Barnacle Bill Magazine March 2016 issue 3 | Page 18

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Sail without a strict course or destination. Let the wind and sea take
you where they will. Don’t think about miles covered or those still to go.
Don’t go anywhere, just sail and enjoy the moment.
No passage plan? What would the RYA say? Though my passage plan is generally no
more than head upwind and return downwind.

Disconnect the electronics and sail like they used to. Learn not to
depend on your instruments. When was the last time you took a bearing? Or a sun sight? Find your position and mark it on the chart. Forget
the windspeed indicator, feel the wind on your face. Learn the art of
sailing, become a real sailor.
I’m trying to improve my navigation skills, but generally I can see exactly where I am.
I find I rarely have the motivation to take bearings, plot my position and set a course,
though I know I should.