Why you should go sailing
Sailing is not for everyone. Some get seasick, some are afraid of the water. However for those who love getting out on the lake or open sea, this is for you.
I worked on cruise liners and there is a big difference between that and sailing. Even going out on a motor boat is not the same. Sailing is not only quieter (only the sounds of waves and the wind) it’s cheaper, well kind of.
Blissful Sounds
There is no better sound then the sound of waves. You look into any spiritual or destressing video and I’m sure it will give you the sound of waves crashing the shores. Well sailing is just like that. Relaxing, sitting in the cockpit and listening the waves waves rush along side the boat is truly blissful.
Having the wind brushing along side your face. That sweet smell of water air, either the salty breeze or that fresh lake smell.
The relaxation you get out on the water is something better than a spa.
The power of the water
The first time I went out it was calm, very little wind and I enjoyed every minute of it. However the third time I went out we had 15 knots of wind and gusting at 19. Being at the helm (the steering wheel) I got to feel the power of the water.
When you are sailing forward and the waves are kicking up at 1.6 feet (which is not a lot) and all of a sudden the aft (rear) of the boat lifts and the boat points in a different direction. Not going to lie at first I was a little scared, however, I loved that feeling. It is the same feeling I get when surfing, an instant rush over your body.
Read: Top places to surf
You may be thinking how is that fun? I will tell you that moment when you can control the boat is such an exhilarating feeling. You will never have control of the water but you can control how that vessel moves and that is a true feeling of power.
Learning something new
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream- C.S. Lewis
This could not be more true. I love learning new things and sailing has a lot of technical stuff. Nope these are not ropes, there are no ropes in sailing. You have lines, halyards and sheets.
There is a lot to learn about sailing and even those who have sailed for decades will tell you that they learn something new all the time.
I guess the best part about learning all these terms is that feeling that you still got it.
Exploring new places
This is the one thing I’m looking forward to most. Staring out at the horizon to finally see a piece of new land.
Any traveler wants nothing more than to set our sights on a new place, with new adventures. Sailing gives you that freedom. To pull up to an uninhabited island or a marina set inside a stunning city.
Sure we can jump on a plane and go to a tropical place, but that slow motion moving towards an Island taking in all that beauty from eye level. I can’t wait.
The natural power
Ok so boats may not be cheap but a sailboat will get you around for “free”. The natural power of wind. Going from place to place on what mother nature has blessed us with.
I’m not saying you will never turn the key to the engine. Picture going 1000’s of nautical miles by something we can even see, a breeze. Magical!
Just hoist your sails and let the wind guide you to your next destination.
Sailing as a sport
Now if you are into sports and competitions you will love racing. Super competitive and always looking for crew. This is a great way to get involved.
Head down to your local marina or yacht club with a case of beer and you are in! This is no joke. Sailors are always looking for crew. You will start out hanging off the side, like in the picture above. As time goes by you will move to other areas of the boat.
Sailor are the most welcoming people. But be warned once you commit to being crew you had better be able to set that race day aside. This is a serious sport and should be taken as such.
The people we meet
This is left for last because it truly is the most amazing part of sailing. I was greeted with open arms to this yacht club.
Sailors tell the most interesting stories. Are they all true? I have no idea lol. I will say there is nothing better than a couple telling you of their crazy adventure together. Or an old man sitting with you at a bon fire telling you a story of the time he went overboard.
There are two types of boating communities. The motor boaters, who go out on a small local adventure. Then you have sailors, who get out on the opens seas and journey to mystical places. They come back telling tales of sea monsters and crazy natives.
No matter your reasons for getting out sailing, taking that first step and feeling that first rush, you will be hooked. And maybe one day I will see you out there and we will meet for drinks!