I don't remember when sails first entered my dreams. I have often found myself at sea, in the arms of the wind, at the limits of the current. The introduction of sails into my life was a gift, a birthday present. Suddenly the dreams came true and I found myself in my first sailing lesson. I recently found the notes I took during those lessons.

 

Merya Tanay

 

December 19, Lesson #1 - We are at Kalamis-Fenerbahce marina with the intention of equipping the boat, learning a few knots, asking questions, cleaning up, and heading home. However, despite not planning to set sail during the first lesson, we found ourselves out at sea facing 18-20 gusts. While practicing tacks and jibes, we came perilously close to the rocks in the face of successive gusts. Despite the initial difficulties, starting the sailing course in the middle of December might have been the right decision. If you see me at the next class, it's not because of courage, but sheer stubbornness.

 

January 8, Lesson #2 - The teacher was different, and so was the weather. Our new instructor was more experienced, and the sun was shining brightly. This lesson taught us the importance of weather in sailing, just as light is crucial in photography. We had to relearn everything we knew and adapt to the weather conditions. For example, when I tied the fender to the boat using my own method instead of a proper stake tie, we spent half of the lesson trying to retrieve it from the water. As punishment, I was tasked with cleaning the boat.

 

January 22, Lesson #3 - The wind caught us off guard, and it died down completely. As a result, we couldn't go out to sea, and the lesson was conducted on land. During this lesson, we learned that there was a proper technique for boarding the boat. By placing your right leg outside of the bowline and using your right arm to grip the railing, you can propel yourself onto the deck in one swift motion, like a wrestler. However, I found that I was more prone to falling overboard with this method.

 

January 29, Lesson #3 (Repetition) - We resumed where we left off last time and today's lesson focused on rigging the boat, including the basics, warnings, precautions, and knots. However, understanding sailing is not simply a matter of reading a book or following instructions. It's more like an adventure that you can only fully comprehend by experiencing it firsthand. In sailing, there is no sense of having "learned it all," only a constant journey of growth and mastery. Therefore, one must always remain a student and continue to sail in order to improve.

 

 

February 12, Lesson #4 - Today's lesson was cut short as the wind failed to materialize. We attempted to sail, but despite our efforts and attempts to call upon the wind, it did not arrive.

 

March 26, Lesson #4 (Repetition) - After a long break, we repeated the fourth lesson. I was worried that I had forgotten everything, but a few reminders helped bring back my knowledge. It's true what they say, you don't forget how to sail, just like you don't forget how to swim. When I took the helm, I was surprised at how quickly I got back into the groove. For a few moments, I felt like the captain of the boat I always dreamed of.

 

April 17, Lesson #5 - Today marks a big step as we are going to sail a 40-foot boat. After training on smaller boats, it's exciting to progress to a larger vessel. We take the time to admire and learn about the different parts of the boat inside and out. It's impressive how so much life can fit in such a small space. Seeing this makes it clear that living on a boat is possible.

 

May 16, Lesson #6 - As the lesson is conducted online, we review and revise the topics we have learned so far. However, being unable to experience the joy of being at sea, we feel a sense of boredom during the session.

 

 

July 30 Lesson #7 - Today we were a group of four students. The weather was pleasant, but the waves were high. Luckily, the wind was on our side this time. Our focus was on learning how to dock the big boat. We made a stern landing at the Moda Pier, and the instructor made each of us try it one by one. However, I noticed that those who were not actively participating tended to lose focus and drift off into their own thoughts, like contestants waiting for their turn on a game show.

 

August 6, Lesson #8 (Last lesson) - In our final lesson, our instructor suggested we go to the Prince Islands. It felt a bit like the last day of school when nobody has a lesson to attend. But of course, being on the boat is a lesson in itself, with something to do at every moment. We embarked on our journey with all the knowledge we had accumulated over the last 8 months. As we reached the end of the course, I began to wonder what the future holds. Will I continue sailing? Have I put in enough effort to satisfy my heart? The sea would eventually provide me with the answer. On our way back, somewhere near Kınalıada, they handed me the helm, and as we sailed at full speed towards the Kalamış coast with the wind at our back, I felt a smile spread across my face. For a moment, just a moment, I became the master of the seas, like a true "captain of the sea".

 

I haven't let go of the helm since that day.

 

Photographs: Kayhan Yavuz, Jarrett Fifield (Unsplash)