The sun is low in the western sky, and the colors are beyond description — so many hues of yellow, red and shades of blue against the azure seas. A pod of six bottlenose dolphins is surfing off our bow wake. The smell of salt and the crisp air on our faces make us feel alive, almost reborn. You begin to think of a sailor’s life and what draws them to the sea time and time again.

The captain orders the sails lowered to anchor on the leeward side of a small island, which will offer some protection.

The galley bell rings, signaling it’s time for dinner. A prayer is given, including a request for calm seas and good wind. We can hear rain and winds as they begin to pick up intensity.

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