Sailor With a Secret

Sailor with a Secret

After checking over my shoulder I steered my 30-foot sailing yacht into the small, safe looking harbor. I hoped it would be a big enough to provide all I needed. Finding an empty slip in the public sector proved easy enough. Question was if they had a refilling/dump station. It was standard at all but the tiniest ports. At least I could restock a few items and be on the open water again until I found a bigger port of call. I noticed a bar-restaurant nearby so decided to tie up and go ask some questions. My charts, GPS and the name of the establishment confirmed my location. Since I traveled without a destination it really didn't matter if all supplies weren't available here. I would simply move on.

Palm trees swayed in the salt breezes as I found my land legs again. So I was far enough south for balmy weather. If the stars aligned maybe I would stay awhile. Depended on what I found. Cautiously I pushed open the door to Crusty's Coral Cove Cuisine, removed my sunglasses and allowed my eyes to adjust to the dimmed lights so I could take a better look around.

“Ahoy, Sailor!” A friendly voiced hailed to me. “Come on aboard and sit a spell. Were you looking for someone?”

“Ah, no, no. Only admiring the beach décor.”

“What'll you be drinking today?”

“I'll start with an ice water with lemon, please. And a menu.”

“Comin' right up.”

When the waitress returned she recommended, ”Might I suggest the catch of the day. It is very fresh and served with Crusty's famous slivered almond marinade.”

“I've had a diet of my own catch of the day for a few weeks and am really craving some crisp green salads with fruit.”

“We can do that.”

“Oh, and can you tell me if there is a filling/dump station here in the harbor? And maybe a good mechanic?”

“Sure, Skipper's is right around the bend. You can't miss it. He can take care of all your needs.”

“Wonderful! I must have missed the sign. Thank you.”

“Where ya hail from and where ya headin' to in that fine sailing vessel.”

“From the north and heading south is about all I can tell you at this point.”

“And you're traveling all alone? We just don't see pretty young women sailing around by themselves much around these cays. Hope you can stay awhile in our hidden little cove. Lot's of nice people here.”

“So I see. Thanks. That may be an option. And, yes, I'm by myself.”

“My name is 'Carmen', by the way.”

“How do you do, Carmen by the way? Mine is 'Catalina'.”

“You mean like your boat?”

“Just a coincidence, I assure you. Friends call me 'Cat'.”

“Oh, may I? Thanks, Cat.”

“No problem. Nice to meet a friendly person. May I ask you a couple of questions?”

“We're not busy right now so sure.”

“If I did stay around here for a time are there many job prospects? Does Crusty need more help? Or are there any charter fishing or sailing businesses here in the harbor? Maybe dinner cruises on my yacht catered by Crusty? Something like that?”

“Wow! That would be totally awesome, Cat! Want me to go get him so you can talk it over?”

“Well, first I better check out the town a little more to see if it meets all my must haves, okay. I only wanted to feel out the possibility right now. I would have to live on my boat, too. I'll enjoy my salad while you wait on others then maybe you can tell me more about the town over a drink.”

“Sounds perfect. See you later.”

After I finished my lunch, I walked over to Skipper's and told him my concerns. He said bring the yacht over and he would handle all my issues this afternoon. That solved a lot of my problems.

Then I took a stroll around the village of Coral Cove looking for all my favorite things. A library, a bookstore, a florist, a coffee shop, a branch of my bank, a jogging path and a peaceful park. These amenities certainly held promise. Maybe I could escape my past and start fresh.

I returned to Skipper's and asked about renting a slip in the marina. The amount was reasonable still I knew to stay I must supplement my savings with a viable income stream. I bounced the idea of chartering out my sail boat or offering sailing lessons off the old salt.

“I think you've got a fabulous idea. She sure is a classic beauty! Some may like to simply step aboard for a tour. No one else offers anything like that here and there should be enough interest with the locals and the tourists.

“Of course, you'll have to have a charter license but that's easily obtained if you have experience.”

“Oh, I have experience!” I assured him. “Do you get a lot of tourists?”

“Not like the big ports. We're tucked away so hard to find which suits some folks fine. How's the new name look to ya?”

“ 'Cataluna' fits it better than 'Endless Honeymoon' don't you agree? Looks great! Thanks.”

“No problem. Used water tanks are emptied, fresh water and fuel filled. Engine checks out fine, too. You're good to go.”

“Thanks so much.” I paid him from my dwindling cash reserves.

That night nestled alone once again into the double bed at the bow of the gently rocking modest yacht with moonbeams shining in though the skylight I thought about my sailing experience. Those two years right after college while I was a struggling journalist with my charming older suitor as he seduced me into believing I was everything he could ever want in a woman. He taught me all the ropes and the knots sailing off of Martha's Vineyard, luring me into an unaccustomed to luxurious lifestyle. Three years of blissful marriage as we sailed the oceans. Then being tossed out like gray water from the holding tanks so he could be with his new plaything. The past months running from him. Yes, of course he gave me sole ownership of the vessel if he never had to see me again. Believe me, somewhere I must have the paperwork proving it is all mine. Now I only wish to put the past behind me and turn his gift into good for the sake of my soul. I can make my living off this beautifully restored aging yacht, somehow. Sure I have experience. Oh, please, Lord, don't let him find me.

Over the next few weeks I cultivated new friends: a writing group meeting at the library, the bookstore owner and some of the customers there, a young barista that made the best coffee, the florist that kept fresh flowers on my dining table whenever I hosted dinner cruises, a handsome jogger, some moms and their children at the park, even people at the laundromat and, of course, Carmen and other waitresses, Crusty, Skipper and a host of sailors and customers.

Yes, Coral Cove proved to be a safe harbor for this sailor with a secret. So far!