Everybody needs a good friend with a beautiful boat…
It’s beautiful in the Bay of Islands in New Zealand, and it’s best appreciated from the water.
I haven’t been sailing in years, despite having been a regular sailor in the past. I owned my own boat for 12 years, which I raced and cruised. But, life changes.
I was thrilled to be invited on board my friend’s boat in the 20th anniversary edition of Bay of Islands Sailing Week.
The weather started off beautiful, with strong winds and also a strong swell. It’s hard to get photos and footage in those conditions, because you’re too busy hanging on to the boat, or helping to trim sails/pull ropes/be useful!
The result was joyful too: we came 3rd in the racing which earned my friend a lovely wooden trophy.
I do think though that we should have won a special prize for (most likely) being the only boat with a dog sailing on board! Scallywag sails everywhere with my friend; she is a fantastic sailor dog.
Here are a few pics from my joyful sailing experience…
I’m practicing shooting and using video for Reels and TikToks… it’s a learning curve, but what a great way to share a joyful and beautiful moment in time.
If you’re keen to give sailing a try, contact your local yacht club. Many clubs have programmes to help willing crew find a boat to sail on – or have learn-to-sail programmes.
Cornelia Luethi
Creator of Joyful Stories
Hi, I’m Cornelia, a writer and photographer – hire me to create your own joyful story. Articles, blogs, website copy and more. Drop me a line.
