The Lee Shore

A lee shore is a shore that the wind is blowing towards, meaning that it falls to the leeward, or down wind, side of a boat. This can be a dangerous place since engine trouble or a lack of wind can make a boat susceptible to being driven onto that shore. On the water, there are two ways to avoid the problems associated with a lee shore. First of all, it behooves one to give such a shore a wide berth, leaving plenty of open water to maneuver clear in an emergency. Second, and perhaps most importantly, we can keep our craft well-maintained so that the chance of an equipment failure is minimized. This can help to ensure that we are able to control our vessels and thus keep them off the rocks. The interesting thing about the above safety items is that they apply to many other areas of our lives. I actually wrote the attached poem as a metaphor to someone’s failing marriage. These principles also work for the maintenance of our spiritual lives and our physical bodies. Very simply put, be prepared and try to avoid troubles, especially where the danger is already known. If we take care of ourselves: physically, spiritually and relationally, we can circumvent a host of problems in our lives. Furthermore, we can identify many of the dangers in our lives in advance, the rocky shores if you will. You know what your weaknesses are. You know your own areas of potential temptation. That’s half the battle. Once we identify the dangers, then they are all the more easily avoided. It’s only common sense that staying clear of trouble is the best way not to get into it. So whether you’re out at sea, or just trying to get through your daily life, make every effort to be prepared for trouble and avoid the lee shores which so often loom near at hand. As you sail across life’s blue, I wish you fair winds and a course ever true.

Lee Shore

When a man is sure of his timbers

When his vessel is strong and sound

With bilges dry and rigging taut

His keel deep and well-found

He knows he can bear the fiercest gale

However the tempest may blow

Heaving to, or laying out a drogue

To lash the wheel and go below

But if his ship has grown ungainly

He must be ever at the helms

Lest he ships a following sea

Or a rogue wave overwhelms

He must be wary of each motion

That his struggling vessel makes

For when the weather turns nasty

No margin is left for mistakes

When he finds himself by a lee shore

Trying to claw up into a gale

He must know his canvas is worthy

To the challenge and if it should fail

He must have his ground tackle ready

Being sure of his cable and rode

So if it comes to last resorts

He knows it will bear the load

When waves on the shore are crashing

And rocks loom under his lee

He must know if his crew and vessel

Are up to the task and the sea

If a man’s ship is not in order

He must take it firmly in hand

Lest it founder and be lost

Or be driven onto the land

By Frank Carpenter ©