I’ve heard people say that if you want to stay young, you should learn
something new every day. Being a complete newcomer to this sailing thing, I have
learned enough in the past four days and three nights to keep me young for
decades to come...
I’ve learned a whole new language, where ‘heads’ are toilets and a ‘heel’
is the lean of our boat. And apparently we cannot drink the ‘port’.
I’ve learned that dolphins are amazing creatures, most especially for their
endless capacity to make us human beings smile and laugh every time they are
near. The waves of joy were palpable on deck this morning as they came to play
in the boat’s waves while the sun crested the horizon.
I’ve learned that sailors are also amazing creatures with a sleep/wake
cycle that requires super-human determination and concentration. We take turns
being up for 3 hours and resting for 3 hours throughout the entire night while
we sail. We will maintain this routine for two weeks to come.
I’ve learned that even the most serious and weathered British sailors have
a soft side. Jacko and Rob sounded like a couple of schoolgirls last night,
gabbing about their favourite biscuits for tea (apparently Jammy Dodgers are a
must try). And, Rob was practically quivering as he told us about his love for
custard. Not to worry though, I did hear these boys have a perfectly respectable
conversation earlier in the day about their favourite football teams.
I’ve learned (but not yet perfected) how to move about the boat, dancing
with its rocky motion while trying not to look like a drunk stumbling home from
the bar.
Most importantly, I’ve learned to be grateful to be on a boat with such
fantastic skippers (Jacko and Steve are rockstars) and tremendously friendly
crew (Rob, Annette, Mel and my wife Terisa)... they all keep the wind in my
sails!
Matt (Canada), Day 03.
and the crew of Lancelot
II