“The Drink” is an informal term for any body of water, especially the ocean.
It’s September. The kids are back in school, the leaves are changing, pools are closed, football is on the big screen every Sunday, and the saddest part? The boat is being hauled out. We were out last weekend, and it seemed like everyone was taking their last hurrah of the season—not us. I refuse to pass up boating in the fall. I’ll stay in the drink.
Fall boating is my favorite time of year. Harbors are peaceful, and there tends to be a nice breeze for sailing. The water temperature hasn’t dropped too much, so if you’re inclined, you can still jump in for a nice swim.
Nighttime is perfect. The slight chill in the air has you swapping your bathing suit for cozy clothes pretty quickly. Throw on those sweatpants and sweaters. Don’t forget the thick socks. Light the lantern down below and crank up the oven you haven’t used all summer because of the heat. Throw in something that takes a while to cook. Let the warmth of the oven heat up the cabin and fill it with the smells of home. While that’s cooking, grab your favorite blanket, a hot toddy or tea, and queue up that movie or series you were too busy to watch this summer. It’ll be the only noise you hear because, for the most part, you’ll have the anchorage to yourself. The five-boat raft-ups are long gone. You won’t hear party music going late into the evening anymore (although the Abba tribute last weekend was pretty cool—thanks, WH boaters, whoever you are!). And there’s no worry about boats dragging down on you. It’s like when the kids were little, and you finally got them to bed, and it was time for the adults to relax.
You head down below for bed, and the cabin is dry, thanks to no humidity. Close all the hatches, layer up for warmth, and get ready for the best sleep of the season.
Sunrise comes again, and you bundle up to enjoy it with a hot, steaming cup of coffee. While most of the world sleeps on a weekend morning, you start your list: What can be taken off the boat when you return? The floats have served their purpose. Large beach towels, extra provisions in the lockers, sun showers—you start taking them home bit by bit, as they’re no longer needed. Then, you start another list: winter repairs. What worked and what didn’t this season? Those windows held up for one more season with minimal leakage and some creative emergency sealing, but it’s time for an upgrade. Those interior cushions have to go—it’s either that or invest in a chiropractor. The batteries ran great. Refrigeration? All good. Solar power? Check! Best investment this season. But now what? And how much is it going to cost? These are all the things you evaluate while still soaking in the last few weeks of a lifestyle that, unfortunately, has an end date. You almost feel like you’re breaking up with her. It’s been a good run, but you can’t give me what I need right now. Let’s part ways for a bit while we focus on other things (like the house!) and check back in about six months to see what’s changed and whether this is still working for us.
Right now, although you love her, she’s needy and expensive to maintain. The newer models are quicker, less prone to breaking down, and have no history of past breakdowns. But your girl has been there for you, right? The memories made on her can’t be replaced. So put down the list and spend some more time in the drink next weekend. Enjoy every sip, because your glass will be empty soon enough.
