Sailing Machine

I want to say few words about the boat we are on. It's an old boat, and when John first got it I didn't think much of it. It has those big canopies in the back (dodger and bimini, as I think they are called) which looked to me almost pompous. And then all those shiny metallic parts... it just looked like something that grandpa and grandma would have for their occasional outings to the sea. I am personally more fond of the modern racing sailboats.

But seeing this boat in action last few days in the high seas and strong winds I learned that all those extra parts have their purpose and that this boat is really well designed and perfect for rough conditions. This change of opinion came to me during my last night's shift, as Sol Searcher was digging into the waves, water splashing everywhere, heeling steeply at 30 degrees, sails under the full pressure, and speeding at 6 knots. Yet, I was tucked comfortably under the dodger just making sure that we are using wind in the most optimal way while staying on the best course that this head-on wind would allow.

What can I say... Sol Searcher--a lean, mean, Swedish made, sailing machine.



I was worried that I may be bored on this trip so I brought all kinds of books with me. There are books on programming in .Net, books on artificial intelligence (which has been my interest for a while but never had time to get into it).

But today is such a great day, the waves are small, the wind is strong and we are speeding over the water while leaving a trail of foam behind us. Small clouds are flying low and fast above us. All three of us are comfortably sitting in the cockpit, the music is blasting from the speakers, tummies are full with tuna pasta delight, and we haven't drained our supply of cold beer yet.

We are mostly quiet, with our own thoughts, and just enjoying the day. I'm gonna have to leave reading for some other time.