Team-Building Sail

One afternoon on a blustery fall day, a young couple took their three children sailing for the first time. Xavier Larbarriere serves as a colonel in the French Army, assigned to NATA at Norfolk Naval Base. He enjoyed seeing the US Navy sub through the binoculars.

Team-Building Sail“You know,” he told me in an aside, “Norfolk has more ships and planes than the entire military in France.” I was happy to describe to the couple the important contribution by the French to the Battle of the Capes and the Siege of Yorktown. I showed them how Admiral DeGrasse outflanked Admiral Thomas Graves off Virginia Beach. Then DeGrasse drew the British south so Admiral DeBarras could sneak into Chesapeake Bay with troops and artillery for the Siege.

“To think,” Xavier added, “that they court-martialled DeGrasse a few years later for countermanding an order. History is remarkable.”

Amy found herself conflicted, historically. “I am English by birth and French by marriage. We came here only a few months ago, and our children speak English better than we do.” Amy used to sail, and it showed. She held the wheel with great confidence even as the wind and waves built up. Their son Thomas did a fine job on the helm as well.

On a more modern note, Xavier asked about the current value of passing sailboats. He was surprised they were so cheap. “That explains why my friends are buying sailboats here and shipping them back to France for sale.”

Let’s Go Sail                            

Check rates and pick a day for a sailboat charter. See reviews on Trip Advisor. 

More from the Captain...

Surf Sailing

Surf Sailing

Windsurfing, kitesurfing, surfing and parasailing are all exhilarating water sports, but each offers a distinct experience shaped by its equipment, technique and environment. We got into this one day with friends of Jeanne Kushabar, a member of our Encore Sailing group. They are repeat customers who get a discount. Ron

Full Story >
More Metaphors

More Metaphors

I asked Chat GPT for 100 metaphors and 2 seconds later, these came up solid. Let’s Go Sail the York River tomorrow.

Full Story >
More Metaphors

Yorktown Update

A historian from the American Revolutionary War Museum updated the Capital Club on Yorktown’s ending days. Let’s go sail.

Full Story >