Our boat won't sail itself to a distant destination. Kevin and I will have to take shifts to get there. During 'Round Whidbey, WINSA's annual race around Whidbey Island, a 30 hour race, Kevin and I were on the same shift. Sailing during the day was peaceful and playful. We sang, ate good food, played word games, talked about the race and gave each other back rubs. The wind was steady, the sun was shining and currents complimented our course.

We started shifts with the crew of 6 after dinner. Kevin and I were the first to rest. After our 2 hour break, which ended up being about 40 minutes of actual sleep, my eyes were tired and I wanted more sleep. Taking over for the opposite shift, I was frustrated with the subtle breeze and conflicting currents that seem to be a tradition of the island's south tip during this race each year. Once night fell, the wind dropped and the cold set in, our time sailing together on the same shift wasn't as romantic and carefree anymore. It was cold and frustrating. When we're blue water sailing, it will be colder. When we're blue water sailing, we will be ships passing in the night, keeping opposite shifts to sail the boat.

Colder; I can handle with better gear. Frustrating; that will change when the focus isn't on racing and trying to beat other boats. The part I'm apprehensive about is the ships passing in the night part. I want to go on this blue water trip to be with Kevin, not pass buy him between shifts.

I want to sail together and be together. I want it to be romantic and carefree as much and as often as possible. Anyone have ideas on how to stay connected when cruising?
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