TIME TIME TIME-what has become of you

TIME TIME TIME-what has become of you

Sailing for ten days aboard a 60 foot ketch with four other people is an interesting experience not matter where you cruise. Just the daily interaction of 5 people being together in close quarters poses challenges.

I notice I kept my watch on for the first two days, but did not bother to put it on my wrist after that. My time is ordered by the captain’s schedule of meals, anchoring, and taking up the anchor. He is in control of all the food, the comings and goings of the whaler, and of course, his boat. This is all his and he is sharing it with us, his crew. I am free within the time frame of what he wants to do. This is fine for a few days. Then, a person like me, feels trapped. I want my freedom. I want to be able to come and go as I want. I want time to myself.

I lose track of what day it is and what time it is. My usual reference points of mealtime, work schedule, phone calls, and such have disappeared. I wake up early because I went to sleep early. I eat when I am given food. I steer when it is my turn and help with the sails as needed – but on this trip we seem to be motoring into the wind more that any of us like.

I realize there was a change in plans early on because of weather. I know I fell into the trap of hoping to sail somewhere specific – the Magdeline Islands.  The weather on the two week cruise before we started had been tough. I think the skipper’s experience with that weather is affecting what we do this trip. Caution around storms is something I totally respect! Getting across the Cabot Strait prior to that gale last Saturday was a good idea. Getting to Halifax today prior to what is coming tomorrow is also a good idea. Our schedule is affected by the weather for sure.

I like dodging storms not enduring their wrath while under sail. Even a long day of motor-sailing like today seems transcended beyond time. We move along the coast of Nova Scotia in and out of fog.

Sandy spends a lot of time down below at his computer following the little green boat on the chart. That is us. This tracks our path along the shore helping us navigate carefully around rocks and buoys.

I feel the wetness in the air. It might rain soon. Trudy hands the helm over to Ethan. Jim puts his book down below and places it on the shelf. I ask him if he finished it. He says; “No, but the raindrops are getting it wet.”

We have about two hours until we dock, but what is time on a boat? We go. We just go where we have to go. Onboard, we do what we have to do. That is the simple way of time management while crewing on a 60 foot ketch.

“What is our ETA on that buoy?” Ethan yells down to Sandy.

“5:47”, Sandy yells back.

Ethan says; “It’s raining now, I just hope the strong winds hold for a while.”

This is the time for Windigo to head in to harbor for a safe night at the dock. Tomorrow’s weather prediction is such that tied up to a dock is the best place for us. This might give us time to explore Halifax (or head home to Baddeck early). I like having time to explore new places and meet new people. Though I sacrifice my own time- my control of my own time, I gain so much in sharing time as part of the crew of Windigo. The most valuable thing I gain might be realizing the value of my own time.