Why two retired apple growers sail

I grew up in northern Vermont. Spent lots of time on lovely lakes, but never sailed.

- SHARON PODLICH

I like relaxed journeys. I resemble the description a friend once gave of his wife — “Jane likes sailing when there is no wind.”

My husband, Chuck, grew up on the Chesapeake Bay and started sailing at age eight. He spent much of his youth racing small sailboats. He calls out sail trimming instructions to me while tinkering on his project de jour.

He thinks high winds, full sails, heeled 20 or more degrees is our boat’s sweet spot.

What drives the two of us to live and travel on a 44-foot sailboat for part of the year?

The list is quite long. A day of sailing can include so many events. Typically, I start my day in the cockpit with a cup of tea — one of my favorite times.

I watch the happenings in our anchorage. What is onshore? Are there other boats anchored nearby? Who is out and about on land or vessel?