Spiritual experiences while sailing - does it have to be solo?

dylanwinter

dylanwinter

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www.keepturningleft.co.uk
I have been garnering a few opinions


one of the things that emerged that to get that spiritually fulfilling experience froma sailing boat then for most people it has to be solo

or at least it has to be just one person in the cockpit while the rest of the crew are asleep down below



your thoughts chaps.....








PS I have taken the liberty of summarising some of the ideas on the blog

http://www.keepturningleft.co.uk/blogs/sailing-as-a-spiritual-experience/

apologies to those who did not make the cut

even deeper apologies to anyone who is outraged at being quoted

I am more than happy to remove any quotes if you object to your words appearing elsewhere

they will be gone in an instant
 
dylanwinter said:
I have been garnering a few opinions


one of the things that emerged that to get that spiritually fulfilling experience froma sailing boat then for most people it has to be solo

or at least it has to be just one person in the cockpit while the rest of the crew are asleep down below



your thoughts chaps.....
Click to expand...

Not solo on board but definitely solo in the cockpit. How on earth can anything be spiritual when SWMBO is asking what you want for lunch, or your mate is telling wild stories about what he would like you to think he got up to in his youth? Spiritual might for some require music but never other people.
 
Night sailing or wafting really, following the tide home to Maldon, on those special moonlit nights when the wind drops light. My middle son and I both go silent watching the water slip by. Nothing said, nothing needs saying. Truly spiritual, moving and magical. So, no, no need to be solo, just with a trusted kindred spirit.
 
When I think of 'spiritual' sailing experiences, it is solo (or lone watch) that comes to mind.
Perhaps because SWMBO refuses to let me have the tiller?
 
Dylan

I would pose your original question on the liveaboard forum.

I'll wager you a pint of your choice (beer only!) you'll get more affirmatives over there.
 
Sophie19 said:
Night sailing or wafting really, following the tide home to Maldon, on those special moonlit nights when the wind drops light. My middle son and I both go silent watching the water slip by. Nothing said, nothing needs saying. Truly spiritual, moving and magical. So, no, no need to be solo, just with a trusted kindred spirit.
Click to expand...

Have worn that T shirt....but with girlfriend ..... it was a lovely night anid I will remember it... don't know what happened to the girlfriend?
 
Nope the right team of people working together sailing a boat well... Trusted watch keepers, you do not even need to be on deck...
 
Sailing with the chattering classes would to me be rather tiring after a couple of days, what?

Racing and weekend socials and partying aside, sailing is a somewhat introverted activity I would guess tho...spirituality being rather elusive possibly( and intimidating as is aloneness to many)..

Quite why anyone would want to shout about it, publicise it or seek meedja attention and sponsorship is beyond my guesses
 
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I don't know about spiritual sailors but I've encountered many spirituous sailors, hard aground on the mahogany reef. They seem happiest in groups.
 
The closest I get to a spiritual experience is in Newtown creek in the tender.
Engine off, solo, just letting the breeze propel me wherever it takes me, watching whatever wildlife is happy for me to observe.
 
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