Oct 10, 2007-Remembering Hauraki Gulf

wingssail image-fredrick roswold
Circling

This is one of my all time favorite sailing photos, taken in 1999 in New Zealand. The AC boats were contesting the Louis Vuitton cup to see who would face Team New Zealand and the weather was often like this: gray, rough seas, rain, plenty of wind and the clouds coming almost down to the water.

On this day the sea heaves and blocks in the sway in the rigging as the boats circle for advantage. The crew is in full foul weather gear, collars turned up against the stinging rain and salt spray, and they huddle in the cockpits working as a seaman must do despite the storm. Spinning the winches keep a few of them warm and the others are shivering and wishing for a cup of hot coffee to hold in two hands. This wasn't anybody's idea of yachting; it was more like hard work on a tall ship battling the horn than a day of sport. It's the difference between a sunny day on the harbor with a glass of white wine and an evening's roaring pub with steaming men and beer slopped on the table.

Fred Roswold, SV Wings, Bangkok

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