Arriving by Ferry from Anacortes, for my traing week about the Adventuress, I have no doubts about where to go. She'll be the tall ship with the masts. Rounding the corner to Friday Harbor presents a sea of masts. On my gosh, was she docked to port or starboard of the ferry terminal. First stage of panic strikes.Fortunately months of preparing for this adventure had me looking at every facebook posting of the Adventuress. It was instant recognition, her clean lines, her stately manner. I'm beside myself with anticipation. I want to be up close.
A short walk from the ferry, down the main pier,
the tall masts looming every closer. And then you're there, standing next to her. Glorious even dockside. What next? What's protocol? Do I need be piped aboard? No one on deck. Boldly I climb the dockside ladder with my pack, my entire world of possessions for the next week. I look around cautiously - no one. I call into the deck house - no response. I wander to the main companion way and call. Sara, first mate, responds. They're in a debrief that I've just causlly interrupted. I'll return later.
Next morning we're off to begin the lessons. An early start every day, in the cool morning air. Sometimes fog greets you, sometimes glassy calm, and sometimes the wind.
In any ca
se it's great to be under way. Lesson one begins with basic sail training.
Two masts, four sails and a million ropes. But we call them lines, and each has a purpose, and before the week is out you will know each one by name and it will be your friend.
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