Fix The Vessel You're On

Thrill-seeker and adventurer Alby Mangels went on an adventure with his mate, John, which ends up being six years long and takes them all around the world as they more-or-less follow opportunities as they arise.

After working as brick layers on an Australian island, Alby and John become voluntary crew members on a Ketch sailing boat. They departed Sydney harbour and sail through the Pacific Ocean towards Tonga, the Gilbert Islands and onwards to bustling and crowded ports of South East Asia.

A sailing boat is a technology that has been around for a long time. It also originates from a time when the design principles showed a greater respect for the vast howling unknown - and thus their design demonstrates a greater emphasis on repair, and reflect a deeper necessity for self-reliance. There was no air cover or GPS, originally.

The sailing boat is low tech by today’s standards, but it’s also more resilient when connected in close relationship with skilled humans. It’s designed so that it can be continuously fixed. And such was the case during the World Safari: the boat leaked, John and Abby fixed it. The boom snapped in a storm so they replaced it. But you also need those skills before you set off. Due to working in the trades, Alby and John already had most of the skills. Other volunteers didn’t.

A lesson from Alby and John: When undertaking grand adventures, make sure you can fix the vessel you’re on.