To Set Sail

This post comes from our blog intern, Aubrie!

My hair whipped wildly in the wind as the large stoic ship sped forwards, the waves forcefully crashing against the bow of the boat, sending up large sprays of salty water. Among an endless, vast stretch of rich blue water, small mountainous land formations magically sprang from the ocean’s depths. The sea chart proclaimed them to be small islands, named after the various explorers that had come before us. The sun beat down heavily on my outstretched body, and the sprays of cool ocean water perfectly soothed my warm skin. I slowly shifted to peer upwards and look ahead to the horizon, the line where the sky met the water was so clearly defined as we sailed forward, unmoving. It stayed constant, as if reminding us that this journey could go on forever if we wished. But just as my gaze became attached to the path ahead, my eyes jolted to the thick ropes that rest by my side. They began to tighten and shift the colossal sail above my head in a new direction. This in turn changed our course of direction, but the horizon stayed, one thick line dividing the shades of blue ahead. I sat back to my comfortable, content position once again, and felt my body enter into a state of sheer bliss.

I had never been on a sailboat for more than a couple of hours before and the week-long adventure truly opened my eyes to the vast knowledge and love that encompasses the ancient art of sailing. For a week the ocean became my home. I was one with the changing winds and rocking waves. The eight of us new sailors voyaged through unknown waters, with one trusty captain leading the way. Our intentions were simple…explore.

Ships are remarkable in my opinion: massive, somewhat perplexing machinery that’s able to float on water and soar through the seas. What’s even more incredible is the ability to move across the ocean with only the power of the wind. A sailboat is no doubt a complicated vessel. Rudder, boom, jib, mast, mainsail… they all play a part in controlling this amazing means of transportation that has existed for centuries. But besides all of these physical attributes, the act of sailing is one big marvelous metaphor.

To set sail is to take our fate from the hands of the sea, all while knowing that the waters will not rest. Sailing must be learned in high winds and turbulent storms to make a skilled sailor. When the tides finally turn, it is only then that we can look back and realize the courage that was needed to sail away from the safety of the harbor.

To set sail is to free oneself. To feel the wind at your back and the sun on your face and know that, while your direction might change, you have sails that can be adjusted.

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+ How have you navigated the seas of life?

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9 years ago

Gorgeous images – and imagery. I had the strongest urge to get onto a boar this summer in New England – and once I did, crossing from Providence Town in Cape Cod, to Boston, it felt amazing.

Warm Regards,
Alexandra
http://www.littlewildheart.com

9 years ago

Great post Aubrie! These photos are stunning.

http://juliettelaura.blogspot.com

9 years ago

One of my favorite posts thus far! Well done Aubrie, well done!

xo

Michaela

http://michaelajeanblog.com

Natasha
9 years ago

Absolutely beautiful photos! The sea has the power to do so much for us. Thank you for sharing your adventure with all of us.

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9 years ago

The catamaran reminds me of our trip to the British Virgin Islands…it was so incredibly magical. The deep blue color of the sea & sky is so incredibly enchanting…thank you for shaing

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9 years ago

Love this in every way.