Sailing in the summer really helps my tan but I must admit that there is something very special about the trips I have taken during the winter. I recently had one of those memorable winter cruises in early February
One of the reasons I like to sail all year is that I like to use the boat and not just watch the boat sit in the slip. But, more importantly, winter sailing often adds the dimension of creativity. Also, there is very little traffic out there in the winter.
The first creative outlet is dressing for the occasion. How do I get most of my body clothed warmly? Double socks, gloves, hat, scarves, and what in the world do you use to keep your nose warm? And eye makeup needs to be just right since it is the only part of your face that people will see. And, of course, there is always earrings. Not too big though because they may stick to your face!
Then, of course, there is the challenge of sailing in winter weather. How cold will it be? Is there a storm on the horizon? Will there be too much wind? Can we get in before dark? Is the forecast going to be close? Will I remember to drink enough water even if I am cold?
The day seemed right in early February. We bundled up and started out at 0900 so there would be time to get in before dark. But, alas, there was no wind. Always a disappointment to me. So, the captain decided to create a cutter-rigged sailboat out of the Wave Walker. I am not sure how it worked. I just know it did. He can be as creative with those sails as I can be with my makeup and clothes!
But with no wind and not having slept well the previous night, I went below to take a much-needed nap. I had been forewarned by the captain that his creative rigging was going to make tacking interesting. He said it would be necessary to physically move the jib from one side of the boat to the other. I forgot that temporarily and besides, there was no wind. Right? Wrong.
That mysterious wind found us that day, reaching 7 to 8 knots. And, 3 sails, not 2, were up. My nap was rudely interrupted by strange noises up on deck. At first, I thought we had giant mice up there until I became cognizant. Then I realized it was the captain running around up there, moving the jib to tack. So, I decided to join in on the fun.
I said, “Where are we?”
“In Dana,” was the reply. No way, I thought. But, I saw a marina full of stick boats and I knew we were somewhere. Then, I saw the lighthouse at Boston Harbor. Yes, we were in Dana Passage.
We sailed back to Percival Landing in 2 hours. I got a chance to take the helm for a while. How do you sail back to Percival in two hours with a northerly wind? Easy. Be creative. Start thinking again. Make the jib and cutter-rigged sail into wings, our own unique spinnaker!
The original plan was to pull the sails down and start the motor. But the wind was kind to us that day. It shifted to easterly and stayed at 1 - 2 knots. So we sailed all the way in, a new experience for these sailors. We made history that day, and I was part of that history.
Why Percival and not straight into Fiddlehead? That is easy. We needed to go to Bayview for coffee and to warm up enough so we could dock the boat! I had to take my socks off and hold my feet to warm them up.
I will give you a fashion tip, as well as a “footnote”, use polypropylene underliner socks then wool socks, not cotton like your friendly podiatrist did that day.
What a magnificent cruise. Yes, it was cold and a little overcast. I would not have missed it for the world.
Debbie Behre, Wave Walker