18 http://www.yachtingmonthly.com November 2017
Adventure
knots with all four girls singing and
dancing was very different from the
sailing I was used to; sunshine, breeze,
warmth, and happy, singing girls
makes for warm memories.
Taking turns at the helm
Without WiFi, the girls became much
more as they used to be. Favourite
youngest had taken her sketch pad
and paints; they were shared by both
sisters for whom painting had been
off the agenda for some while. To
sit anchored in a bay watching the
girls paint or read was a real source
of pleasure. To watch them playing
together in the turquoise water, even
to join in (and I hate swimming), was
wondrous. Riotous laughter may have
disturbed our neighbours at anchor
but it was a tonic to us.
Did they join in the sailing? All
three took their turn at the helm,
although only when there was
something interesting going on,
like sailing rather than motoring.
Favourite eldest daughter tended to
show a distinct preference for lying
on the foredeck with a trashy book.
It was good to see. Favourite middle
daughter looked longingly at anything
with a large engine, but was great as
sail hoister and trimmer. Favourite
youngest daughter enjoyed everything,
Left: Fetching
supplies on the island
of Kastos. Above:
Sunrise at anchorI was apprehensive about mooring
stern-to, but elated when I succeeded
Sailing as it should be: sun, scenery and an easy boat to handle