Our first family sailing adventure

Recently, we had the good fortune of going on our first family sailing trip. Robbie has a friend at his new job who has a lovely sail boat and offered to take us all out with his family one evening. Robbie used to be a part of the sailing club in college, so he has some experience with sailing. He also has done a race more recently with his friend Chris, the person who took us all sailing. So while sailing wasn't a new thing for Robbie, he was excited to be with the boys and I for our first adventure. So I packed up some Boca burgers and snacks, hats and hoodies, and the boys and I went on a sail boat for the first time.

We left right from the waterfront in downtown Portland, and sailed around Casco Bay. I was a little nervous about how the boys would do for several reasons:

1. It was evening, and if we don't stick to our evening routine of dinner, bath, books and bed...they can get a little cranky.
2. Neither had never been on a boat before and I didn't know if they would get sea sick or freaked out about being way out in open water.
3. Link is wicked busy.

Nevertheless, the boys did wonderfully.

The boom had broken the night before so we could only use one sail, and ended up using the motor quite a bit. But it was still a lot of fun. At first Link was a little in shock and trying to take it all in. Meo was excited but the wind was bothering his ears so I stuck a hat on him and hew was much happier.

Link was a little overwhelmed, so I ended up nursing him in the cabin for a bit. Eventually he just lay still in my arms quietly observing.

When Link seemed to be doing better, I stuck him in the Ergo carrier and we went back out into the open. He was much happier feeling safe close to mama.

Chris's wife and two little girls were with us too. They were all so nice and fun to spend time with!

Meo especially had fun with the little girls; it was adorable to see them talk to each other about all the things they saw and share their toys.

When we reached Cow Island, we anchored the boat. Link and I stayed on the sail boat with Lauryn and made some burgers while the rest of the crew took the dingy out to the Island to explore.

I am told that the sand was composed entirely of tiny beautiful shells, that there was an old fort to explore, and their was lots of running and laughing.

Meo was afraid to go back in the dingy because the motor freaked him out, but the little girls helped coax him back on and he returned to the sea.

The sun was setting on the way back and the sky was majestic. 

There really is nothing quite like a sunset out on the open water, with the whole horizon stretched out before you. It's no wonder people feel so free and compelled to sail the sea.

Lauren gave me a break from holding a very squirmy and adventurous Link! Link adored her and especially loved playing with some spare rigging.

It was a wonderful, beautiful, exciting and fun evening spent with very kind people and I hope we get to go out with them again soon.

Meo brought me treasures from the island