The Bowsprit: Editorial

The bowspr it

From the editor

Whales, winter, and weather...

Here in the southern hemisphere winter has arrived. While I prefer the long hot days of summer, winter does bring with it the humpback whale migration, a veritable highway of these beautiful creatures passing by my home each day on their way to warmer waters, and back again a few months later. There is also the chance to encounter southern right whales, and even the occasional leopard seal! So I guess winter has its advantages.

Afternoon seabreezes change to morning landbreezes, nights are mostly still, and my hot water bottle and woollen beanie become my favourite onboard accessories. Launching the inflatable from our beach loses its appeal as I wade through the chilly water— reminding me I should dig out the seaboots lying gathering dust over the summer months. I think enviously of those who step straight from a marina dock onto their vessel—the thought is fleeting though as a mother dolphin and her calf play around the inflatable, my cold feet forgotten as I embrace being part of their world.

With many parts of the world still in COVID lockdown, dealing with cold feet is a minor price to pay in order to enjoy being out on the water and I realise how fortunate I am.

In this issue we welcome Petrea McCarthy to the SisterShip team. Petrea has a lifetime of experience on the water and is well known to Australian sailors. We also welcome Shelagh Hogan, with her winning story from the recent SisterShip Press ‘Weather’ short story competition.

Wherever you are on this blue planet, I hope you enjoy this issue. Stay safe and, as always, look for the dolphin!

Shelley Wright