Joy of Sailing

Pandion under full sail on passage to Sandy Cay.

As we have been adjusting to a new life cruising full time in the islands, we sometimes forget that one of the greatest pleasures of this lifestyle is sailing. Pure and simple. Sailing under a full main and Code 0, hearing nothing but the sound of wind and the two hulls slicing through the water. When the wind gusts up, you can feel the boat respond as if she has a life of her own.

We had such a day on Pandion yesterday, sailing under perfect conditions from Top Cay to Sandy Point on Great Abaco. Winds were from the Northeast at 15 to 20 knots, seas relatively flat, and Pandion wanted to move. We reached 7.5 knots at times, averaging over 6 knots during the entire passage. Not her fastest speed, but one of those days that we will not forget.

I remember that same feeling, as a boy, learning the basics of sailing aboard a Sunfish with my Dad. When you caught the breeze just right and the little boat's hull planed on the water, it was as if you were riding the wind. It was like that yesterday. Just a bigger boat. And I'm a bit older now.

And it's still fun!

Brenda and Gary under sail on Pandion.