Sailing Continued...

The sailing experience was rewarding and I’m grateful that Gary risked having an inexperienced crew aboard (I could have been a seasick mess and ruined the trip for both of us, which is always a possibility for anyone without much boating experience.). Also I’m indebted to him for making coffee every morning and indulging me in my caffeine addiction. We had a great trip together, discussed all the world’s problems including environmental, social and political and debated the warrants of various rules and regulations.

Mostly unknown to him, however, was my gnawing need for greater independence. At times I felt like a child constantly waiting for permission and affirmation. Many times I was unsure my duties on deck or how I should behave. It’s easy to crack the eggshells underfoot when there is so little walking space. Where could I sit without being in the way and still show that I was eager to learn the ins and outs of raising the mainsail or aligning our path on the GPS? Constantly changing instructions and protocols massaged my frustration. I couldn’t seem to do things the right way because the rule book was changing and until the error was made and identified I was ignorant of its alterations.

Temporarily living under someone else’s ceiling is tolerable, but I enjoy having control over my time and situation – or making compromises on circumstances, but unless a person has worked with a skipper for some time and built up solid report, or is in a relationship with him or her, negotiations are limited.
I’m still eager to sail and I’m looking forward to my next venture, but I’m more aware of the risks at sea – changing winds, ruff currents, and underwater fishing nets, and the importance of crew compatibility. Before I was all too zealous about boats and cared little for who the captain was, but now I understand the influence the driver has over making or breaking a trip.

Gary taught me a lot about sailing and reminded me the importance of confidence and self-assertion. I would be interested in another brief future voyage.