#8 The Quay

The next day Molly set a course for Kevin south around Hook Head skirting the coast as they sailed. During this time she realized that what Kevin needed was more experience in reading ocean currents and wind patterns and how to adjust for them. While he seemed comfortable enough sailing in the calm waters around Kilmore Quay and the Saltees, once out in the ocean currents, he was more tentative and needed more assistance in sailing.

Kevin realized this also and was anxious to learn even more about dealing with the currents and winds in a sloop. He knew if he was ever to master his sailing skills, he needed to spend a lot more time under the instruction of Molly. For the time being he planned to set aside every weekend he could to make the trip to Kilmore and work on sailing.

During their sailing time Kevin and Molly also got to know each other better. There were no pretenses between them. Out on the water Molly was instructor and Kevin was the student, but when sailing was calm and Kevin was comfortably in control, their conversations turned more personal.

“You should come spend a weekend up in Dublin sometime, Molly,” Kevin mentioned during one conversation. “I'd love to take you around to some of my favorite spots.”

“That would be nice Kevin, but it's difficult to get away from here with having the sail shop, and lessons,” Molly replied, reluctant to explore the big city.

“There must be times when business is slow enough that someone could handle the shop for you, and when you don't have weekend instructions during the winter,” Kevin was surprised at Molly's reluctance to come to Dublin. A weekend get away to Dublin was cherished by so many of his out of town friends.

“I'll think about it,” Molly answered, showing little interest in traveling anywhere that didn't have water or sailing involved.

“Have you ever gone to watch any of the sailing races?” Kevin questioned.

“Not as an adult. The last race my father competed in I watched with my mother,” Molly answered. “Since then I really haven't gone to see any.”

“What about the Race Around the Island? I hear that's a great race to watch,” Kevin was startled to hear Molly's response.

“Oh, around the Isle of Wight?” Molly smiled. “Are you thinking of entering?”

“I need to own my own yacht first,” Kevin laughed. “Not to ignore the fact I also need a crew.”

Through this conversation Kevin was trying to see where Molly's interests lie. Why was she so attached to Kilmore Quay? With her experience why did she not follow in her father's footsteps and enter competitions? Her skills for sailing were amazing and she had the ability to do well. What was holding her back?

“Molly, do you think I'm ready for something larger than this sloop? I would like to develop some skills with something of a yacht. I notice that you have one docked at the quay. Do you every go out in it?” Kevin was showing his interest in moving ahead with his instruction.

“Yes, that is my yacht. I take out tourists on day trips during the summer months. If you are coming for another weekend next week, we can take that one out. I'd be interested to see how you handle it in the calm waters first before we head into open ocean. With the larger size and weight it does handle differently,” Molly was curious as to Kevin wanting to move to a larger boat.

“I'm booked at the B&B for the next three weeks. If you have time to book lessons for me, I'll be ready,” Kevin smiled as he brought the sloop back into the quay for the day.

Molly found that she looked forward to Kevin's weekend visits. He was an easy learner, even in the yacht, and shared her passion for the water. The following weekends they spent time on land studying ocean currents and sailing maps so that Kevin had a well rounded knowledge of sailing. He had a natural instinct and adapted his land lessons quickly to being out on the water.

Kevin and Molly spent most weekend evenings together at Kehoe's also. She had found a kindred soul. Someone who shared her passion for the water. She listened intently as Kevin talked about his dreams for sailing. She had heard this so many time before. Here in Kilmore Quay she was able to eek out a modest living with the sail shop, instructions, and tourist trips. It was not an easy life, but most rewarding for Molly. She couldn't imagine Kevin spending his life sailing and not working for a living, unless he was independently wealthy. Their conversations lead her to believe he was not. Was he just a big dreamer?