BAYSNEWS: This month we’re talking to Paul Catts. Paul, for those who don’t know you can you tell us a bit about yourself
PAUL: I’m a boat captain and marine engineer.
I moved to Elvina Bay in 1999 to a little boatshed in the north west corner and lived there, full or part time, for 13 years. I didn’t know too many people in the beginning, so I drove the pink water taxis, Church Pt ferries and worked on the barges. I now live between 2 boats in Newport and I’m currently running a large boat that lives at the RMYC in Newport.
BAYSNEWS: What made you choose the offshore life?
PAUL: I moved to Elvina after living overseas and unexpectedly found myself back in Sydney and having my son Jamison. I decided I needed to be in Sydney but wasn’t feeling the Sydney city vibe. I’ve always been attracted to and supported the fabulous camaraderie in the offshore community. I appreciate the type of people who chose to put the effort into living offshore and on boats.
Living offshore provided the beauty, time and space I needed. I also moved for the sense of, and responsibility of community that I’d appreciated overseas. Like a lot of residents over the years, I suspect, I found that offshore life provided me with a space to heal and grow.
The incredible natural beauty and the eccentric and supportive residents have nurtured that growth.
It was probably the best decision of my life, to move to Pittwater.
BAYSNEWS: What is your idea of perfect happiness?
PAUL: If you can see the sunrise or sunset on any given day then it’s generally a pretty good day.
Breaking bread with good conversation.
Messing around with boats.
Sitting around a fire under the stars.
BAYSNEWS: What is your greatest fear.
PAUL: Not achieving and doing everything I want in life
BAYSNEWS: What is the trait you most dislike in yourself?
PAUL: Procrastination, wasting time.
BAYSNEWS: What is the trait you most dislike in others?
PAUL: Arrogance and a lack of appreciation for the incredible opportunities and relationships we have in our lives.
BAYSNEWS: Who do you most admire and why?
PAUL: I’ve always admired the American intellectual and linguist Noam Chomsky. He has sacrificed a lot to stand up to the abuses of the powerful and written over 150 books. His searing intelligence and ability to communicate it, is staggering in it’s focus and clarity.
Nikola Tesla for his engineering feats.
Nelson Mandela for his perseverance and leadership in overcoming apartheid.
BAYSNEWS: What is your greatest achievement?
PAUL: I strive to be a better person every day. If I can be a better human and affect those around me in a positive way, then I have achieved something.
BAYSNEWS: What is your greatest regret?
PAUL: I’m not sure having regrets is empowering, except to learn from.
I regret those times where my personal failings have let me down….and I try and learn from them.
BAYSNEWS: What is your motto?
PAUL: I’ll lighten it up here, it’s not a motto but a funny saying that alludes to a certain passion for life.
A silly adapted quote from W.C. Fields… “I have spent half my fortune on wine, women and boats. The rest I’ve completely wasted”
(with apologies to the more politically correct)
BAYSNEWS: What draws you to the sea?
PAUL: I was drawn to the sea and living by the water because it calms me and gives me peace. It was always there. Living in Pittwater is a natural extension of that.
I have a broad range of interests and goals for the future that may take me away but I’ll always come back to the water and Pittwater.