Barnacle Bill Magazine March 2016 issue 3 | Page 16

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The Slow Sailing Manifesto
Osbert Lancaster
Like beachcombing, it’s wonderful what you can find in the ripples and currents that criss
cross the worldwide web. When I was building my Walkabout I was an avid reader of the
Invisible Workshop, where Ben wrote about building and sailing another small boat in
Catalonia. One of the treasures I found was the Slow Sailing Manifesto by his friend and
Catalan sailing blogger, Joan Sol.
Looking back at the manifesto two boats later I wonder how I measure up to Joan’s standards:
Whatever your craft, whether a rowing boat, or a luxury yacht, it’s
your relationship with your boat and the sea that matters. Regardless
of length, price and equipment, your craft isn’t just another of your many
possessions but rather an agreeable travelling companion with whom you
can learn about the sea and, more importantly, about yourself.
Every time I push off from the beach and step on board, I never fail to feel the thrill as the
boat comes to life on the element she was made for.