Today was a great day for sailing. We had lighter winds in the morning, and we were cruising along at a steady 5 knots. The boat was handling well.
Around noon, the wind picked up a few knots. The extra apparent wind made such a difference, and we've been doing 7s since then. It makes the boat come alive.
We have been sailing with the saloon doors open, so we can hear the sound of water rushing past the hull. It is a soothing and constant noise, like a river flowing. Every now and then, we hear the wake and waves breaking behind the boat, as if we are leaving a trail of bubbles.
One of the things I love about sailing is the *ahem* harmony between the boat and the elements. Sometimes, everything is in tune, and the boat becomes an orchestra. If the boat makes a big movement, we hear a symphony of sounds: the cutlery in the drawers, the batteries in the cupboard, the tools, the loose cups, all move in unison with a 'clunk'. It is like music to my ears. The sound of the water slapping against the hull, the creaking of the ropes and sails, and the clinking of objects as they shift with the movement of the boat all contribute to the symphony of sounds that accompany a sailing adventure. As the wind picks up the chorus of noises grows louder.
I've also discovered that the best place to watch dolphins is from the escape hatch in the forward cabin, rather than up on the bow. From this vantage point, you can get an up-close and personal view as they play in the water.
I'm really running out of things to say about sailing. So here's a picture of sailing at night time.
