Free as the Wind

My Charter Captain passes me the rudder and rigging of his 27 foot cruiser, codename "Unplugged", and says "Go ahead, she's all yours Sony, sail away". And so I do. "Ready to come about?" "Ready!" Nice and slow with calculated timing we tack or turn into the wind exactly as planned. Pulling 8-12 knots Captain "Unplugged" or "U" for short hurries to let the jib out. That's a triangle shaped sail forward the mask. The centerboard or keel keeps the boat aligned so all of this fancy sailing stuff works properly. Today Lake George couldn't be more beautiful and celebrating this country's 234th birthday on it's waters seems like the quintessential expression of freedom. This lake carries a history lesson on the Revolutionary war at every turn. Later in the evening fireworks go off directly overhead. Captain "U" and I forget that fact as we make for quieter and less traveled waters at the sandiest beach bottom ever felt between the toes. "Anchors away!" hollars Captain U. Our alcove is suppose to be a clandestine one but at least a dozen other motorboats, party barges, and jetskis have discovered it's treasures. Our swim to shore is like wading in a tub of bath water, warm and inviting. Captain "U" later treats me to fresh cooked salmon and veggies ala a convenient stainless steal cooker off the aft. "Oh, shit, I just spilled EVOO on my Henri-Lloyd cargo's!" So jump Cabana boy, jump - and so he does. Really now, could life get any better?