Sailor’s Manifesto

ARTICLE ONE. THE SAILOR

I believe that sailing is neither a hobby, nor a daily activity but it is a lifestyle. With constant progress the sea itself becomes home to the real sailor. The deck, the mainsail, the foresail are merely limbs of his body.

I believe that a sailor can only learn from what he has seen. He cannot be taught or be expected to learn from books. The real sailor will want to see for his own and to solve problems on his feet.

I believe that the biggest struggle that a sailor has is with Mother Nature herself. To know it’s ways and to fight against it or even to try to predict its actions is implausible; therefore the sailor must be ready to act, agile and sharp-minded.

I believe that a sailor should be able to appreciate. The true act of sailing involves the beauties of nature and the sailor should be able to comprehend and be grateful for all that is given to him.

I believe that a sailor should be able to discern his place amongst the eclectic phenomena of Mother Nature. He should be able to understand that he is no more than a dot on the face of the earth and that he is not the one who will overcome or alter nature. He must perceive that he is at the will of Mother Nature and that all he can do is change his course in order to escape her wrath.

I believe that a sailor should be strong, both of mind and body.

I believe a sailor should be able to adapt. He should be changing and shifting himself, like the winds he sails, to fit his role in the crew. He should learn to work with others and most importantly by himself should he need it.

ARTICLE TWO. THE SAILBOAT

I believe the ship is more than a vessel for the sailor. It is more than a floating entity bound to take men from one place to another. The sailboat is for the sailor the home, the wife and the children.

I believe that the captain should care for the sailboat: keep it clean, away from danger and without any defects. The sailboat should be repaired immediately if it is harmed in any way during the journey.

I believe the sailboat should be treated as a living entity like the rest of the crew. The boat is, in fact, essential to the crew. The sailboat provides shelter and cares for the captain and his men, hence it deserves the same caring from its crew. The captain’s task is to protect his vessel with his life. He should realize that none of his travels could have occurred without it.
I believe the sailboat is not to be abandoned at any point. Even in death, the vessel shall be cared for like a friend on his deathbed. This is why it should be that the captain should go down with his ship. The vessel is a true friend for the captain.

ARTICLE THREE. THE ACT OF SAILING

I believe sailing is not only the labor and hard work, but also, the storms, the winds and the sun itself. It is the joy, the exhilaration of surviving yet another journey.

I believe sailing is not an act of singular person but a result of all the actions of the crew. Therefore, the sailor must be able to communicate, he must be able to understand and solve problems. He should be able to foresee what is to come and learn from what has passed and the mistakes he made.

I believe that after the course set for a journey to a foreign land it cannot be changed or altered. The sailor will face all that is to come and go forth to the land beyond the sea. Nothing will make him suffer, hurt or give up.

I believe that sailing is not only a journey between the two cities across the sea; it is the experience you gain from this journey. The true passion for sailing comes from the burning desire in man’s heart to throw himself into the bosom of the ocean.

I believe sailing is not learned behind a desk, taking notes and listening to lectures. The true art of sailing is in practice. One cannot be called a sailor as long as he has not sailed the winds of the ocean or defied its waves. The only way of becoming a true sailor lies in going out to sea, unfurling your sails and letting the wind take you away to a foreign land.

I believe sailing is an art of survival. It is the sum of all of the capabilities of the sailor and the ability to overcome perilous circumstances.

I believe sailing is a lifelong realization of death’s close proximity, the awareness of life’s essential beauties, and the appreciation of the smallest of gifts of nature that come with it.

I believe that only in this way will the sailor learn the art of sailing and, with God’s will, master the seas of the world.