Legends of the Sea

On a frigid January morning, I went out to take pictures of sailboats. I had been waiting for fog. It not only creates intimacy, but it also mirrors the isolation sailors often feel. That morning, the fog was thick, and I could barely see my hands.

I set up my equipment and enjoyed the peace around me. Gradually, a sailboat emerged from the fog, followed by another, and then a third. The fog enveloped the background, offering a stark white backdrop that left everything around me still.

I used the fog to my advantage. By slightly overexposing the image, I made everything but the sailboats disappear. This technique enhanced the isolation, making the boats appear to float in mid-air.

Mesmerized, I stood still. The world outside this scene no longer existed. Time slowed, and I felt as if the whiteness had erased it. I imagined the stories inside those sailboats, crashing through waves to secret destinations. They were laden with treasure and stories of sailors sharing rum and debauchery in port.

In 1712, Edward Teach became one of the world’s most infamous pirates. He sailed under the name “Blackbeard,” plundering the Caribbean. By 1717, Blackbeard captured the French ship La Concorde, renaming her Queen Anne’s Revenge. Armed with 40 guns, Blackbeard’s flagship became a fearsome force, ready to raid any ship in sight. The Jolly Roger flag flew high, a signal of his terror.

Blackbeard was the pirate all others feared.

Blackbeard was a brilliant leader. He used fear and intimidation, not violence, to control his enemies. His image was terrifying. He wore black clothes, pistols strapped to his chest, and a large black hat. To further frighten enemies, he would place slow-burning fuses under his hat, emitting smoke. This created a mythical reputation, adding to the tales of his hidden treasure.

Almost 300 years later, I met a modern-day legend. Those who knew him called him Whitebeard. It didn’t take long to realize I was in the presence of a man whose life was inseparable from the sea. He had spent almost his entire life sailing on some of the finest tall ships, with countless stories to share.

Few of us meet true living legends. They are the people we admire, often modelling our lives after theirs. We listen to their larger-than-life stories in awe, knowing they’ll be a significant part of our lives. My eight years of friendship with Whitebeard, The Legend, were unforgettable. Sadly, his life ended abruptly in July 2018.

Like any good pirate, Whitebeard hid his treasure. After his passing, we discovered clues to his final stash. We stood, eager to open the pelican case, knowing it held something special. Inside, we found the treasure: an assortment of the finest dark chocolates money could buy.

Only the best, of course.

Rest in peace, my friend. May you journey on, sailing among the sea of clouds.