First schooner trip - day 4
Saturday I had no duties early, so I was able to walk into town and have breakfast. There I learned my very good friend was leaving the ship when we returned. His girlfriend and I had a nice breakfast, and I was honored to be among the first to know of the decision he had reached after discussing it with her. At the time, this seemed a bit shocking to me. I’ve since learned that boats have a very high turnover rate. Still, it hit home to me, as one of my best friends among the crew and one of the best sailors aboard the boat was leaving.
When I say one of the best sailors aboard, I reference a time when I was at the wheel. The boat was a bit of a struggle to keep on course and the wind was behind my right shoulder. I knew the significance of letting the wind come over my left shoulder (booms and sails violently cross the ship, “gybing”. If people don’t get hurt, gear will). As I focused intently, my buddy Topher climbed out of the cabin house waking up from a nap. He looked up. Looked at the wheel. Looked up. Looked at the wheel. There was a line on the wheel’s shaft that indicated how many turns from neutral or straight I was. I was about 2 1/2 turns, but trying to go straight. Topher walked foward, let out the mainsail, and I took two of the turns out of the wheel by the time he walked back. As he walked pass to go down below and get coffee he said “that better?”. It is then that I realized how aware he was of everything on a ship. How he thought ahead, and how he thought about others. I’ve since had the chance to crew with him as captain of another vessel. He is a captain that I’ve never thought twice about sailing with into any conditions.
When I returned to the boat, the stereo was playing the new Johnny Cash CD. I recall a line something like “There’s a man, on a horse, taking names……….” It was followed by another Johnny Cash CD. The sailors took their music very seriously, and while at breakfast they learned of the passing of Johnny Cash. I think we had four or five of his CDs aboard, and Johnny Cash was played exclusively for the rest of the day.
In early afternoon we did a day sail for a private party. These were people well known in Mackinac, and many were VIPs. The weather was the best ever for many on the boat. A steady breeze, low chop, we had the boat doing tens knots as I recall. Perhaps more. The boat was heeled over a little and spray was blowing down the deck, but it was a comfortable ride. It was my best ride on this boat, and one of the best I’ve ever been on.
I can still picture an elderly gentleman who was clearly enjoying the ride. He walked forward to the bow, and slipped while returning. Alarmed, a couple of the crew rushed to help him up. He was fine, and judging by the grin on his face (since he was none the worse for wear) enjoyed the adventure all the more.
AFter the sail, the GM of the ship, his wife, and a crewman were going to play golf at the Wawashkamo golf club at the top of the island. I had not played in a couple of years, but joined them. I think we were able to get in the 9 holes before dark. It is a traditional links course, with deep heather. Built in 1898, it is a course built before the long holes of today. I have no idea what my score was, but I have never enjoyed a round of golf as much as this. For pure enjoyment of the course, and the game, this was at the top of the list.
- the MuseTags: Highlander
