“We are at the forefront of green living with two small solar panels and a wind generator,” High says, “so we have two sources of alternative energy, and the whole boat runs Despite the small space, cooking is still a joy for MacKay, off a drop cord.” like making a fresh batch of conch fritters. The work of the boat does not diminish the couple’s first Counter space is limited, so rather than occupying what love and the tie that binds them, which is travel. they do have with a coffeemaker, High makes his own special “The traveling part is what hooks you,” MacKay says. blend of a strong “cowboy coffee” each morning on the “We stick to the ICW (Intracoastal stovetop with espresso. Waterway), because going offshore is Once coffee drinking concludes, round-the-clock work, and someone maintenance and upkeep, not unlike always has to be at the wheel.” the responsibilities of a house, are constants on a boat and top the “It’s about a 10-day trip to St. Augustine (Florida),” adds High couple’s to-do list. regarding one of their favorite ports “If your career is not anything of call. mechanical, it is worth taking some Their trips have been up and down classes, as there always seems to be the East Coast, having gone as far something that needs attention that’s —DAVID HIGH south as the Bahamas. A stay at the mechanical,” High says. “Like my Gangplank Marina in Washington, D.C. allowed as many Grandpa said, ‘There ain’t no Ace Hardware in the middle museum visits as possible, while the boat was anchored with of the ocean.’” a view of the Washington Monument. Both MacKay and High are handy and utilize their skills “We got our metro passes and spent a good month there,” on the boat, whether it’s working with canvas, sanding and MacKay says, “and we could have stayed longer.” applying new paint or varnish, tightening up screws on the boat’s wind generator, or whatever needs tending. “We go somewhere, and if we like it, we stay awhile,” High adds. They do appreciate that life aboard their sailboat is also a CONTINUED PAGE 40 greener lifestyle. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37
“A perfect day on the water is 75 degrees and the wind at 10 to 15 knots.”
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OutreachNC.com | SEPTEMBER 2017