Issue 12 : May/Jun 2000
On January 6, 2000, he went sailing for the first time. He stepped off the dock and shed the shackles of the land, experiencing for the first time the noiseless serenity and freedom we sailors live for. As this was his first sail, he was unsure what to do, which lines to pull, where to sit; but he was unconcerned about such trivial details. He was sailing, and he was reveling in it.
There was no destination, no next port, just a day on the boat. His mind was freed of all mundane matters, and his only thoughts were about how to make the day last longer; about why had he waited so long; and about sailing for the rest of his life. The interaction between wind, water, and sail was intoxicating. The swish of the hull through the ocean was a symphony, his deafness defeated; his old ears could hear every note, detect every nuance of sound.
He sang aloud in three-part harmony with the boat and the wind. His voice raised, he sang his favorite hymn, Eternal Father Strong to Save. It seemed appropriate for the occasion with the lines of the song:
Thus, ever more shall rise to Thee,
Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.
At that moment, he decided not to return. The boat was provisioned well. The wind was fair and the sea calm. This first sail had captured his heart, and he knew no reason to return. Yes, there were people on shore who would miss him, but those people were proud of his freedom and would understand his decision. He knew he would remain in their hearts.
No longer a landlubber, he steered by the stars. No charts were needed, there were no obstructions on his course, and he knew the way. His freedom was boundless, and his journey an inspiration to me. He set sail on January 6, the day he died.
He was my father.
David Berke tells us, “During the last years of his life, Dad asked to sail with me. His health was failing, and I was worried that something might happen on the boat, so I never did take him. This story was written because I know he is finally sailing now. This year, come hell or high water, I’m taking my mom sailing. I am not living with the regret any more.” Dave sails a Bristol 27 in New York waters and has appeared in Good Old Boat as the author of a refit article on that boat.
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