I have watched several videos about ocean sailing in high winds and large waves; how to make sure not to under power the boat because of wind, and leave yourself moving too slow, and unable to crest the next wave, stuck in an ocean sized spin cycle. All the reading and videos in the world; even sailing in high winds on Carlyle lake, are not going to get me the experience I need to live aboard a sailboat on the oceans of our planet.
I am, however, a person that craves experience and likes a challenge, so Martina and I have decided to go and get the experience we need. We are planning in the next few years to take some off shore sailing classes and perhaps crew on some ocean traversing sailboats. There is no guarantee that we will be sailing in big waves or high winds, but to be on a boat away from shore will definitely be a starting point.
When we began our quest a few years ago on an early April morning in Carlyle, we didn't expect to be sailing in 30 mph winds, 40 degree weather, and 4 foot waves on a small lake either: But we did, and I think we are better sailors given the experience.
So putting ourselves in a situation that can not only challenge our ability, but also scare the hell out of us, will undoubtedly make us better and more prepared to live aboard. We don't plan to be open ocean sailors, but to get from one paradise to the next often requires traversing large bodies of water and could mean several days out of sight of land. In those situations, we have to be prepared for any weather or any size seas.
This past week Aquilon made her way back into the water and thus the sailing season has begun. We have a lot of time to sail and relax before we hit the big time and follow other "Boulder-rites" into the deep blue, but our time is coming, and its coming faster than either of us could have imagined just a few short years ago. So, with a little luck and pure determination, we will soon be cresting those waves like a pro.
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