This Water Person Says ‘Time Is a Precious Commodity’
First-time SpinSheet Century Club member Bill Gordon shares his journey of logging 156 days on the water within the calendar year 2019. Here’s what he had to say.
What motivated you to get out there this year?
I have always been around boats and sailing. When I was a teen, my dream was to sail around the world. I've done about 50,000 miles of cruising, but around the world?? not yet. We have had a sailboat on the hard in Deltaville for 20 something years [and live in Kentucky], and occasionally take off and go cruising... Maine for a summer, Bahamas for a winter... but when I bought my present boat SeaLark two years ago I decided to keep her in the water, and finally be able to spend time... a lot of time... aboard, both cruising and enjoying marina life as well.
Can you share three highlights from the season?
Discovering the abundance of wildlife in the marina area, meeting some good people from all over the world, spending a month as a work volunteer at Exuma Park in the Bahamas
Did you experience any scary days (storms, emergencies, etc)?
Yes.Gale force winds on Albemarle Sound crossing, lost engine power halfway. [interesting story] Was T boned by a sailboat while I was at anchor in Florida. [very interesting story] Got huge section of a sunken shrimp net caught in prop just when approaching Morehead City in busy ICW channel. [frustrating story] On long Bahamas passage squalls caused waves coming up over deck to pilothouse windows. [scary story] other cruise stories: being approached by drug runners when anchored on Bahama Bank, having movie-style bus chase ride in Nassau, a plane crashing into sea right in front of sailboat, and drugs and people aboard "rescued" by mysterious cigarette boat that quickly appeared, having a fellow cruiser wreck boat on Bahama reef during rage, and lots more stories that make the cruising life interesting.
Favorite wildlife sightings?
Eagles nesting in tree right behind our boat in marina, hundreds of swallows landing on boat at dawn on ICW, watching nesting Tropicbirds feeding around our boat in Exumas
Did you take any newcomers out sailing?
Yes, had a friend crew for me from Florida to Deltaville
What did you get out of being on the water so much?
I am a water person. We are made of water, We need water to survive. Not just to drink, but it is somehow restorative to my soul and spirit. I feel at peace in quiet places. The wilderness does that for me. Being in the confines of a well-found boat does that for me. Enjoying a quiet anchorage or sharing a meal aboard with good people does that for me.
What would you recommend to someone considering the 2020 Century Club?
Time is a precious commodity. Like a flowing river, once it goes by, its gone forever, you can never get it back. We guard our money and our possessions with great care, but often squander our time. Growing old is a privilege not everyone gets to enjoy. Time spent aboard will reward you with peace and contentment, better health, closer friendships, heightened self-esteem, and a fresh outlook on life and its problems. Go for the hundred!
