Packing seems like it should be easy. You gather things from around your house, and put them in a bag. But it never feels simple.
The clothing decisions are mostly straightforward: an extensive kit list has been provided and I already had the majority of the things I will need. A trip to the sailing section of Decathlon provided a sailing jacket, salopettes, sunglasses, and a hat. I’ve got a pair of waterproof shoes that don’t have quite enough arch support, but I was able to buy replacement insoles that make them fit perfectly. And wellies were also easy once I stopped trying to find the perfect pair on Amazon and just bought some cheap ones from Toolstation.
I think what makes packing slow and difficult is that every item requires choices. I’m having to make decisions that may have a big effect, and there won’t be the opportunity to revisit my choices if I make bad choices. There are many things to think about: space for personal items on board limited. It won’t be possible to buy things during the voyage. The weather could be anything from blazing heat to drenching rain. Neither of my current camera bags are suitable – one’s too small, the other’s too big. And every time I go to a part of the house to get something I see something unrelated and forget what I was there for.
But now the packing is done, and in two days’ time I’ll be able to start telling you much more exciting things about life on board.