Facing a Storm at Sea
- Julie Greenwalt
- Feb 18
- 4 min read
But Not in My Heart
Slam! The boom holding the mainsail swung sharply across the boat from right to left. Unplanned, but not unforeseen.
We were about an hour out from Channel Islands Harbor and the storm we’d been watching all day had finally hit. And we were ready.
Roger and our guest for the day, Kristen, stood on the cabin steps under the dodger, out of the rain that began pouring down. I braced my feet and held tightly to the wheel as the boat heeled and pulled against the wind. Captain Julie, queen of the seas, had things well in hand. Undaunted by inclement weather, I enjoyed every moment.
A Day Made in Heaven
This was one of those made-in-heaven days, despite the drastic weather shift. All morning and most of the afternoon the skies were clear, the wind consistent, and the dolphins abundant around Wandering Spirit. With the motor silent, we enjoyed hearing the bow slice through the waves.
Our destination was Smuggler’s Cove on Santa Cruz Island, but we were holding it loosely, aware that we might need to switch to our standard contingency plan. Because in our experience, nearly a third of boat guests experience some level of seasickness. Even sailing within sight of land, queasiness can hit without warning and ruin someone’s day. From our boat slip, Ventura Harbor was only an hour’s sail up the coast. So if a guest became uncomfortable, we were prepared to dock there and visit the shops and restaurants instead of chumming for the fish.
On this magical day all three of us were having a grand time, talking and sharing stories. Before that day, we’d been acquaintances; after that day we were good friends.
Knowing the storm was due late that afternoon, Roger and I kept a close watch on the barometer. We judged there would be plenty of time to anchor at Smuggler’s, enjoy a shipboard lunch, then sail around the south side of Anacapa Island for a close-up view of the sea lions on our way home.
The only glitch came when Kristen interrupted our conversation to motion towards the side of the boat with a questioning look. Sure, go ahead, we said. And she promptly lost her breakfast to the fishes.
What a trooper! Still feeling ill, Kristen insisted we keep going towards the island. She worked her way carefully to the bow, where she lay on her stomach and leaned over the side to watch the dolphins. I’d never heard of lying on your stomach as a cure for seasickness, but Kristen felt so much better that she stayed there until she was sure she could move without queasiness. After that, no more seasickness, thank goodness.
Lunch went just as planned, with great views of both Anacapa’s highest peak and Smuggler’s Cove with its wide, pristine beach. Only a few other boats were anchored, none close enough to intrude on our privacy.
Incoming Storm
Eventually we knew it was time to hit the sea again. With the wind picking up and the storm forecast to reach us sooner than originally expected, we decided to forgo the sea lions and sail along Anacapa’s north coast instead, towards the lighthouse at the end of the island. Once there our course would shift to port, straight into our home harbor.
As always, once we made that turn the wind was perfect for a three-hour sail.
Being Prepared Pays Off When Facing a Storm
Near four o’clock, Roger left the wheel to me. And this is where our preparation paid off. Roger had more experience in rough weather than I did, but I was the one with a hooded rain jacket. So I became the captain, and just in time.
As the boat heeled and sliced through the waves, I felt warm and competent. It only took the right gear and the right skills to bring Wandering Spirit and her crew safely home. Like turning a double-play in softball, I simply executed what we’d practiced for many long hours on the water.
Living It Requires Loving It
Some of my friends think I’m a really adventurous person. Compared to Roger, I’m not. But I’ve always believed I could learn anything, and I never wanted to be left behind. Some of our adventures (ordeals?) have been less than pleasant, but when it came to sailing, we were both fully on board, on repeat.
Friends have commented they wouldn’t like sailing because you might get wet, cold and uncomfortable. But Roger and I contend that good gear and good training make all the difference. And even if you don't have the boat you want or the weather you prefer, you can always choose your attitude. That's what prompted Kristen’s response to seasickness—she preferred sailing over shopping, so she pushed through.
Calm Built Before the Storm
Of course, it’s easy to sit in my comfortable fifth wheel today and write about putting on a good attitude when I’m not facing a storm like illness, strained relationships, or discontent. A calm, contented attitude rarely shows up just because we summon it. But calm formed through practice, experience, and investing in good gear pays off when storms hit. In sailing, that looks like doing man overboard drills before someone falls off the boat, checking weather patterns even though the skies are blue, and buying a waterproof hooded jacket. In regular life, it looks like rhythms of prayer and Bible study, deeper relationships, and building what has eternal value.
I’m not responsible for every outcome, but I am responsible for showing up prepared and willing. That afternoon, the boom slammed and rain poured. The boat leaned hard, but inside, I felt grounded and ready. Not because the storm wasn’t real, but because the One who steadies us is.
What’s your best method to prepare for storms in advance? Share what works for you in the comments section.
If this story resonates with you, you might enjoy reading these related posts with further reflections about attitude:
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