S A I L I N G

... in a few photos and words

When the sailboat leaves the harbor and enters the open water, the engine goes quit and the wind takes its place. The sails are raised flapping and then instantly inflate as the wind fills them with force and vitality. The sailor says goodbye to all the commotion of the land and turns all senses to her majesty the sea.

Between leaving my house and getting into the open water there are no expectations. The sea is always changing, the wind is always playing a different melody. To conquer the sea means to obey it whims, to sail in bliss means to have total control over the boat – it is both humbling and empowering at the same time.

When the course is lost or the wind dies the boat immediately signals the sailor through flapping sails or loss of speed that the sheets need to be trimmed or released (if over trimmed). The sailor is constantly engaged with the boat, paying close attention within and all that can be seen up to the horizon line, as dangers can often creep-up quietly from any direction.

Racing a sailboat is like playing in stock market.
An experience racer will start going full speed towards the start line from a far distance relying on his/her experience and an educated guess when the start horn will blow, leaving all those who were waiting patiently by the start line behind. On the other hand, if the horn doesn’t go off, the overzealous racer will pass the start-line and will cause a delay, forcing its crew to make a turn back, and try again – compromising its timing and momentum. Of course some have insider information… so you have to watch for boats that look like they know what they’re doing. Try that when there are 60 boats of different sizes and classes - all competing in the same regatta. It’s exhilarating.

As an amateur sailor one may take comfort knowing that they don’t have to make snap judgment and sudden decisions, as the captain’s call can bring an immediate reward or punishment; the truth is that the crew is as engaged in sailing as the captain, each crew member is responsible for their task – which means observing what the others are doing an adjusting accordingly - like a body organ, the sailor is as independent as its purpose permits – doing one's best to cooperate with others, making the rest of the body run efficiently.

Ultimately, every sailor is a dreamer of a voyage, of their own course, on their own boat. Weather racing regattas or cruising for pleasure, part-time adventure or a full-time home on the water, alone or in company, every sailor is exploring their free soul and expressing it through their boat – a quiet arrow piercing gloriously through the elements.

The photos were all taken during the 2 regattas I’ve participated in this year, and edited into a growing collection of my nautical photos

Thank you for reading.