She eases out of the inlet into the main lake, the wind catches her sails and she leans over ever so gracefully as her bow knifes through the chop of the waves. My hand at the tiller, I also control the main-sheet, trimming the sails to their maximum advantage. Skimming o'er the water, both mainsail and jib billowed full, no sound save for the wind singing through the rigging; it's as close as I'll ever come to flying like a bird, and I can't help but to grin. Sailing is exhilarating, relaxing, challenging, and really not
all that complicated, but best of all.... it’s just plain fun.
Sailing has always fascinated me. Being able to
travel on nothing but the wind has always intrigued me; no noisy motor, nor the
cost of fuel, just the quiet power of a steady breeze.
Add to it, romantic images conjured
up by old seafaring stories and swashbuckling movies, and one can’t help but
dream of standing on the rolling deck of their own sailing vessel, the black
flag flapping in the breeze, and a tropical island on the horizon. Me,
however.... the idea of a boat I don’t have to paddle is what I like best. LOL
Recently, we
traveled to sunny south-central Florida to purchase a sailboat. She’s nothing
big or spectacular, just a simple 17-foot daysailer to sail the local
impoundments in. A Watkins boat, she’s a good sailer, quick and light; handles
well, even in the lightest of breezes; and she’s a downright pleasure to sail.
I’ve already come to enjoy her immensely.
 |
| 'The TayLeigh Grace' |
As most of you well know, all good
boats deserve a good moniker, and mine is no exception. After much
contemplation, I decided to name her the ‘TayLeigh Grace’, after my three
grand-girls, Taylor, Maddie Leigh, and Lexi Grace. You should’ve seen the
smiles that one got me.
Come summer,
we’ll sail her out to ‘our’ little island on Parksville Lake for daylong picnic
and swimming excursions with the grands; there’ll be nighttime cruises under
star-filled skies on beautiful Lake Blue Ridge; and daylong lessons in learning
to cope with large waves and strong current on the Tennessee and Hiwassee
Rivers.
And someday,
when I've sufficiently acquired the needed skills and experience, I intend to
sail a 30’ sloop down the Georgia coast; exploring the barrier islands, their
hidden inlets, and the huge expanses of marsh. I daydream of being rocked to
sleep by the incoming tide, waking to the sound of gulls and terns soaring
overhead, and watching dolphins up close. I want to sip coffee on deck of a
mornin’ as I watch the wild horses on Cumberland Island frolic in the surf,
comb deserted beaches for hidden treasures, and explore the overgrown trails of
long forgotten island plantations. At least.... that’s the plan.
Until then,
though, I reckon sailing the ‘TVA seas’ will have to do. We’ll grill hotdogs rather
than shrimp, under the shade of pine trees instead of live oaks and palms;
and rope swings will have to suffice in place of surf and sand.... for now, that
is. Oh, well.... in any case, we’ll still be sailing, chasing fun and
adventure, freshwater style.
