Captain's Blog: Go In on a Beam of Light
by Ann Avery, aka "Captain Annie"
December is celebrated in many areas of the world as the month of light, even though it's the month that contains the shortest day of the year. Following the progressively darker and darker days leading up to the Winter Solstice on December 21, the light begins to return to our lives as each day grows longer and brighter. On Christmas day, Christians honor the light Christ brought to the world.
In sailing, we use lights for so many things. Before technology made navigating more precise, we used range lights, lining up two lights on land to find the safe route into the harbor. We relied on light houses to warn us of danger and guide our way to safe haven. On the water, lighted buoys still guide the mariner's course, and navigation lights of yachts underway show their location and movement at sea.
I've always been captivated by light on the water, and at this time of year -- especially in such a challenging year -- I am reminded of a dark night years ago in St. Thomas when I learned a lesson about the wisdom of following the light.
My friend Rick and I had hopped into SY Caroline’s dinghy to go from the anchorage to have dinner onshore at “The Bridge.” Night had already fallen, and as I started my trusty Yamaha outboard, I remembered the flashlight I had left on the table.
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“It’s okay,” Rick said. "You don’t really need it here. You can go in on a beam of light.”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
"Just pick a beam of light that’s coming from one of the boats at anchor between here and the dock," he said. "Put yourself on that light path. Then everyone will be able to see you, and you'll be able to see anyone who crosses that path. You'll see what’s directly in front of you -- and if you need to, you can pick another beam until you arrive at your destination.”
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This year -- and at this time of year -- I'm inspired again to choose a path of light. And I'm wishing you a light-filled holiday, with a new year of brighter days ahead.