lakesailer_mi
Sailing
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2008
- Posts
- 65,824
Sailor's Cove, A New Anchorage
As the sun's light sneaks over Eastern the horizon, I can just make out a dark patch against the shimmering waves off my port side. With practiced maneuvers, I tack the boat and set the sails so that I am nicely making way toward the shadow.
The morning is bright and a stiff wind raises rolling waves, but my vessel, the Sloop John B slides seemingly effortlessly through them. The island, now green against the deep blue of the surrounding sea slowly, gradually comes closer. I keep feeling that I should be there by now, and my excitement at making landfall again has me constantly checking the nav station.
As I close with the island, I can just make out what appears to be an opening into a sheltered cove. I short tack the boat along the shore, until the angle is right to make a final approach into the cove.
The approach to the cove is somewhat narrow, but my angle was perfect and I slide safely into the opening. The cove itself opens up into a calm sheltered place, lined by white sand beaches and low groves of lush foliage. About 20 meters off the shore, I turn into the wind and rush forward, releasing the anchor as the momentum of the John B dissipates against the breeze. The anchor makes a satisfying "splunch" into the water and the chain rattles as I watch it drop into the clear blue depths. I can feel the tines bite deep into the sandy bottom, and I rest easily, knowing that I am safely anchored yet again.
I start coffee brewing in the galley and then tend to the sails, carefully stowing them for my next adventure. I can smell the coffee as I coil and make up the last of the lines.
I sit in the cockpit, surveying my new anchorage, coffee - barnacle cleaner - warming my hands. This place, I think, will do nicely. A safe haven from the storms that buffet the high seas. A place where your anchor sets nicely, and the sun warms blue water.
Welcome, one and all, to Sailor's Cove...A New Anchorage.
As the sun's light sneaks over Eastern the horizon, I can just make out a dark patch against the shimmering waves off my port side. With practiced maneuvers, I tack the boat and set the sails so that I am nicely making way toward the shadow.
The morning is bright and a stiff wind raises rolling waves, but my vessel, the Sloop John B slides seemingly effortlessly through them. The island, now green against the deep blue of the surrounding sea slowly, gradually comes closer. I keep feeling that I should be there by now, and my excitement at making landfall again has me constantly checking the nav station.
As I close with the island, I can just make out what appears to be an opening into a sheltered cove. I short tack the boat along the shore, until the angle is right to make a final approach into the cove.
The approach to the cove is somewhat narrow, but my angle was perfect and I slide safely into the opening. The cove itself opens up into a calm sheltered place, lined by white sand beaches and low groves of lush foliage. About 20 meters off the shore, I turn into the wind and rush forward, releasing the anchor as the momentum of the John B dissipates against the breeze. The anchor makes a satisfying "splunch" into the water and the chain rattles as I watch it drop into the clear blue depths. I can feel the tines bite deep into the sandy bottom, and I rest easily, knowing that I am safely anchored yet again.
I start coffee brewing in the galley and then tend to the sails, carefully stowing them for my next adventure. I can smell the coffee as I coil and make up the last of the lines.
I sit in the cockpit, surveying my new anchorage, coffee - barnacle cleaner - warming my hands. This place, I think, will do nicely. A safe haven from the storms that buffet the high seas. A place where your anchor sets nicely, and the sun warms blue water.
Welcome, one and all, to Sailor's Cove...A New Anchorage.
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