Harvey Gamage

An Aloft Experience - By Derric Tankersley

It was right after breakfast and I wasn't doing much on deck. I was actually singing my personal remake of a Soulja Boy song, its called "Just Chillen". Then Mr.Fleming, our first mate, came to me and said "Get a harness." Excited for what I thought was going to be a trip out to the bow sprit to untie the jib. I was very wrong. I was actually about to go aloft to untie the course sail; which is very high up and attached to yard. When I realised what I was about to do a rush of nerves instantly came over me, and before I knew it we were going over safety regulations. My heart started pounding in my chest. Then my body began to shake as I approached the shrouds. I climbed right up the shrouds one step at a time following Ms.Anderson, our third mate; behind me was Mina who continued to talk to me so that I remained calm. Once we got to the top it was time to wrap myself on top of the yard supported by a single wire and strapped into another. There I frantically untied the ties of the course. When I finished with the ties I remained up there while Ms.Anderson fixed some lines further down and I was able to take in the beautiful view. I could see everything. It was absolutly amazing. Finally, as fast as I had gotten up it was time to return down to the deck. Safely making it down I gladly took the first seat I saw available so I could relax myself. That was my first aloft expierience, and I loved every minute of it.