With Gratitude
This is a note to say thank you to all the past and present skippers, volunteers, and general members who have helped to enrich my life through the time I've been able to share with Bay Sailors on and off the water. I'm not a founding member, but I joined ten years ago this winter. I've had so many good experiences, happy times, and the opportunity to be out on the Gulf and Bay that I couldn't possibly share tales from all of them. Each sail is a unique experience on the water and a wonderful opportunity to get to know so many interesting people.
From the first day I entered the door to the meeting room, I felt like I was home. The people in this club are so friendly and welcoming. I'm sure you all feel it, too. Maybe it is that sea water we all seem to have a bit of flowing through our souls, but we have a unique, giving, interesting group of people in our club. I do think this is the family I've chosen, and I like each and every one of its members. I honestly think that if I called any one of you at any time you would be up for doing something or getting together to talk or help me if I needed help, and I would do the same for you. That's a wonderful feeling. Doesn't that define family?
In conversation with another member, Ron Regan, recently, he mentioned a difference in people with regard to our feelings or motivations for sailing. He said some people like to sail because it is a pleasant experience, and some people seem to crave it deep inside. Well, I am one of the cravers. To me, being on the sea seems like the place I was born to be. Bay Sailors has made that place in my soul possible to fulfill. Being on the water, seeing the crisp white sails and hearing their snap against a blue sky gives me a feeling of strength. Do you get that feeling, too? Silently gliding over the water and watching the shoreline change or being out on the sea with no shoreline makes me feel in tune with our natural world, away from the sidewalks and sounds and sights of the shore. It's a feeling of strength and peace at the same time. Is that the way you feel?
To me, the weekend sails are the best opportunities because once I leave the shore, I'm in the time capsule I love. Going back to the dock is never the highpoint of any day to me. I just want to go and go and explore more and more. The freedom of the water and the humbling, at times, to put me back in place over the strength of the sea and weather bring me into touch with the natural world rather than the society we create on shore. Does that make sense to any of you, too? It is such a complete and cozy feeling having everything one needs in the boat, isn't it? At anchor, the annoying slap of the halyard on the mast, the creaking once in a while of the rocking boat, the waves lapping at the hull, even the sounds the vessel makes speak to me in a good way.
Ah, the end of the day at sea. That's one of my favorite times. The sailing is done, the boat is safely and securely anchored, I've showered (ideally), and I'm up on the deck watching the sun set and the calm of the sea, having a cool libation before cooking dinner. The gulls are calling, conversation is low, the day has been full, and now the setting sun brings the settling down of the spirit and mood for the evening. As the sun sets and then fills the sky with red streaks and puffy blue and violet clouds, I know the quiet evening, sharing a meal, listening to stories, and then cradling sleep awaits. How could life be any better than this?
Thank you Bay Sailors for bringing
this joy to my soul and for sharing this wonderful club with me. |
