At the dock, the usual jingling of uncountable wind-tossed halyards against their metallic masts reaches a crescendo, like a million tiny bells ringing. The symphony continues. Sailboats, moored tightly for the season, hibernate like recumbent white bears to escape winter's grasp. A far away, lonely apparition on the lake, just visible, is tossed and flattened by the gusts. The monohull careens at an uncanny angle and bursts through the waves.
Brave sailors remain low in the cockpit, bundled against the chilly air.
The winter brings unmatched sailing for the hearty, for those with sufficient fortitude and stamina to withstand its fury. To tack close-hauled with unpredictable gusts buffeting the sails and shaking the rigging intensely is both a mental and physical challenge. These challenges demand teamwork, skill, and vision. Every crew member is important. None is superfluous.