“He knows not where he’s going… for the Ocean will decide.
It’s not the destination … it’s the glory of the ride.”
Last month I spent three wonderful days sailing on Anny. I’m indebted to all those that made it possible but this is a story of connection, or in this case more like re-connection.
Thanks to Anny and an excellent crew.
I have been sailing for a long time because I was fortunate enough to grow up by the sea in Cornwall.
The last two years have been difficult for all of us but if you enjoy sailing as much as I do then they have seen a dreadful loss of pleasure. It’s no one’s fault but it’s just not been possible to get back to sailing. I am incredibly lucky because living by the sea I have been able to swim and row without any major interruption. I thought this was keeping my attachment to the sea full on. I was wrong.
Sailing again on Anny
Sitting by the bowsprit and just gazing at all the sea and sky. Listening to the sound of the bow punching through the waves and breathing deeply of loads of fresh air I had an awareness moment. Two things became apparent and the first allowed the second.
First off all the troubles and tribulations of life ashore left my brain and went overboard. Oh that felt so much better.
‘With the leaving of Liverpool’. Oops, that comes later in the story. With the leaving of brain clutter I once again found the joy of sailing. Going with the wind and tides, riding the waves and simply accepting the situation as it is. Not trying to alter anything, just going with the flow and accepting the here and now. The past horrible years fell away. I felt more confident and relaxed than for a long time. Even my voice sounded younger.
Motto
If you have enjoyed sailing in the past don’t let it stay in the past.
New or old salt.
The sea is waiting for you, all you need to do is get out there and live on the water for a few days or more. You won’t regret it!
