Tom has sailed the last three summers. He loves it and looks forward to it every week. Yesterday I accompanied him for the first time. It was a gorgeous fall day: sunny, warm, with a gentle cool breeze. Tom talked the entire way to the marina, he told me what to expect, ran through what my duties would be, explained terminology, told stories of his experiences, and told me my main goals should be 1. Keep you head down- so you don’t get hit by the boom and 2. Keep you eye on the horizon- so you don’t get sick. He warned me about how there were lots of spiders on the boat, and said to always do what Dave said even if it didn’t make sense. He spoke excitedly. It reminded me of how Adalee spoke when she taught me what to do to get the horse to canter and how to play Horse monopoly. His instructions were sincere and touched with innocent pride at his own understanding. We “walked” the boat out of the marina easily, and the main sail went up the mast easily. The wind was weak while we were in the breaker but as soon as we got out into the open it picked up and we easily slid through the water. I learned how to work the “jib;” “cleating” and “uncleating” the rope to let it swing either “port” or “starboard” I learned when to duck to avoid the “boom” and observed as Tom or Dave “tacked” in order to change direction, or “jibed” to turn around. I learned how to open and close the “hatch” and helped pull the main sail down when we came back into the marina.  Our sail was for the most part free of events. We had difficulty getting the spinnaker up, and finally had to just pull it back in. But other than that it was a smooth sail. Tom sailed all the way back. He loves to catch the wind such that the boat tips to the side, with one side almost submerged in the water. He said several times “Ah! I love the wind!” I love the following picture I took of him, because it really sums up his feelings about sailing- it’s heaven for him.

I was thrilled to finally have the opportunity of seeing what it is all about. I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope to go again. I think I could get in to sailing. There is enough activity to keep it interesting and yet on a day like yesterday it is the ultimate means of relaxation. After a crazy week, it completely calmed me. I guess this was one of the calmest days Tom had ever seen sailing. He said typically there are large waves to deal with, which make it more exciting. Oft time it is cold too. He was so worried I would get cold and hate sailing, that we came prepped with long sleeve shirts, down vests, rain jackets, gloves and hats. As you can see from the picture- we didn’t need them. It was absolutely gorgeous, probably the most beautiful fall day all season.

I’m not sure how Tom met Dave. I seem to recall that Tom wanted to get into sailing, so he just went to the marina and asked around if anyone needed crew, but I’ll have to confirm that with him. Regardless, he found the perfect boat. Dave is an elderly gentleman, probably in his mid 70’s. He is gentle and soft spoken. Tom is so patient with him, and has learned over their three years together just when to help and when to let Dave do things. Dave reminds me a lot of Grandpa Harrison. Despite his age he was still the one to crawl out to the front of the boat and pull out the spatoon despite the flapping sails and shifts of the boat. He has been sailing since he was 13 and loves it. Tom says sometimes he feels like he should do things for Dave and then realizes its good for him. He would often say with a big grin, “Well, let’s see if I can remember how to do” this or that. As Tom came to learn however, he is always right. He told Tom to tack a little more and sure enought the sail caught the wind just right. Tom asked how he knew and he just looked at us and smiled.

     

I hadn’t been as excited about going sailing yesterday because I wanted to spend that time on the house, but I am so glad I went. I am so grateful for a husband who continues to pursue his hobbies, and who is always finding ways to enjoy his surroundings. He said, “Once I discovered sailing, I fell in love with Cleveland.” It was a real treat for me to see him in action- showing me all he has learned over the past three years sailing. I loved seeing him sitting high on the side of the boat, steering the rutter, and moving the boom, with his head held high- the wind flapping through his hair, and a smile on his face. One of the things I love most about Tom, is that he always finds ways to love life.