Close your eyes for a second and picture a grandmother….any grandmother. You’ll probably see a little old lady with grey curly hair and glasses resting on the end of her nose. Now close them again and picture the most badass, funny, and adventurous grandma you can. That’s my grandma! I wanted to carry that spirit with me while I was sailing alone offshore, so I christened my first vessel with her name, Daphne.
Grandma lost her ability to speak, but somehow she was very expressive. She could tell stories, crack jokes, and even argue. All without saying a word. Sometimes I believed it was magic. But it wasn’t. It was resourcefulness. When others would give up, she insisted on finding creative solutions. She started out by using a Morse code-like form of communication on the telephone. One tap for yes, two for no, and endless tapping for *&%$#! When that wasn’t enough, she created her own sign language so we could talk via Skype. Even now, two years after her passing, she still cannot be silenced. I hope I inherited Grandma’s resourcefulness and persistence. It will keep me safer at sea.
I couldn’t have sold Daphne to a better person. I sold her to Ben (not my husband). Ben is a colleague of mine with Outward Bound. I know he will keep Daphne adventuring and exploring in a way that connects deeply with the environment. Ben christened her with a new name that was important to him. He called her Apollo, and went through all the formal paperwork and fees to make it official. He even changed the lettering on the hull. I had to let Nor’sea Daphne go, and keep her only as a memory. She is just a boat, afterall. But it wasn’t easy to call her Apollo.
Then, after owning Apollo for more than a year, Ben sent a short email. It was simple. He wrote,
I asked her and she said she wanted to be named Daphne. Couldn’t force it any longer. She’s happy now.
Ben (my husband) and I are planning a sail training expedition in the Caribbean. If you are interested in participating, please sign up for my e-newsletter or join the Facebook community for updates. Stay tuned….
Comments 18
Sometimes the name just fits.
One of the finest boats ever made! She is a dream and I felt we were looked after by her namesake.
THANK YOU
Sweet story Teresa. She’s back and hopefully she will watch out for Ben ( not your husband) as she did for you!
Such a great story! I love when beloved objects can be passed on to good homes.
Hi,
I looked at your U Tube video about 2 – 3 months ago about when you were still sailing Daphne and was so impressed with your adventuresome spirit. Plus, that you took your cat with you. I still refer to some things that ‘Teresa’ did or said and my friend says ‘Who’? So, I have to refresh her memory and remind her of the video that I made her watch about you on your journey. She is not into sailing but likes to go with me while I fumble along. I am 76 yrs old and found sailing late in life but never had lessons so it’s a hit and miss thing and much fun. I am afraid to go where there are no markers, though, like in the Chesapeake Bay! I sail the lower Susquehanna River but am hankering to be less fearful and try my wings using my charts, compass and an inexpensive hand held GPS (when I learn how to use it). Thanks for keeping us updated on what is happening. I am so thrilled that Daphne is back to being Daphne, as if she ever wasn’t!!!
Good to know Daphne is still going strong.
This made me cry. Surprise! Surprise!
I love reading about all of your adventures, activities, and wonder life you and Ben have carved out for yourselves. You are such a free spirit, you make your family so proud and your friends so envious. God Bless you both and keep you safe as you explore our awe inspiring Earth. Xox
Teresa, this is a great post metaphorically speaking. Writing reviews and technical posts are good but one of your greatest talents lies in you ability to write about your life. Go back and read some of your earliest blog posts. Maybe its time to get back to basics. Alan 🙂
Teresa, I loved your post about your grandma. I grew up in Michigan and have great memories of summers on Lake Huron with an amazing Grandma and extended family. I am also familiar with Elk Rapids as I lived a couple of years in Traverse City and loved that area also. I am now in my 60’s and getting back into sailing here in the San Francisco Bay area on my Tartan 34c. I have really enjoyed following the blogs and videos that both of you have posted. Enjoyed the sailing adventures, the romance of your evolving relationship ( much of which I read between the lines) and I especially enjoyed your taking up together the quest of living with selective simplicity. Teresa, you were right when you said that living simply is a frontier that complicates your life.You simply must do more. I believe that many of our technological devices, we have come to depend on, tend to insulate our experience from many rich aspects of reality. Once a device is removed, we are forced out of a comfort zone, and although it is uncomfortable at first, we adjust and learn to embrace a larger reality. Engaging with a larger reality, we begin to distill from our richer experiences a nectar of life affirming presence that affords us a stronger, connection to nature and all of life for that matter.
So, be well, you two,and keep up the good works. -john
What a touching post! It must have warmed your heart to get that message and know that Daphne lives on!
I just found out you guys were at the Annapolis show. I wish I had known. I was there only on Sat. walking around the vendor booths. Would have been nice to meet you two. Maybe next time.
Take Care
It is all in a name. I wrote a sailing book that involved the boat as a character. Her name is Tirak. I’ve had so many reviews and comments about how the readers really felt the presence of Tirak and her many moods.
Great post and beautiful name. I’m really glad Ben was listening to her. Looking forward to reading more of your adventures!
You definitely sold her to the right person. Glad you shared this story.
My Grandma was an amazing and inspirational woman too. She was a 4’9″ ball of fire and, together with my very independent mother, she taught me to be adventurous and follow my dreams, no matter how crazy other people thought they were. I think our Grandmas are up there together – enjoying a nice glass of wine while watching us happily pursue our passions! Here’s to Grandmas like ours!
PS Nice boat name. 😉
Ahoy Capt. Teresa,
I have to tell you how inspiring you are to me! I found out about you I want to say about 3 yrs ago on youtube loved your independance and your passion for sailing. Your so brave, it is now where I have taken sailing certification and had this huge dream of doing what you did. Simplify, and have ultimate happiness. I just got my first sail boat, starter boat its a Seafarer 26′ turnkey I am so excited. I got from my sailing instructor. Figure I will use it to learn all I can for next 24 months then perhaps up grade.
Was interested in your caribbean training.
Question though wanted to know if you are going to be doing anything in FL by chance?
Cant wait to see your movie.
Hi Teresa my name is Jesus Cepeda i am from Puerto Rico in the caribean. Almost a year i am dreaming about geting on a sailboat and sail around the world. When i saw a video of you in youtube i though hey i am not that crazy of doing it .. i am 29 and i am planning on changing my life as an automotive instructor and going into the sea. thanks a lot
ps .. what kind of brand and model is your boat looks great…