Sailing is Pure Fun

So you ask me what’s so cool about sailing? Isn’t it just few guys in the small boat talking shit and looking at waves?

I’m glad you asked - happy to tell you! Not only I think it’s pure fun. I’m pretty sure you should try it at least once in the lifetime! Here’s the why.

Being close with people

The small space on the boat force you to be with people. It’s hard to be disconnected from them. So we talk, we laugh, we sing, we listen to the music. We have each other attention. We can explore topics deep because we have time for that and nothing better to do.

Being part of the crew

It’s like playing a cooperative game. You all either win or lose. When you do port maneuvers, trimming the jib sheets or doing some chores in port - all of that contributes to the common good. Somebody brings the watermelon. Somebody offers interesting story. Somebody offers a hand when you fall into water unexpectedly :)

Being connected to the nature

Our Polish Mazurian lakes are just beautiful. Feeling the wind and seeing the sun reflected in the water - it’s just perfect.

Adventure

Is there any better association with adventure than sailing? I doubt that! When I think I’ll be sailing I immediately sense freedom. Adventure isn’t always easy - sometimes unpredictable things happen. Your engine stops to work in the critical moment. The wind pushes you into other boat when parking in the port. Something / someone fall into the water unexpectedly. Wind changes and it gets boring or the opposite - you need to work hard to stay the course. Shit happens - but that’s just fine. You learn to appreciate good moments when everything is just perfect and you learn resourcefulness when things go south.

Atmosphere in ports

This is pretty important factor for me. I just love people sitting around firecamp, singing, telling stories. When you meet people there they all have the common interest - sailing - so it’s easy to make new friends in the port. Everybody here is on vacation, so you can feel this chilling atmosphere everywhere.

Character development

A lot is happening in your head. If something goes wrong - you may choose to be sad, fall into blame loop or keep complaining. Alternatively you can choose to smile, look for solutions / accept reality and keep good mood. I think that challenging weather and chain of unfortunate events on cruise are great training to choose the latter!

Technical aspects

It’s pretty interesting that you can move forward when wind is blowing (almost) straight in your face. That it’s impossible / extremely hard to overturn the boat. And who the heck came up with all that names? I remember sailing for the first time - I felt like people were talking in another language!

What’s in the future

It looks like sailing will be recurring event in my calendar at least once per year. I have still a lot to learn, but with every cruise I’m getting more and more self confidence.

Note to myself: I really should find better photos for this post :D