Winter Work 4

 

If there is a chink, in Stargazer’s passage-making armour, it is her skipper. Not because of his piratical alter ego, Long John Silver. But due to the fragility of his back . Which may list, unexpectedly to port, before locking up. Occurrences can be reduced through support, by night, and exercise, by day. Life aboard reliably supplies the latter, but not always the former.

Five years ago, Stargazer's original twin 'V' berth cushions were replaced. By design, they had sported an inherently unsupportive centreline split, from new. Over their ten year life, their dual density foam filling became compressed beyond recovery. 

Their successor was a, single-piece, memory-foam mattress. It rewarded nightly, providing even support across its full width. In the mornings, my back emerged supple and refreshed, rather than stiff and injury prone.

But, over successive summer cruises, the foam has remembered my body shape all too well. Initially it 'forgot' again, during the winter lay up. But, latterly, idelibly etched furrows have formed. Which, trigger my temperamental back. Despite migrating around the mattress, during the final stages of the Zen Again cruise, in search of a supportive spot.

For the 2026 season, I have turned to motorhome specialists, Jonic. For a hybrid (pocket sprung below, foam above), single piece mattress. On the basis that a similar construction has stood the test of time at home. 

Hopes are high, that this latest upgrade will provide sweet dreams and memorable cruises in seasons to come.

Next, on the work list, is a task which must be completed before Christmas. The hanging of a stocking, at the head of Stargazer's ‘V’ berth. With which to summon Santa in from the sea, bearing a sack of boat treats (I hope!). 

May your Christmas be all that you wish for!

Picture Credits

Piratical enhancements to 'Stargazer's Skipper' and creation of 'Surfing Santa:' courtesy of Adobe AI.

Standard V berth cushions brochure shot: courtesy of Hallberg Rassy VarvsAB