Master and Commander

These next few days I will be at sea, competing in the Newport to Ensenada yacht race, from southern California to Mexico. As my crew prepares to face some 500 other boats over a 125 course through the middle of the night, my thoughts turn to the safety of all those folks out on the water. I must be brief, as I am scheduled to shove off directly, so I offer the following prayer which I wrote previously aboard the same boat I’ll be sailing on today. I have taken the liberty of borrowing the title from Patrick O’Brien’s famous serious of nautical novels, but offer the sentiments to all those who share my course in the coming days. As you sail across the seas of your own life this weekend, may your course be true, your weather fair, and may you also know the protection of the Master and Commander of all the oceans. Smooth sailing.

For more information about the Newport to Ensenada race, visit nosa.org. Also, for information about the boat I’ll be aboard, or the foundation that owns and operates her go to bksf.org.

Master and Commander
A Mariner’s Prayer
Thou art the Master and Commander
Who rules the seven seas
This watery domain is thine
To do with as you please
You sculpt the ever-changing surface
Directing wind and wave
Thine the tempest and its fury
Every element thy slave
Thine the frozen northern waters
As well, the trade winds warm
Thy grace lies in the glassy calm
Thy wrath, the raging storm
Oh Master and Commander
Have mercy on we few
Who venture out upon the seas
And brave the boundless blue
May Thy blessing be upon us
As we wander far from shore
Mighty Master and Commander
We praise Thee ever more
By Frank Carpenter ©