We mentioned the coffee shop at the corner of the cay or muelle as piers are called in this part of the world. It is a morning hang out for some of the professional crews and they are having a wonderful time from the looks of things. There is work of course, but it takes place all over the world. New places, new people, new experiences.

And they can eat this sort of fare without concern for their centers of gravity. They are living the dream lives of a lot of people and getting paid to do it.

The same could be said of the cruiser’s lifestyle hereabouts. OK, it is crowded, maybe excessively so. Costs are outrageous by the standards of most of of the world, the anchorages unprotected and often rolly.

But there is a lovely cathedral on the ever changing skyline to view.

A harbor full of interesting yachts to study and exchange visits with.

And even the mega-cruise liners that bring something (besides hordes) to the visual equation.

Think you need the biggest and best (whatever)? There is always going to be one bigger and better (the yacht center right is probably 200 foot/60m+ and medium sized by Palma standards). Its owner is going to feel positively diminutive here.

If you are sitting at your computer, reading this and desirous of change, waiting for something to lift you out of your life and make it possible (kids to grow up, business to be sold, more money to be saved, fill in the blank to match your own situation), our suggestion is to take another look at the equation. Consider what it really takes to make change happen. In the case of boats, it is often much less than you think, or are told, is required.

Sound structure, simple systems, good ground tackle and storm sails, a capsize tolerant design, and basic knowledge of seamanship and weather will take you a long way. The key is to go sooner rather than later.