'THE TAYLEIGH GRACE'

          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.