Musings on sailing, my favourite sailor and some sailing quotes

One of my favourite mugs (and t-shirts) talks about the mouth of a sailor and it's got me pondering... of course the idiom 'mouth of a sailor' is well known but my musings go beyond that. The adventures, joy and exquisite things sailors get to see is a total inspiration - and whilst you wouldn't in a million years ever get me doing some of the sailing my partner can and does do, I am very grateful to have experienced a week on the sea back in August 2019 with some incredible experiences.


Below: A view from a night at anchor in Two Rocks Bay, Greece. Watching the moon rise/swimming under the moon/swimming at sun rise are all some of my very favourite things too!

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Another of my current loves is John Denver. Actually it's not all that current really; past, present and very likely future me will have that love. In particular I have a love for his music - and word-smithery and his love for the world around him.

During the period of writing the book (which is now in the editing stage - yay - and how long does editing go on for?!?), I'd return on school runs with Calypso playing loudly in the car.

In particular these lines really resonated with me...

To sail on a dream, on a crystal clear ocean
To ride on the crest of a wild raging storm
To work in the service of life and the living
In search of the answers to questions unknown
To be a part of the movement, part of the growing
Part of beginning, to understand

[chorus]

Like the dolphin who guides you, you bring us beside you
To light up the darkness and show us the way
For though we are strangers in your silent world
To live on the land, we must learn from the sea
To be true as the tide, free as the wind swell
Joyful and loving in letting it be

 
There's so much in the song that I love and I learnt how the song was written to celebrate Jacques Cousteau's boat Calypso. Earlier this year I finally picked up Jacques Cousteau's The Human, the Orchid and the Octopus book and prompty fell firmly in love with Jacques too and his curiosity, his love of the world and those around him.

I thought I'd celebrate the mouth (and mind) of a sailor share some quotes from him - firmly anchored as one of my very favourite sailors.

Jacques Cousteau quotes

His curiosity about the word, his enquiring, exploring mind takes a lot to rival - and his book was a delight of exploring with him - both the world and the huge range of what being human entails. His playful spirit in particular appealed and I'm grateful for the insights he shared. From the mouths of sailors. It's well worth an explore if you've not read it. His passion and love for others, strength and gentleness are all inspiring.

With love,

Em x

Searching for sailing quotes I also came across this site, which I explored and had a lovely time pondering. Sharing in case it's of interest :)

More wisdom from the mouth of a sailor