Schritt Tempo is a German phrase used to explain something very slow, typically walking speed; that is my wife's description of sailing, but the slowness is the ultimate appeal. In todays world, everything we do is speed based, everything from computers to fast food. We are so ingrained with speed that we have a hard time disconnecting and enjoying something slow.
Sailing forces one to slow down and wait. Wait for the right time to tack, wait to arrive at a destination, sit back and let the slow hand of the wind move you. You might be a few hundred yards from your destination, but being at the mercy of the wind, you may need to sail past it and tack back to arrive. Slowing life down and paying attention to what is going on around you will open your eyes to the little things we miss everyday.
When I sail I listen to the calming sound of the water running along the side of the boat, birds flying by or floating on the water, the sound of the wind in the rigging, smell the fresh air, and watch the fish jump. Even the sounds of other boaters would be drowned out when using a motorboat but can be clearly heard while sailing. Sitting and talking with my first mate, just the two of us, undisturbed by daily life, is one of the best rewards of sailing.
Sailing takes us back to an era when people had the time to think, and to dream. An age where time wasn't the only factor that mattered. How much better would our lives be if we were freed from the chains of time? I think; much better.
I am so sure of the power of slow, that I plan to name my live aboard boat: Yeah, you guessed it: Schritt Tempo. What better name than a German phrase that literally means walking pace, but is said in a sarcastic manner to imply that walking is faster than sailing. I think it is the perfect name because getting somewhere slow is the best way to actually see and experience what is around you.
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