On board the 38-foot sloop "Mystic," I feel the wind in my face as the boat heels over and slices through the waves. Spray flies across the bow sprinkling us with salty mist. Just like the pirates who plied these waters, we're wishing for fair winds and safe harbors. Our treasure will not be gold and jewels, but the peaceful slapping of waves against the boat, scarlet sunsets, idyllic coves, and living the dream of cruising through Paradise.
Few pastimes afford the total peace, quiet, and relaxation of sailing. A welcome change from the daily grind and noise of the city; a chance to enjoy swimming and diving in the warm, clear Caribbean, coupled with the challenge of learning new skills, harnessing the tradewinds, and exploring the tropical hideaways that await.
Our bareboat charter begins with a boat and chart briefing, loading provisions, and refreshing our sailing skills while our city muscles become accustomed to manual labor. That introduction soon leads to a dreamy day of sailing, and at the end of it we come to a beautiful beach. It's little more than a quarter mile long, powder white sand curving around to a rocky promontory backed by elegant red-barked trees whose tall canopies offer shelter for a grand old house overlooking the channel. Steep green hillsides thick with the bramble of tropical foliage plunge into the darkening water.
That night it rains violently, as if the heavens are ripping apart. Are we under attack? Thunder cracks like mortar fire, the lightening stabs through closed eyelids. A short but vigorous storm rolls through as we peer out from closed hatches and portholes to watch the spectacle.
Morning dawns clear and bright, the air smells fresh from a rainwater rinse. After a leisurely breakfast and coffee on deck, we decide to scuba dive around the point. The sea is clear, mirroring the blue reflection of a tropical sky. As we descend into the warm water a shimmering school of yellowtail snapper and grunts glide into view and we raise our cameras in unison. A curious gray angelfish is close behind as we spy a spiny lobster poking out from underneath a colorful coral ledge. We swim to a beach that's fringed with tall coconut palms. Only a few birds are on hand to welcome us to Peter Island, a white-sand nugget where Blackbeard once hid. This sun-drenched refuge from the rest of the world remains a favorite harbor for today's sailors.
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