Smooth Sailing Read Online Free PDF

Very cool.”
    While the front of the boat dipped and rose in the swiftly deepening, quickly darkening blue water, Laurie watched intently, as though studying for a test. When they were clear of the channel, Kaatje stood up and cut the engine, leaving them in silence.
    “This is great,” Laurie said, just a second before a wave dropped her onto her seat. “Whoa!”
    “You’ve got to stay alert. After a while you’ll unconsciously follow the cues the boat gives you.” Kaatje hopped onto the top deck and started to unfurl the very large sail. In just a few minutes she had it properly raised, and after securing it she sat back down. “I’d suggest sitting down, or holding on.”
    “Really?”
    Kaatje lowered her dark glasses so that Laurie could see she was serious. “Really. Ready to rock?”
    Laurie looked like she was having second thoughts, but she nodded decisively. “Yeah. Totally ready.”
    Kaatje turned the boat to let the wind fill the sail and catapult them forward. This was when sailing was particularly sweet. With a novice on board, who was about to get a thrill that might make her into a sailing junkie. The first time was the best.
    “Whoo!” Laurie giggled while holding onto a couple of pieces of metal that were firmly anchored to the deck. “This is fast!”
    “Want me to slow down? I can. Easily.” Don’t do it. You’ll love it if you give in and let it flow.
    “No. This is fun. I just have to get used to it.”
    “When you’re moving around, the best things to grab are the stays. They’re strong enough to take all of your weight.” She reached behind herself and grabbed a bunch of very thin stainless steel wires that ran down to the side of the boat. “These hold the mast up and keep it in place. They’re the backbone of the boat.” She pointed at the back of the boat. “There are stays right there too. Grab them when you need to. They’ll never let you down.”
    “Okay. I think I’ve got it. You know, the only times I’ve been on a boat, I’ve been on a big houseboat cruising down a slow river. That’s a lot different than this.”
    “Ahh. I like that, too. I’m from Amsterdam and we spend a lot of time on boats of all kinds.”
    “Cool. That’s what I’d expect from a flying Dutchwoman.”
    “Yeah. That’s me. I like to go fast.”
    “I want to learn to. Don’t hold back. I like to make myself adapt.”
    “Are you sure?” Kaatje didn’t want to scare her, but they could have a lot of fun if Laurie was as game as she seemed. And there was nothing better than showing a beginner how fantastic sailing was.
    “I can take it. Let ’er rip.”
    “Okay.” She moved the wheel a little bit and seconds later one of the hulls was almost airborne.
    “Holy crap!” Laurie yelled. “The thing’s in the air!”
    “That’s a hull,” Kaatje said calmly. “Come here. Let me show you how to have some fun.”
    Holding onto anything she could grab, Laurie moved around so she was right next to Kaatje, standing duck-footed with knees bent. It was a real charge to see someone who looked so frightened agree to do whatever she was told.
    “Sit on the deck and put your legs over the side.”
    “You’re crazy!”
    “No, no, it’ll be fun. Really.”
    Very tentatively Laurie followed instructions. She managed to get one leg up, but a major dip had her sprawled across Kaatje.
    “I’ll help you,” Kaatje said, her voice loud to compete with the cresting waves. She jumped onto the deck while holding the wheel with one hand. Then she grabbed the waistband of Laurie’s shorts, holding onto her like a mother cat would a kitten. That stability allowed Laurie to right herself and get her legs over the deck. “Hold onto the lifelines,” Kaatje commanded.
    “I’m holding on like rigor mortis has already set in.”
    “You’re perfectly safe. The wind is brisk today but it’s steady. This is my favorite kind of day—wet and wooly. I’m really glad we came out.”
    “Me, too.