The Boat Show
by Ron Dulinsky|
I paused on the dock to glance at the bow pulpit, jutting out almost as a bowsprit, pointing the way to nowhere in particular over the horizon. Stepping aboard and down into the cabin, I carry a few essentials for an evening voyage; A sweater, some CDs, a half-empty bottle of Drambuie. I stow the Drambuie and some snacks in the galley and slip in a quiet jazz CD and the cabin becomes alive again. Walking to the forward cabin to make sure things are where they should be, I open a couple of ports to bring in the fresh sea air, then back to the companionway. Lift the steps to check the engine and open the sea cocks, then I'm ready. I take another look around and still marvel at the warmth of the hand-rubbed teak that surrounds me. The designer sure knew what it meant to relax down below. Up to the cockpit, I start the diesel while my mate retrieves the dock lines and fenders. Taking a now familiar place at the helm, we motor out toward the breakwater. The diesel seems unusually quiet, but the tach and knotmeter verify it's running as it should. I hoist the main while Theresa steers us past the last marker and shuts down the engine. With the genoa pulling full, I take the helm again and we head southwest with the knotmeter steadying out at eight and a half with a few degrees of heel. Not bad for the light, southerly breeze tonight. The two foot swells are barely noticeable as Theresa brings up a couple of mugs of hot chocolate and we stretch out to watch the sun set below those bright orange and red wisps against a deep blue background. We start talking about another two-week sail to -- wait a minute -- what's this? Someone else wishes to try the helm for a bit. I reluctantly move away and now feeling a bit lost, step over to the dock and back into reality. Looking back over my shoulder, I take in the gentle curve of the deck, the graceful shape of the cabin, and a little smile sneaks in as I think to myself; "So, this is why people come here". |
A CaboRico 38 at the Miami Boat Show,1986