Shark Attack!

I get it all the time: ‘You go sailing? Don’t you worry about sharks?’ Well, to be honest, the answer is no, but that’s not to say sharks don’t attack. It’s all about being responsible while enjoying the oceans and, let’s face it, we are privileged to share the water with sharks and other magnificent creatures.

Part of the joy of sailing is watching the wildlife; until you’ve experienced a pod of whales up close, or dolphins playing in childlike fashion alongside your boat, you haven’t lived. It’s a thrill like no other, and a sight you remember eternally. Turtles, porpoises, spectacular shoals of fish – all of these are there to remind you that the oceans and seas are teeming with glorious life, and that you are lucky enough to be among them.

At One with Nature

The sheer enjoyment of being at one with nature – and by that, I mean not just the wildlife, but the water and the wind too – is one of the things that makes sailing perfect for me. The weather can be cruel at times, but you have to take the rough with the smooth! Don’t get me wrong, it’s not the easiest of lives, but I get a great deal of satisfaction from having the skills to sail, and I couldn’t think of a better way to live right now.

When Sharks Attack

So, sharks; do they attack? Of course they do, just like any predator, and the figures show that shark attacks are actually on the rise. Should I be worried? No, because as I said earlier, if you are responsible – and respect your environment – you are as safe as can be. I have endless respect for the oceans and seas, and consider them my home.

The Thrills of the Sea

Shark attacks may be on the rise, but it would seem it’s not because they are becoming more aggressive; it’s because, quite simply, the population is growing, and more people are taking up water sports. In fact, most shark attacks involve surfers, who tend to surf in the locations where sharks are most prevalent. There’s been a rise in attacks off the coast of Australia, for example, and much of that area is perfect for surfing.

The Spectacular Seas

Sharks may be predators, but they are beautiful and spectacular to watch. If you haven’t seen one in the wild, going about its business unhindered, you have no idea how utterly elegant they are. They have a natural grace that is simply amazing to behold, so superior to everything else in the water.

You see, sailing does this to you: it takes you back a few steps, and makes you reconsider what you thought life was all about. It’s intense, yet relaxing, and it gives you a new perspective on life. That’s why I want to sail the world; I want to experience it all, to see the full range of the oceans and seas, and to say that I did it, that I achieved my goals – and nothing could make me happier!