Expectations vs. Reality for a First Offshore Sailing Experience
“You alright up there?” the skipper called out to me from beneath the dodger. It was an hour into my watch; I was steering in 30 knots of wind with 10-foot following seas. The sun had set two hours prior and we were running at seven knots under a triple-reefed mainsail. Our course was southeast, but mostly I was keeping the wind on the port quarter, feeling the angle on the back of my neck. The occasional soaking blast of spray made me all the more sensitive to the apparent wind. Although I was an experienced sailor, I was way outside my comfort zone.
We had departed Portsmouth, VA, three days earlier with the other participants in the Caribbean 1500 bound for Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. The passage south is usually a difficult one, or so I had read. I signed on to test myself and to hone my abilities.
That night at the helm, however, I was not feeling so inspired. I asked the skipper, Dennis, if one of the other two guys aboard, Ryan or Les, might not be a better choice. He yelled back up at me, “Just don’t gybe, you’ll be fine!” He later told me he was watching our course on the GPS below and felt comfortable with my handling of the boat. His vote of confidence shook me out of my funk. I began to get a feel for the boat, how the rudder would load up as waves overtook us and ease as we slid down the back. I began to anticipate the swing and surge; I spent less time frantically spinning the wheel to keep us on course. Muscle memory returned; lessons learned sailing my own boat on the Chesapeake were reinforced. I continued to be doused by spray, but the hiss of whitewater around us had lost its menace. I slept well on my off-watch.
The following days held more challenges and rewards. We experienced another frontal passage with big winds and a confused sea, followed by long periods of motoring through calms. We had dolphins on the bow. We flew the asymmetrical spinnaker through the night beneath a gigantic moon. I was surprised at how mentally difficult the passage was. I found the feeling of exposure by being far offshore unsettling. I expected to love every second of the trip; I was surprised when I did not. Despite those challenges, my memory has begun to soften those sharp spikes of adrenaline and stress. I recall jokes among the crew, perfect tradewind sailing, and that first fragrant scent of land. Would I sign on again? Ask me tomorrow.
By Chris Smith
