Sea Treks Being on the water is a multisensory experience that brings boaters and sailors to new levels of awareness and appreciation
T
hese days, life on land can sometimes feel boxed-in, limited by the same routines. Ancient seafarers discovered that heading out to sea meant adventure, challenge, and often, reward—and it’s been a crucial facet of the human experience ever since. Here, Naples Yacht Club members reflect on some of the joys and lessons they discover on the water.
Adventure Awaits
Amy and I spend the majority of our free time on the water in our mid-sized, Downeast-style motor vessel. Boating is a hobby we can share, and it brings us closer together. We find our time on the water to be relaxing, restorative for our spirit, and a welcome diversion from the stresses of everyday life. We love to frequently entertain our family and friends with casual harbor and coastal cruises. The soothing sounds of the boat moving through the water, the caress of an ocean breeze, and the glow of a low-hanging sun on the horizon all create a wonderful environment for a memorable social gathering. We also cherish our time alone on the
boat, in particular our weekend cruises and overnights when we can enjoy the journey and the destination. These excursions capture our gypsy spirit and give us an incredible sense of freedom and adventure. On these longer trips, we feel more connected with the sea and have developed a healthy respect for its power and ever-changing conditions. The sobering challenge of navigating fog and darkness by instrumentation brings us as much exhilaration as the uplifting sight of a dolphin pod surfing the boat’s wake on a bluebird day. The ultimate joy after a long day of cruising is reaching our final destination and the sense of accomplishment it brings. The marinas we travel to are always welcoming, filled with a quiet energy, and populated with fascinating people from all walks of life. Among the pageantry of sailing and motor vessels at dock, we’ve found that our fellow weekend cruisers and live-aboards are a fun and social group to be around. Enjoying a refreshing sundowner with newly minted friends and sharing stories of our respective journeys is a marvelous way to end a day on the seas and expand our horizons. — Bill and Amy Kremer
40 NAPLES YACHT CLUB | Waypoints 2020-2021
Y040_C_Sea Treks_20.indd 40
9/14/20 12:09 PM
