A Boat is a Boat After All

Sailing can be the most relaxing, even boring sometimes, thing one can do. Under bright blue skies, calm seas, and beautiful beaches flashing by one can easily adapt to this lazy freedom. However, one must remember that “a boat is a boat after all” and all this can be taken away in a mere instant.

On our crossing from Samana to Luperon we had one of those moments that reminds of just how quickly things can happen. The sky was a moldy grey colour with lightning off in the distance but we figured we would make a run for it. Our “run” ended up consisting of us on a tricky tack heading straight for the rocky coast. No problem, we’ll switch on the motor and make a quick jibe out of the danger zone. That was the plan, before the engine failed. Okay, Plan B. Let’s roll out the headsail and use that for some extra speed so maybe we wont have to jibe over at all. At least, that was the plan until we heard a giant ccCCRrrrACCCKKKKK!!!! That crack was the headsail splitting straight down the center, completely destroyed. During all this we began taking on copious amounts of water in both hulls. Eeeerrr…I think it’s time to turn back. We made a hasty retreat and spent the night switching sails, pumping out the bilges, and tinkering with the engine. So much for clear sky and calm seas!