I learned to sail at summer camp when I was about ten years old. From that time on nothing has been better than being out on the water in a good breeze, sailing. Never into racing, the latest sailing gizmos never held much interest for me. I just wanted to be on the water in a sailboat. That’s pretty much my sailing history culminating in 1982 when I left Minnesota to live in New York.
Although I’ve been out on boats of one kind or another since, I’ve never taken the helm and truly sailed— until last week when Marty, Jeff, and I met up for the proverbial three-hour tour with Williamsburg Sailing Charters and Bill O’Donovan. Marty and Jeff weren’t sailors but wanted to find out what it was like. It was fine with O’Donovan if, I, the mostly blind guy came along.
Perfect Breeze
We sailed out of the marina in Gloucester onto the York River where it widens toward the confluence of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. A slight overcast shielded us from the sun and the breeze was just perfect. With no other traffic on the river, the blind guy took the helm for about 30 minutes. I couldn’t steer in a particular direction, but I could sail by the wind and the feel of the water—and everything came back to me. I had the best 30 minutes ever and I’m still riding the sheer joy of it.
Two things really impressed me. First, O’Donovan is a gentle teacher who can introduce newcomers to the art of sailing in easily understood terms. And if they want to go farther, he can lead them toward mastery. His primary boat, a little over 40 feet, has the lines neatly arranged to control the sails—none of the coils and clutter that used to be trip hazards on my boat.
Give it a Try
If you’ve never been sailing, give it a try. It’s nothing like being on a motorboat. The wind, the water, and the boat work together in harmony. Horse riders talk about being one with the horse. That’s exactly what it’s like to be a sailor on a sailboat—you become one with the boat, the wind, and the water.
There is work, there’s always something that has to be done, the boat doesn’t sail by itself. In these fast-paced days where everything seems to be hurried up and go fast a sailboat will go only as fast as the wind and water allow and there is nothing you can do about it. So just relax, do the work that has to be done, and enjoy.
Navy Ships Converge
Two guided missile cruisers converged in the York when one exited to NOR and the other came in to NWS. As the USS Bulkeley went out, the USS Thomas Hudner came in. It made for an eerie sight as the two passed each other midway in the York Channel.
Magnificent Family Sail
A local family went sailing so Dad could learn how and then decide whether to buy a boat. The children were 18, 16, 14 and 12. Their symmetry was surpassed only by their good looks and great behavior. Inexplicably, they only went up to the bow for short intervals, preferring to sit together instead as a family.
Bachelorette Sail
Three bridesmaids joined Samantha Whitehurst from New Jersey on a Bachelorette Sail. Another couple joined in on a lessons cruise. When I took the group picture, I speculated would think about Luke at their party. “I’m the stripper!” he retorted.
The theme of the cruise was “Last sail before the veil.” The wedding is next month with 85 guests. I pointed to Little England, where they do weddings outside for 700, and Samantha groaned, “Can’t imagine that.” I replied that I don’t even know 700 people.
Dogs Draw Dolphins
People laugh, but one of the reasons we encourage dogs is that they attract dolphins in the summertime. It’s as if the dolphins want to circle the boat to protect the dog. Lately it’s almost the only time dolphins show up. Like the osprey, they encounter slim pickings for fish in the river. That’s due to over-fishing by the big commercial company in Reedville that scoops too many menhaden from the water, and with it millions of pounds of sport fish. The osprey have been unable to find sufficient fish and chose to migrate early to South America.
Violin Sail
Teachers and musicians make the best students because they have higher concentration rates. Imagine how well Jillian Struzynski did as a violin teacher. She and her husband Chuck brought their two children from Willington CT to see Colonial Williamsburg and go sailing on the York.
“As a student, I used to practice six hours a day. It just became too much. Now I teach for a school division, and I play fiddle in a band. Yes, the two are similar instruments but different.” Like the difference between Dvorak and Deliverance, I asked. “Yes! Exactly.”
“No, I’ve never fired a student. They all progress to one level or another. Nowadays with so many distractions and the immediacy of video games and cell phones, it’s good that parents encourage the students to learn through perseverance.”
Jillian sailed and tacked like a pro, without the slightest hesitancy. Chuck had a good story about sailing. “My dad sent us out on a Sunfish once. We knew nothing and proved it. He had to come out in a motorboat to tow us in. That worked until we got close to shore and stopped because the Sunfish ran aground. It was upside down and fortunately the mast didn’t break.”
Women enjoy sailing today more than ever, and particularly a romantic cruise. Couples get to enjoy a romantic getaway as they sit up on the bow for privacy, and Let’s Go Sail provides professional photos for free. First-time or skilled mariners are welcome to sail a modern-32-foot sailboat in a unique setting of wildlife and Fall foliage or Spring bloom. It makes for an extraordinary anniversary idea.
Learning to Sail
A couple and their friend drove down from Richmond to learn more about sailing. They already have a 1978 Tartan 40, docked at Richmond Yacht Basin. There was no wind in the morning, so I had them return for the afternoon sail when the wind picked up to nearly 10 mph. They loved it.
Let’s Go Sail
Check the “Book A Cruise” tab and pick a day for a sailboat charter. Scroll down reviews on Trip Advisor. Go back to the home page of Williamsburg Charter Sails.
Violin Sailor Violin Sailor Violin Sailor Violin Sailor
The best Williamsburg boat tour offers safe sailing daily for up to 6 people. It’s an extraordinary experience for couples. Leave your worries behind. Enjoy the thrill of moving with the wind without a care in the world. Put life back on an even keel with a romantic experience for a birthday or anniversary. 3-hour sailboat cruise as a semi-private yachting charter lets you exhale and relax as you enjoy comfort, stability and speed.
Our York River sailboat tour offers an unforgettable boat adventure that is ideal for couples. Choose from five unique sailing charters: Adventure, Lessons, History, Boat Buying, Real Estate. We provide sailing for everyone. Couples enjoy the romance, and families enjoy the adventure. See openings at williamsburgchartersails.com under Book A Cruise.
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