AI

I asked the AI (Artificial Intelligence) app, ChatGPT to write 200 words to summarise the blog, Graceoflongstone.com. About two seconds later, the following appeared on my screen.

“The blog Grace of Longstone is an intimate sailing‑adventure journal and personal travel chronicle, maintained by a couple (Helen and Dave) who own a Hans Christian43 yacht named Grace. 

From the “About” page, Helen explains that the blog began as a way to share their preparations and progress in transforming Grace into a live‑aboard vessel for extended voyages.  Helen tends to the narrative, while Dave handles technical and mechanical work, and the posts often blend their roles. 

Throughout the blog’s entries, they document the realities of life aboard: refitting and upgrading the boat, navigating challenging sea passages, dealing with mechanical issues, anchorages in remote bays, and exploring islands and coastal terrain around the globe.  The posts often mix anecdote and humour (for example, stories about sea lions, sail repairs, or the logistics of getting the mast back up) with more serious reflections on values, adventure, and travel. 

Geographically, their journey is wide and shifting: they have spent time in New Zealand, the Pacific islands, the southern seas, and they reference returning to the UK for intervals.  The writing is personal and conversational, addressed partly to “a few select family and friends” (rather than aiming for a wide public audience). 

In summary, Grace of Longstone is a heartfelt and ongoing log of life at sea: the joys, challenges, repairs, travels, and everyday moments of living aboard a sailing yacht, narrated with warmth, honesty, and a sense of adventure.”

All generated by a computer. Electrons scanning online text and “learning”. No need for me to write anything. I think I feel astonishment and concern in equal measures.  I then looked up one definition to try to begin to understand what it’s all about ….”AI aims to replicate and ultimately surpass human capabilities.” Was that definition written by AI or a human? No idea.

Dave and I had a holiday to Cornwall. We were plain humans, walking, climbing, mostly camping but also treats in a lovely pub. It was fabulous. The sun shone and air clarify was sharp. We stopped and called in with a myriad of friends and family on our journey south then north. Thank you, one and all.

I can guarantee that this blog will continue as a human. Maybe with limited capabilities but I’m not having a computer surpass me! 😀

5 thoughts on “AI

  1. captmarklp says:
    captmarklp's avatar

    I am awe of what ChatGp did with your blog but I am equally in awe of what the Land’s End looks to be ! I have only just started using ChatGp for searches and am impressed but I have been to Cornwall and not to its end. You’re living a life we many can envy — so please do keep it goin’!

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  2. Mr Alan Green says:
    Mr Alan Green's avatar

    It’s not a computer. It’s an iterative learning process prompted through algorithmic processes that are more or less the same as organic systems use. Instead of ‘computers’ think of your ancestral genome evolving from cold-blooded lamprey-like fish into land-dwelling temperature-regulated mammals. But accelerate the evolution a billion times. Not only Will AI supercede you, but it will do it probably within your lifetime.

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  3. Bettyann and Rob - Sailing Beyond says:
    Bettyann and Rob - Sailing Beyond's avatar

    Hey Helen,

    Talk about timing…. I am just now listening to the book Culpability
    with AI very much in the framing.

    ps.  The Chatbot was scarily, wonderfully written.  &%$#

    On a nice update for us, we’ll be flying to Mexico for 8 winter weeks
    through the program HomeExchange.com

    Hugs from Beyond!

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    • grace of longstone says:
      grace of longstone's avatar

      Hi Beyond.
      Thanks for the swift response. Your trip to Mexico sounds fab. A long way from the sometimes ‘brutal’ weather delivered by a Nova Scotia winter.

      We recently met a couple from Connecticut who we last saw in the Bahamas back in 2020. They were in the UK for few weeks visiting their son. We love keeping in touch with friends we’ve met during our travels.

      We fly back to NZ visit Australia in about 3 weeks. It’s starting to get darker and chillier here so a return to the southern hemisphere will be welcomed.

      Stay healthy,
      Helen and Dave x

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