| 1979 Mariner -SV SHANTI |
Displacement - 17 gross tons |
| Length over all - 49.6 feet |
Beam -11.6 feet |
| Length on deck - 40.0 feet |
Reference Point - Point Bonita,
CA |
| Draft - 07 feet |
Latitude - 37N
Longitude - 122W |
| Main mast height- 50 feet |
97 degrees True 87
degrees Magnetic |
Dawn approaching -- last night becomes tomorrow -- I study the sail configuration: sails full;
too late to reef the main and mizzen.
The seaworld is alive with motion -- my body moves
toward human exhaustion - whitecaps wash over the bow.
Straights of Juan de Fuca had been a bold
introduction --contrasts to gentle Puget Sound -- minutes stretch lines. No land
mass -- no lights of civilization -- confusion, all encompassing.
By midday, our cocoon had intended to sail proudly
under the Golden Gate Bridge -- "How To" sailing books cram book shelves
-- timeless gale winds now control our destiny.
Bursts of tears -- it feels as though I've had a
stroke, and lost; there are a million ways to die -- 40 knot winds continue rocking the
cradle.
As a green apple rolls across the deck, my thoughts
sink to a drowning panic -- grandchildren are home, asleep -- I should have sent a message
in the champagne bottle we broke over the bow, only three sunsets ago.
Masts bow to the right -- nature's power begins a
starboard broach -- chilled muscles cramp against the helm.
Woman's body weight leans port -- Shanti begins an
uncontrollable roll -- hands freeze to the wheel.
An unpredictable dimension controls our frail
existence -- a grandson has faith in my confident sailing -- dawn's dilemma.
Strange sounds blow from the left -- I register a
presence -- majestic grey mammal slows to the boats 10 knots.
Within minutes, hurricane winds leave us behind --
foul weather gear holds my sweat -- keel steadies up, standing us tall.
I become aware the giant's bold eye is watching me
-- her magical presence is consoling -- is the rest imagined?
Does she read our vessel name -- Sanskrit --
Eternal Peace.
She hears my prayers -- She knows my soul --
accepts this humble human into her safe keeping.
Together, we ride 6 foot waves -- sky clearing, we
play and trace ripples -- I am honored by her visit.
Morning sun rejoicing another day --
magical greys roller coaster ahead -- Spiritguide's reflection blends with sterling silver
and I am safe aboard "Eternal Peace".
Copyright @1999 Charmaine Mandell |
