol eventually. However we can sustain our living on the water for months without the need to come into “town”. This, of course, is not a new concept or way of life. Sailors of the past, farmers and people from areas where remote living is essential have paved the way for us. Learning to be self-reliant takes a whole new way of thinking, and we are still learning. Provisioning on a boat is not about loading the shopping trolleys full of your favourite foods and heading off to sea. We have to be very choosy on what goes aboard. We do not have the luxury of walk-in pantries, large refrigeration and wine cellars. We have to think carefully about weight distribution and what is truly essential. So, chocolate and wine first .... but to be serious .....

We left Brisbane and isolated afloat for 73 days before we had to head into Coral Sea Marina at Airlie Beach to get our watermaker repaired. (Naturally, we took the opportunity to restock our fresh supplies in preparation for venturing even longer next time.) We set out for this time of self-isolation with enough food, we estimated, for at least 12 weeks: 84 breakfasts, lunches and dinners for two. We reached day 57 before starting to run out of fresh supplies. We had a grand total of 7 apples, 8 oranges, 1 1/2 pumpkins, 6 sweet potatoes, 7 onions, bucket loads of garlic, 3 lemons and 1 not-so-great pineapple left. But do not fear. We had a well stocked pantry that included the staples, and canned vegetables and fruit. They may not be as good to look at as fresh, but they supply all the nutritional values that we need. A big help to our sustainability at sea was that by week three we had added more meals on the boat than we had consumed. Between fishing and crabbing, we had replaced what we had eaten plus added further to our food bank. Supplementing our boat stores this way enables us to stay out even longer, and gives us a great range of healthy meal alternatives. When provisioning for long trips, we rarely buy packaged goods, preferring to purchase the raw ingredients to make our food. It is easier to carry flour for bread, pasta, pizza, cakes and biscuits, than it is to carry individual packets that have a ‘use by date’. It means we make it as we need it and it is fresh. However, some packaged goods are unfortunately unavoidable. We stock the food pantry wisely. Filling the cupboards with dozens of cans we probably do not need will just waste space. We concentrate on a sensible supply of essential dried items like flour, pasta, rice, quinoa, legumes and oats that can form the basis for lots of meals. We also stock up with frozen veggies and cans of useful items like tomatoes, and lots of tuna. When it comes to longlasting but versatile pantry staples, it does not get much better than canned tuna. The light, flaky, high-protein ingredient keeps well and adds both heft and nutrition to salads, sandwiches, pastas, and more. Its mild flavour means that you can incorporate it into a wide variety of dishes without

Our Galley

worrying about the flavour doing battle with your other ingredients. Some good fresh basics that we stock have long shelf lives – pumpkins, sweet potatoes, potatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, apples, oranges, pineapples. We always try to buy fresh produce that have not been cold-stored and are in different stages of ripeness. I always have a good supply of fresh eggs for a couple of weeks. I also freeze them so I can continue to bake and cook staples that require them. Yes, eggs can be frozen. Crack the eggs into a bowl and mix the whites and yolks together well. Pour the mix into ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen you can transfer to ziplock bags for frozen storage until required. Thaw them out in the fridge when required and they’re ready to use. We also have dehydrated eggs onboard for baking. They may not be great for scrambled eggs and similar, but you will not know the difference in a cake.

Onboard, there is no room for a veggie garden, but we can grow herbs and sprouting legumes and beans in containers. These add variety and good nutrition to the meals we make.

So what do we eat on Our Dreamtime? Well, everything one eats at home. The only difference is we need to plan our meals months ahead, as Uber is not an option even when I am feeling lazy. Our typical day of food really is no different from yours. The difference is each element has to be made onboard. Although we have no special training enabling us to do this, we do manage; as in everything, it is all just about planning. I also try to work on a no-waste policy in the galley. Portion control has never been one of my strong points so I use leftovers the following day for lunches or snacks. I have found I actually love the challenge of making something new from last night’s dinner, so obviously my portion control has not become better. I believe good food is a key part of a happy, healthy lifestyle, and I do not feel that cooking in my small galley limits what I can produce in any way.

SUSTAINING LIFE AT SEA Of course being out on the water is not only about food. Some of the essential items we need to carry, which landlubbers rarely need to worry about, are all the spare parts for boat engine and tender outboard, energy, communications, sails, refrigeration, plumbing, electronics, fresh water, gas and fuel supplies. Though we have the means to make fresh drinking water from seawater through our desalination unit, this does use petrol. Knowing that there is only so much petrol and diesel we can carry means we are still very cautious of our water usage. We also need to generate our own power for all of the above uses, plus our navigation systems, computers, cameras, and anything else that we just love to plug into an electric socket. So we generate power through engine’s alternators when motoring, solar panels, a wind generator and small portable generator we use with the watermaker. Again we are very mindful of the usage and always turn everything off when not in use to save every amp possible. A well-stocked medicine and first aid cabinet is essential. We are sure to have a plentiful supply of prescription medication. Our doctor supplies us with one prescription that gives us 6 months worth of our medications. It is really difficult arriving in a new town finding a doctor and then going through your medical history every time, so we also have a letter from our doctor explaining our individual medication needs. We have also organised with our doctors to have online or phone consults with them from the boat. Finding a hobby to help pass the time makes sure we are entertained. There is only so much binge-watching of DVD’s you can do. So we stock up on secondhand magazines, books, a pack of cards, hobby materials, anything that we enjoy doing to help beat the boredom. Yes, we do have boring times on a boat especially when on passage or hiding from inclement weather. dreamtimesailourgalley.blogspot.com

PARDO GT 52

NEW MODEL IS PERFECT DOWNUNDER

The Pardo GT 52 will be positioned between the Walkaround and the Endurance range, appealing to a segment of owners looking for even more space and comfort volumes than the current walkaround models - but without sacrificing performance. For Eyachts Managing Director Peter Hrones, the Pardo GT 52 is "one of the most exciting new models to enter our range. We have a close relationship with the factory at Cantiere del Pardo and we have been keeping the GT range a secret since our partnership began in early 2020. When I saw the official plans, I was glad to see they chose vertical windows, a suggestion I made because it won't be as hot in our climates, you get the feeling of more interior space when at the wheel and a more distinctive look. What I really love about the GT52 is that the cockpit is huge and with the free-flowing saloon you end up with approximately 30 feet of one-level entertaining space. The GT range will be ground-breaking for Australia and New Zealand, the cabin is ideal for our weather conditions and the Italian styling and design choices are sure to capture the hearts of our local boaties. We cannot wait to bring this elegant and sophisticated model downunder.”

LATEST CHALLENGE FROM PARDO YACHTS

The new 52-footer’s central element to its design is based around the continuity between the interior and exterior spaces, as already seen on board the Endurance 60: side stern windows which rise upwards, stern doors which can be opened completely and the roof in semi-open mode. A complete reorganization of the spaces also offers a wider usability for the cockpit, with a dining area and extended sunbathing areas, as well as a more generous and flexible ‘liveability’ below deck. This is due to two optional interior layouts (galley up or galley down) each of which transforms the perception of space, enhancing the time spent on board especially during long distance cruising.

52 FEET OF AUTHENTICITY

Clean, unmistakable hull lines, with the inverted bow typical of the Pardo Yachts family, with an exterior layout that emphasises the relaxation areas. On the GT 52, three people can be comfortably accommodated on the bow sundeck, and another eight can be accommodated in the stern area, seated around the dining table, which can be transformed into a second sundeck. Also in the stern area, the bridge is 60 cm longer than that of the Pardo 50, allowing the owner to place, lower and recover the tender or the jet ski due to the practical electric system. The hull of the Pardo GT 52 is an evolution of that found on the Pardo 50, which also shares the Volvo Penta IPS motorization (2x650 in the standard version, or 2x700/800 as optional). Apart from this choice, the two models have substantial differences in terms of internal volume, weight distribution and centre of gravity. The GT 52 has the engines displaced further towards the stern to give more space to the cabin plan: the engine room and the main weights have been completely revised to balance the boat in the best possible way, despite the modifications made. The hydrodynamics have been revised, taking into account the greater weight created by the cabin plan – clearly wider – and by the closed superstructure, as well as by the more important interior furnishings compared to the Pardo 50.

365 DAYS OF COMFORT AND DESIGN

The interiors of the GT52, as on every Pardo yacht, are designed to provide an experience between comfort, functionality and to provide the ability to travel long distances with guests on board. Every square inch has been designed with the idea of creating living spaces that are typical of a luxury apartment - starting from the master cabin with increased volume and rotated with the bedhead oriented on the side to ensure better circulation in the cabin, connected to a large bathroom with shower at the bow - followed by the VIP cabin with bathroom and the crew cabin. As already mentioned, the architecture of the spaces allows two layout options: galley up and galley down. With the first layout, it is possible to have a lounge area with TV or a third cabin with a bunk bed on the lower deck level, with the second one, the square of the dinette is even bigger and the kitchen below deck is even better equipped for use even in non-summer weather conditions.

CROSS-OVER ENHANCES LIFE AT SEA

The innovative solutions of the GT 52 are evident, as Massimo Gino of Nauta Design explains: "The Pardo 52 GT represents the cross-over between a walkaround and a classic cabin cruiser. The lounge on the main deck is protected by the superstructure and can be completely opened towards the stern, the door of the lounge and the two aft windows make it possible to put the latter in direct connection with the large and functional cockpit, or to separate the lounge from the outside by creating an internal area that can be conditioned or heated depending on the conditions. In the top there is a large sliding canopy to always have optimal ventilation. The sidewalks go up to the deck level to create a very large flush area for relaxation in the bow, with a large sundeck in the middle of the deckhouse. Due to the flush deck, important volumes are gained in the bow interiors: the master area benefits enormously from these volumes with a comfort that is rarely found on boats of this size.”

To find out more visit www.eyachts.com.au/boats/pardo-gt52

PARDO GT 52 KEY FEATURES: Overall length: 54,39 FT Waterline length: 47,96 FT Maximum beam: 16,27 FT Fuel tank: 2000 L Water tank: 605 L Engines: Standard Volvo IPS 2x650 Opt. Volvo IPS 2x700 - 2X800

FOUNTAINE PAJOT 47ft Sailing Catamaran

Fountaine Pajot has announced a new model, the Tanna 47, to join its award-winning cruising range, and Multihull Solutions has already taken four orders for the impressive catamaran.

Featuring a sleek design, the Tanna 47 delivers outstanding comfort and space with superb natural light throughout the interior. The catamaran features a large U-shaped galley with a host of innovations, including over 300 litres of storage space, and an expansive bay door opening onto the cockpit to enjoy breathtaking views. The saloon has been designed to optimise carefree living onboard with its sumptuous lounge, and the ergonomic watchkeeping station is easily accessible from the helm and cockpit for safe and comfortable navigation. The Tanna 47’s flybridge also boasts a luxurious lounge deck area that is twice the size of her predecessor, the Saona 47, and is the perfect spot for relaxing while underway. The catamaran can be sailed short-handed with ease while enjoying clear communication with crew and the company of friends in the lounge deck. With a choice of configurations, the Tanna 47 is ideal for both private owners and commercial charter operators. The Owner’s version features three cabins, including an extraordinary master suite with luxurious ensuite and walk-in shower, while the Quintet version offers five generous cabins, each with their own private ensuite. In addition to the outstanding performance for which Fountaine Pajot’s sailing range is renowned, the Tanna 47 delivers sustainable and self-sufficient cruising with up to 9m² of space for solar panels. The four Tanna 47s sold already by Multihull Solutions will be picked up ex-factory from the Fountaine Pajot shipyard in France by their Australian buyers.

INDUCTED INTO THE SHIPYARD’S HALL OF FAME Multihull Solutions has been recognised as Fountaine Pajot’s leading international dealer and been inducted into the shipyard’s Hall of Fame. The special award was bestowed upon Multihull Solutions by Fountaine Pajot’s deputy CEO Romain Motteau who said it was the highest accolade possible for a dealer in their network. “The Hall of Fame award is for the dealers that aren’t simply just dealers. They’ve reached legendary status having delivered strong support over many years and continuing to achieve the best results throughout all departments, including sales, service and communication,” Romain said. Multihull Solutions continues to deliver record sales for Fountaine Pajot sail and power catamarans and has won the shipyard’s Dealer of the Year for many years since the company’s launch 13 years ago. Multihull Solutions CEO Mark Elkington said the Hall of Fame award was an incredible honour and attributed the success to the company’s solid team. “We’ve never been in such a strong position with demand and sales eclipsing all previous years. There is absolutely no doubt that this success is due to our remarkable group of people who are entirely committed to providing the highest standard of service in the industry to all our clients, whether they are buying or selling,” Mark said. Multihull Solutions is enjoying an exceptional year of sales with 30 new boats already sold since January and up to three years of forward orders placed across its range of sailing catamarans and motor yachts. Further information can be found by contacting 1800 855 338, emailing info@multihullsolutions.com.au or by visiting the websites at www.multihullsolutions.com.au