Taking
your boat and running the coast where on one side is the ocean and
the other side is land is definitely an extraordinary
feeling. You don’t get the same feeling when you’re in a big bay
or sound where you can see the coast line on one side and just water
around you. The feel of the boat
and yourself definitely are affected both visually and physically
when you are in the ocean. It seems at times when you’re running a
softer, more rhythmic feeling, whereas in a bay or sound it seems to
feel a little choppier and not that smooth rhythmic feel. It also
feels like your props are taking a bigger bite out of the water,
maybe because there’s more water around and under you. It’s true,
but that sounds silly. But there is a definite difference when
running the coast on the ocean.
When
looking at the coastline as it goes by you can visualize how it must
have looked to those sailors from years past. Even when they first
discovered this land and all the different coasts, what were their
thoughts and feelings? That is some of the mystique in coastal
cruising. Some like to take their boat
and run inshore, it gives more protection from weather and possibly
other hazards. Running offshore in a straight line to get to your
destination can save you time. Sometimes running the coast you can
slow up and enjoy the pleasures of trolling for fish, some of the big
game fish come in pretty close to shore and one of this monster fish
is definitely a thrill to reel in and it breaks up your time as you
cruise the coast.
It
feels good taking your boat and doing a coastal run, because when you
get to your destination some people might ask what route you took and
saying coastal always gives you that nice accomplished feeling. You
also never know what you’ll see as you and your boat run the
coast…maybe a pair of whales?...Maybe a school of tuna? These are
some of the wonders that are out there, but one of the best things as
your boat is cutting through the water is the colors…the spray off
your bow seems whiter, the sea seems to turn a different color blue
with hints of other colors as the sea floor deepens or gets
shallower. These runs you will remember and enjoy for a long time.
