FIRST TIME
If you have every done any sailing at all, especially in small craft, where you have complete charge of the sail, you know the special thrill of learning to move into the face of he wind. It is easy enough to fly before the wind, but to work upstream against the wind another matter.
You learn to use the wind against itself. You turn into the wind and angle off so you are tugged across the expanse of the river or bay and then, when you feel it just right you guide in other direction and tack across toward the opposite shore. Seen from above you would appear to be zig-zagging across the river, and each time you zigged or zagged you were further upstream than before – making constant progress against he flow of the wind.
Yes, it does take time,You don't go whizzing back up at the rate you came down before the wind, but you will be pleased to find you arrive at your upstream dock on time.
Of course, that is just one of the good things which come your way when you sail such small craft. Another is the illusion which comes to most people that they are moving at very high rates of speed. It is an illusion, of course but the sight of the slim vessel knifing into the waters just ahead and sending a glimmering swirl of water past your sides, creates a sense of movement that exhilarates and charms any sailor. And, another thing which will linger I in your memory is the absolute silence out there on the blue, save for the slapping of the water against the bow. That monotone, itself, repeated again and again, tends to salve and soothe any noises you may, otherwise, be aware of coming cross the active bay waters.
There are lessons to be learned from sailing, even in the amateur stage. We learn to meet with the winds of adversity. We can, of course, ignore the tempests and be swept before the wall; be carried away by the force within it. We can, if we choose to do so; decide try it, “batten down the hatches” as both real and fictional mariners used to say in stories of the sea - batten down; keep the bow into the wind and wait it out. If, however, we wish to make progress against the opposing force, we can make use of it's early force to help us tack across the wind and gain he safety of a protected haven before the full force of the storm hits. Only a fool challenges the storm at its worst, too. One learns that lesson, as well, having sailed.
Few do it alone. I was on military base when learned my first learned the basics of sailing thirteen-footers on the bay. My teacher was a man named Homer Fogle, from Shenandoah, Virginia, with whom I made several instructional trips prior to going “solo”. I shall always be grateful for his patient guidance.
Set your sails to suit your size. Seek out an objective on the distant shore and work toward it, across smooth or troubled waters, even against the wind, if need be.
A.L.M. October 21, 2002 [c544wds]
