Why We Sail

Believe it or not one of the most compelling answer to the question “Why do you love boating” was best answered in a classic children’s book “The Wind in the Willows.

That Water Rat explains: “Believe me my friend, there is nothing–absolutely nothing–half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” That may now be a cliché for literate boaters trying to explain their own “lure of the sea” to shore bound friends; but, cliché or not, it is an accurate description of why boat lovers love boats.

But there’s a lot more to sailing that just “messing around with boats”. There is a spiritual and visceral sensation, as well as a practical and necessary responsibility that makes the expense, the effort and, yes, the risks of sailing worthwhile.

Later on in Graham’s book a more lyrical and evocative passage explains what the Lure of the Open Water really is, and why the effort, the expense, and the risks are worthwhile:

“…at its destined hour… we shall break out the jib and the foresail, the white houses on the harbour side will glide slowly past us as she gathers steering-way, and the voyage will have begun! As she forges towards the headland she will clothe herself with canvas; and then, once outside, the sounding slap of great green seas as she heels to the wind, pointing South!”

Good sailors and boat owners know that the beauty of a boat, and boating; and that the thrill of sailing also means maintenance and protection, both on the water and moored to the dock.

CMC Canvas LLC provides protective coverings and accessories to protect, and maintain your boat for that anticipated “destined hour” when you finally set sail on your adventure.