For many of us who spend time on the water, there’s an intuitive understanding that sailing impacts our mental well-being. Whether it’s the meditative quality of watching the telltales flutter in a perfect trim, or the pure exhilaration of surfing down waves in heavy weather, sailing affects our minds as much as it challenges our bodies. But what do experts say about this relationship, and how can we practically harness sailing’s benefits while managing its mental challenges?
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So many thoughtful comments here from Kathy, Behan, Terri and others regarding the emotional benefits of sailing. It’s that feeling that comes over you at the helm at the moment when the engine is shut off and the sails start to draw. I relate to this article strictly as a cruiser, and more often than not as a single hander. I imagine that racing devotees may have a different slant on the benefits and the deep side of being out on the “blue.” Terri’s point about due diligence being done before slipping the mooring lines is critical to a positive experience of sailing. Here I’m thinking about weather in the offing, the seaworthiness/readiness of the vessel, relative ability of the crew, local knowledge of the waters, etc. Regarding the offshore disappearance of Thomas Tangvald in 2014, it’s possible, and Charles Doane alludes to it, that the questionable seaworthiness of his sloop Oasis may have been the major contributing factor.
Yes, agreed. Thanks for your feedback and comments. Happy to read that it resonated with you. Warm wishes, Kathy