Psychology of Voyaging

The pursuit of offshore voyaging is the pursuit of a dream for most of us. We will explore the many motives, desires and challenges inherent in the voyaging dream. As we pursue the challenge to explore the oceans and cultures of the world, inevitably we explore ourselves through our responses to the situations we encounter. Part of preparing for voyaging is preparing ourselves psychologically, and part of voyaging is becoming the adventurer we dream to be.

First day: an opportunity for initial exploration of ideas
Evening: homework and discussion among partners, or skippers and crew
Second day: follow-up to homework, questions and answers

Topics:

• Motivation: Dreams, desires, commitment and the experience we are seeking
• Anticipation: Fears and warnings; their influences and our responses
• Adventure: Risk, excitement and being in control
• Knowing yourself: personal strengths, courage and confidence
• The myth of buying safety: personal vs. boat preparation
• Communication and partnership aboard: roles, issues, stress, crisis, trust and becoming a team
• Spirit of the wind
• Other topics as desired by the group