A taste of ocean sailing

South Carolina's Charleston Harbor is historically significant as a site of naval warfare during the American Civil War. Today, it home to the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, a busy lane for cargo ships and a mecca for Charleston Race Week sailors.

I didn't realize Charleston could be so hot and humid in April. Needless to say, sailing provided a refreshing break from the heat. Even though I didn't participate in the race, I had the opportunity to sail on the ocean three times. On one occasion, we sailed the Viper 640 sport boat with the spinnaker out, heading downwind at full speed across the harbor and passing under the Cooper River Bridge. The salty spray, choppy waves and gusty winds - an exhilarating and memorable experience.