That is a very good question.  We grew up in Utah, where there are lots of mountains and lakes but no oceans.  We had never even been on a sailboat until we were in our mid 30’s when we took some sailing lessons in Blue Mesa, Colorado. It was a few years later that we convinced some friends to charter a sailboat with us. So we packed our sunscreen and snorkel gear and landed in the beautiful British Virgin Islands!  Our first charter was on a Gemini legacy 35,  it was the biggest sailboat that they would let us charter due to our lack of experience.  We remember thinking how big the sailboat was going to be,  until we actually saw it.  In all fairness the Gemini is a great boat for its intended purpose the problem was the charter company had it moored next to a Lagoon 52!!  It pales in comparison next to that monster.

So off we went, sailing around the islands of the BVI.  Soaking up the island vacation life, exploring The Baths, North Sound, Anegada, jumping off the Willy T’s enjoying painkillers and relaxing to beautiful sunsets.  We have been on a handful of charters over the years.  It is hard not to get caught up in vacation sailing or the romantic idea of sailing off into the sunset.

The reality is that boat life can be hard.  Everything takes more time and effort then life on land.  While on charters we have had engines not start, halyards break, windless failures,  a bolt missing from the portside rudder, our dinghy accidently stolen,  you are constantly looking for ice for your drinks and to help cool of the freezer,  a place to take your trash and provision. It is hot and humid, unless you run the generator and air conditioner, it is hard to sleep, your conserving water, the list goes on and on. 

Then something magical happens.  You motor out of an anchorage while drinking your morning coffee.  The water is calm, the sun is up, its still quite and peaceful,  you can smell the salt air and feel the breeze on your face,  and as you come around the point the wind picks up. You turn into the wind and raise the mainsail, you head a little downwind and unfurl the jib.  You reach for the key and turn off the diesel motor, the wind begins to fill the sails, you feel the boat power up as you trim the sails.  You look towards the horizon as you hear the world passing by under your keel.  Your worries and concerns are fading away in your wake.  You’re sailing!!

Maybe it is the romantic notion of sailing off into the sunset, or the  nostalgia of crossing the oceans like times past. Maybe it is the idea of sailing to a new destination or unknown port full of new people and culture looking forward to the next adventure. 

How does one answer the question of why sailing?

The musing of a middle aged man~ Sam