OK I have to admit. I didn’t take the cover photo of Yebo (the sailboat). Sailing Inc. did. In exchange, I’ll put them on my blogroll. Deal?

Eloise says I’ve talked about sailing the world since she’s known me. I don’t recall ever telling her. It’s funny how she sees sides of me I hardly share with anyone, even family. Either she’s picks up on subtle desires or I don’t realize how much I talk about myself.

I’ve always felt drawn to water, and to craggy mountainous landscapes-away from people, the games, the superficial chit-chat. I have plenty of time on the water in powerboats, rafts, canoes, etc., but I’ve decided to take up sailing. No, I am not a snob, but I do like wine and brie.

The first step: Sign up for a class. For the past month or so, I’ve been studying, reading, taking some instruction from Sailing Inc. and finally feel comfortable with the theory of sailing. Hopefully it becomes second nature with more practice. I still have to think hard sometimes about why we do certain things.

Second step: Still working on this. I won’t have a boat any time soon but know a few people who do, who want me to come out cruising with them in Prince William Sound. Relationships are crucial. If I were more personable, it would be a snap. Anyway, the people I’ve met along the way are a lot like me -adventurous, and a little nutty.

Third step: See the world. It may be in the not-so-distant future. Sailing vacations are long and I have a full-time job. I think I will be content to fly to a destination, and rent a sailboat from there. Practicing on various boats will give me a better idea of which kind and size to buy.

Anyway. On the last day of the basic sailing course, we sailed to a destination – Thumb Cove in Resurrection Bay. This put the skills I’ve learned to the test. I found out, as always, I have a lot to learn. Luckily, I had my camera and a few moments to record. It was amazing. Just a short sail from Seward. I can only imagine what lies ahead.