Securing four turns around the winch, I crank the handle back and forth as the mainsail inches to the top of the mast. The genoa sheets are readied on each winch as the sail unfurls and we fall off into a smooth starboard tack. Spray flies across the bow sprinkling us with salty mist. Just like the pirates who plied these waters, we re wishing for fair winds and safe harbors. Our treasure will not be gold and jewels, but the peaceful slapping of waves against the boat, scarlet sunsets, idyllic coves, and living the dream of cruising through Paradise .
Few pastimes afford the total peace, quiet, and relaxation of sailing.
Our bareboat charter begins with a boat and chart briefing, loading provisions, and refreshing our sailing skills while our city muscles become accustomed to manual labor. That introduction soon leads to a dreamy day of sailing, and at the end of it we come to a beautiful beach . It s little more than a mile long, powder white sand curving around to a rocky promontory backed by elegant red-barked trees whose tall canopies offer shelter for a grand old house overlooking the channel. Steep green hillsides thick with the bramble of tropical foliage plunge into the darkening water. That night it rains violently, as if the heavens are ripping apart.