Cruising Club

Single-handed sailors are impressive. I know this because my father-in-law is one of them. The grit, planning, and peace that come from being by yourself and using your resilience to overcome ever-changing conditions must give you the confidence to take it all on. I assume this because it’s not me. I am a cruising club gal. I like giving and receiving support from those around me. These people are your support system. They are your lifelines. You travel in a pack. That being said, which pack do you choose? Are you going with those who are relaxed or those fighting the current? I say this as I embark on a week-long cruise with dear friends. When you embark on this kind of trip, there is one thing you have to be certain of: Do you really like these people? Because you will be in close proximity to them for the whole vacation.

They will see you in the morning, not quite ready to take on the day. You will plan meals and decide what time everyone wants to eat. If you are with those who go to bed early, you won’t be eating at 8 pm. It’s a gentle balancing act of intermingling different lifestyles, but boy… is it worth it. When separated from all the noise of our busy lives on land, the connections you form are authentic and beautiful. The conversations go a little deeper, the laughs are a bit louder, and the camaraderie of working together forms strong bonds. Who are the people in your life that are your cruising club? The ones you lean on when you need a line thrown to you to keep you from drifting away. These individuals are our lifelines, keeping us onboard and our life preservers when we go over the side. They are our safety, and although you hope you never have to use them, just knowing they are there gives you peace of mind during your voyage of life.