Sailors always have an ear open for sounds, listening for a warning that there is a problem with the boat. Has part of the bridle failed, is another anchored boat touching our hull, is a water pump running, is a sail not stowed properly? The benefit of this audio monitoring system, aka worrying, is that I am more attuned to sounds than I was in Manhattan. In NYC, you gain the skill of blocking out sirens, church bells, garbage trucks and Saturday night drunks. Here are some sounds I have heard in our current bay in Dominica.
Conch Shell Horn
When fishermen return from the sea, they announce that their catch is for sale by blowing on conch shells. Much nicer than the announcement through the speaker system at the Piggly Wiggly “Attention shoppers: we have a 2 for 1 deal on canned tuna in aisle 7”.
Ballyhoo
These blue-green needle nosed fish populate our bay in hundreds of thousands. During the night a predator comes to the bay to dine. Huge schools of ballyhoo can bee seen jumping out of the water. On board the boat, it sounds a bit like rain or 100 schoolchildren skipping rocks at the same time. The more shocking noise is when the predator swims accidentally into Two Fish. Thump on the hull.
Anchor Chain
It is easy to hear the distinct noise of steel chain entering the sea. Gail’s head will perk up to determine if they are anchoring too close and need a stern glance.
Wind in the Rigging
The wind has increased to the mid 20’s and a few odd noises can be heard. The sun has long set, so I turn on the cockpit lights, deck lights and bring our super-powerful flashlight. The main halyard is frapped well. The problem is that I failed to properly snap the textile sun shade the last time I cleaned the salon windows. Noise fixed? In the morning I will tighten the bungee that holds the vang block away from the solid portion of the vang.
Dylan Want-to-be
It is day three of being serenaded by a nearby boat. The singer is accompanied by his guitar and sings what sounds like 60’s songs. They are not my favorite songs; we are fortunate that most of his efforts are being swept away by the wind. Another reason it is good to anchor to windward of other boats.
All Bass
Dominican beach bars are not 7 days a week, but when they party, they can match the decibels with the best (worst) of them. They pump enough bass that the hatches start to vibrate. Grab a book as sleep has been deferred. No worries, not in a rush.
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