Andy and Ali

Chapter 11 The Rogue Wave Sailing on the ocean is a wonderful experience. Sailing a ship on the ocean involves knowledge of the ship and its capability and limitations. As well as knowledge of the Ocean and movement of wind and currents. Wind is the essential force to move a ship through the water. Andy had developed those skills. Ali had full confidence in Andy’s sailing abilities. They headed west for 40 miles, then turned south toward San Diego. Ali asked, “Captain, why are we heading South?” Andy replied. “Sailors have found that going out 40 or 50 miles and heading south takes advantage of the naturally southward flowing currents.” Ali took over the helm, while Andy checked their direction and use of the wind. Andy said to Ali, “prepare for a Jibe, to portside.” A Jibe is the term for changing the sail position when traveling downwind, which means the wind was at their back. Ali called out, “I’m prepared for a Jibe portside.” Andy released the boom and quickly went to the portside – Andy called out, “Ok, go for it.” As Ali began her turn, a rogue wave was fast approaching on the portside. Andy and Ali didn’t see the approaching rogue wave. A rogue wave is a swell of ocean rolling, so to speak, in one direction. The swell is higher than the water around it and moves quickly through the water. As the boom was moving to the portside the rogue wave hit the front of the boat. Forcing it to the starboard direction, (the right side). The boom started swinging faster and faster. Andy ran to catch the boom. He slipped and fell. While falling the boom struck Andy in the face. The impact knocked Andy out. Ali called out to Andy when he was running to catch the boom, to “Watch Out!” but her warning was too late. Andy was down. She tied off the wheel and secured the boom and then went to Andy. She got down on her knees by Andy’s side. His face was bloody. “Andy! Andy!” She tried to wake him; he didn’t stir. She was crying when he finally opened his eye. He tasted blood in his mouth. Ali asked, “Andy, are you alright?” Andy was groggy at first. Things were blurry. Then Andy sat up. “What happened?” Ali said. “We got hit by a rogue wave. The boom swung over and hit you. Andy exclaimed, “Ali, you turned too fast! I’ve told you to take it slow!” Ali replied, “but I took it slow.” Andy scolded Ali, “No excuses! You know you have to take it slow and watch the bow for rogue waves!” Ali was crying and upset not only for the accident but also because of Andy’s outburst toward her. Ali offered. “Here, let me help you up.” Andy was angry. “I don’t need your help! Leave me alone!” Ali was hurt by Andy’s out-burst. He had never spoken to her in anger before. She retreated to the cabin, laid on the bed and cried. Andy washed his face then took the helm. They didn’t talk to each other for two days. Ali stayed away from Andy the whole two days. Andy brought the boat to a stop and dropped anchor. After two days of silence Andy was feeling sorry for the way he spoke to Ali. At one point, Andy thought Ali had looked at him. He was looking for a sign from Ali. He wasn’t sure, but then he saw Ali standing at the other end of the boat looking at Him. Their eyes met, and a slight smile came from Ali. Ten minutes later they both smiled at each other. Again, ten minutes later they smiled, which turned into laughter. They walked toward each other, meeting in the center of the deck until they were face to face. Ali spoke, “I’m sorry sweetheart. I should have watched for that rogue wave.” Andy spoke softly to Ali, “No, I’m sorry I yelled at you. It wasn’t your fault. I lost my head. I was angry and I took it out on you. Please forgive me?” Ali said. “You’re forgiven.” They embraced and Ali kissed him. Then Ali shouted, “The last one in is a rotten egg!” She went for the side of the boat to jump into the ocean. Andy was quick to react and jumped on the rail, then leaped into the air. He caught Ali in mid-air and wrapped his arms around her and they both plunged into the ocean together. When they came up, they both screamed from the shock of the cold water. They kissed and laughed. As they climbed aboard Andy said. “Ali, go to the helm, turn on the engine.” Meanwhile Andy grabbed the halyard line on the portside. Then he pulled a huge rubber ball that is used to cushion the side of the boat to the dock. He attached the ball to a short line, then the short line to the halyard line. Halyards are thick rope used to pull up sails, flags, and spar. Andy said. “Ali, start moving and get up to 3000rpms. When I signal, make a sharp 90º turn to starboard, then put it in neutral, and watch me.” Ali followed his instructions. About the time Andy signaled, she began the sharp 90º turn, and he jumped off the rear deck, sitting on the ball. Andy swung out from the boat over the water about 40’feet and then swung back toward the bow. He let go of the rope and fell into the ocean when he was ¾ the way to the bow. Ali screamed with excitement, “Ohhh! that looks like fun!” She jumped up while Andy swam back to the ladder. She hollered, “I’ve got to try that sweetheart!” Andy said as he grabbed the ball and line. “When you see the prop wash come over the rudder, then jump! Don’t forget to let go before you reach the bow.”