“Eleonora, are you ready to turn?” I position myself astride the daggerboard in the centre of the hull, keeping my torso parallel to the surface of the water with my head well down I reply: “I’m ready!” “Perfect! 3, 2, 1: we’re turning”
Francesco allows the boom to rotate over my back: I quickly change sides, free a jib sheet and tighten the opposite one. Our sailing continues and while he manoeuvres the rudder stick I look around enjoying the beauty of the lake panorama whilst actually being part of it. Changing the perspective of your view is such a good idea to fully appreciate what is there right in front of you. From the lake these extraordinary landscapes take on a totally different appearance: and today with the eccentric weather conditions, the Lario had an almost magical atmosphere.
While we’re enjoying the calm of the gulf of Gravedona a soft breeze appears, and it’s time to suspend myself from the trapeze harness, an exhilarating experience. I insert the hook into the support feature, Francesco gives me the go-ahead, then I’m relying on the support of the shroud. I place my feet on the non-slip edge of the boat, keeping the leg towards the bow well stretched with the other remaining bent, the trick being, in order to not lose balance, is to always keep the weight towards the stern. Great fun indeed! I’m suspended above the water which races past me just below. The wind streams through my hair and the views are mesmerising in every direction. Absolute magic!
It was mid-August when I sailed the clear blue waters of my beloved lake for the first time, taking full advantage of nature itself, namely the power of the wind. I was particularly lucky, because quite by chance I had seized on the perfect day to go sailing in peace enjoying the beauty of the Altolario shores. I can only wish I’d discovered such joys before!
And that’s the point, times over, because we are lake-dwellers, we might forget just what these shores have to offer. And for this very reason I strongly recommend that everyone should try a sailing trip, and it doesn’t have to be sporty.
Quite simply you have to remain mindful: manoeuvring a vessel is hardly child’s play but the instructors are well-prepared and capable of managing any situation ensuring everyone’s safety and guaranteeing a fantastic excursion. Autumn in the last two years has brought sunny, warm days on the lake, as if summer wanted to linger long on our shores. So what better way to spend the mild September and October months than enjoying a not over-demanding sporting experience. Afternoons that throw up fine, cloudless skies with the lake surface teased by light breezes, means that navigation should be perfect.
