Into the Woods (DeBeers 4)

Winston explained how it was impossible to sail directly into the wind and because of that we had to compromise by zigzagging the boat windward. He called it making a series of tacks. On each tack we steered the boat into the wind as much as possible without flapping the sails. When we had that going, he called it being close-hauled,

"Changing tack is called coming about. As you can see we're doing it often before we find our way wind-ward."

He made a sweeping turn to start us in the opposite direction, "Sailing before the wind is called running," he said. "and now we'll let the sails out as far as possible. You'll see that the mast fun is what we call reaching or sailing across the wind. If you have anyone in the boat with you. Grace, you have to warn him or her by calling 'Ready about' before tackng. Then push the tiller leeward, which is away from the wind, which will cause the bow to go in the opposite direction into the wind and keep your boat turning like this until the wind is on the other side. See:" he cried as the sail swung across the boat and the wind filled it again.

The sea spray spattered my face. I screamed with pleasure, and he laughed.

"Okay, when the wind is blowing over us starboard, the right side, we are on the starboard tack. When the wind blows over the port, the left side, we're on the port tack. gat it?"

"I think so," I said.

"As you perform everything I've explained I want you to talk it aloud, tell me what I told you."

He lowered the sail and brought us to a stop. Fortunately, the ocean was calm. Even so. I knew now what sea legs were as he and I changed position.

"Hoist your sail, mate," he cried, and I began, doing exactly as he had instructed.

I almost turned us over a few times. but I couldn't remember having a day of more fun. Winston was patient with me. too. He never yelled. Whenever I made a mistake he took his time explaining why and showing me how to avoid it.

I had no idea how long we were out until he looked at his watch and told me.

"Aren't you hungry?" he asked.

I was, but I hated the idea of stopping.

"I'll tell you what." he said. "Let's keep going south. I know a good little restaurant where we can dock."

And that was just what we did. I couldn't stop talking about my lessons. I didn't even remember what I had eaten, and all the time Winston sat there smiling at me and laughing.

"You make me feel like I'm twenty again," he said.

He let me do most of the sailing all the way back to Joya del Mar,

"When can we do it again?"' I asked the moment we docked.

"We can do it every weekend I'm here, as long as the weather permits. It's very important to learn about weather if you really want to be a sailor. Grace, and the tides. That will be lesson two. okay?"

"Yes." I said.

"Where have you two been?" Mommy asked as soon as we entered the main house.

"Grace's sailing lesson. I told you about it yesterday," he replied.

"But I thought that would be no more than an hour or so. It's almost five. Winston. You missed the Hobsons. I told you they were stopping by for cocktails this afternoon."

"Oh. I must have forgotten." he said.

Mommy looked at me, at my windblown hair, and at the wild joy in my eyes, but she didn't seem to be happy about it. "You know you've gotten too much sun on your face. Go look at yourself. You're going to need some medicated creams for sure."

It was wonderful. I don't care."

"Fine. Suffer. I'm going up to prepare for dinner. Winston. I hope you didn't forget we're going to the Breakers tonight."

"No, no," he said, but when he looked at me I could see he had forgotten. "I'll be right along."

Mommy shook her head and charged toward the stairway.

"I think I created a monster," Winston muttered, and then quickly smiled. He wanted me to think he was kidding. but I didn't, not for a second.