We had a good run under the gennaker yesterday, and decided to keep it up for the night as the weather looked anything but threatening. At 2am the wind died on us, we started a motor, and we bagged the gennaker. The 5kts apparent wind was too little to fly the gennaker. Every little surge we get, the gennaker backfills, and becomes a bit jittery. Even with bungee attached to the sheet, it would keep on collapsing. This is where the Oxley Levante is in it's element. We could fly it in 3kts apparent wind, and it would stay in shape, and drag us along. Light winds is besides being the biggest challenge, also long lasting. One can have weeks of light winds. Strong winds normally blow over after a few hours, or start easing after a few days. Over all, light winds are far more prevalent than strong winds. We have a gennaker on board, a top down furling Code 0, North X1 main and head sail, and even a storm sail. None of these are of any use in these light conditions.
The sun is extra hot today with the glare from the fairly smooth sea surface, and clear blue skies. Last night was once again a spectacular night to watch the stars and be rewarded with a shooting star every now and then. Something special about a shooting star. It happens so quick, mostly just for a second or two, and you are perhaps the only person in the world that witnessed it. Is it a sign? I think so. I often experience a beautiful thought, and see a shooting star at the same time.
Last night I was wondering again why people go sailing. Are there as many reasons as there are people who go sailing? On the whole though, I guess people want to go sailing to escape from something. Not to escape life, but rather to go and live life. A life less experienced, a life less structured and predictable. On land we are bombarded by indoctrination of all kinds, and our minds are filled with mental pollution. And we happily sit and passively absorb it in front of our big screen tv's. Whether sport, politics, religion, commerce or other activities. Not all of it is bad though, selective viewing can be great. But to sit and watch tv to kill time, time you will never have again, is such a waste.
On some of my crew applications, I read people want to go and find themselves. I have learned that wherever you go, there you are. The person in the mirror, is it a stranger, or do you know this person. Are you best friends with this person. I have also learned that instead of finding one self, one constantly creates one self. Or you get stuck in a rut and are no longer evolving. Never too late to break away, and live your life. I am lucky. I have always known what my passions are, and live them. I am surprised by how many people do not have passions, or ask me how do you know what your passion is. They are slaves to a system and prefer to have rules and laws that guide them. Easier to follow a path if you have a road map and millions of people that went before you. No surprises here.
To make your own way demands much more of you. To be accountable to yourself, to take conscientious responsibility for your actions, especially when no one is looking, that is where you will find the real you. Your Higher Self. And perhaps what people mean when they are out to find themselves, is that they are referring to their Higher Self.
If you operate from your Higher Self, you will have very different intentions and compassion. To yourself, and to everyone and everything around you. You will know that life is sacred, and live life accordingly.
Life is not always following winds and seas, and smooth sailing. But you will be surprised by how quickly you can adapt to your environment, and live your life with Love. Your choice. So sell, up, buy a boat, and go live your life 😊
Chat again soon
Paul
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Great thoughts Paul!
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