By Alex Harrington
The start of any voyage carries the thrill of the unknown and the promise of new horizons. Yet, the departure from Lisbon for our grand journey across the Mediterranean was tinged with excitement and a bittersweet farewell. We were preparing to say goodbye to Marco, a steadfast friend and seasoned sailor who had made the difficult decision to stay behind, adding a poignant layer to our departure.
The Farewell Party
The evening before our departure, Marco orchestrated a farewell gathering at one of Lisbon’s delightful riverside establishments, a beloved spot for sailors and locals alike. The setting sun bathed the Tagus River in a golden hue, a perfect setting for our assembly. The air was filled with laughter, music, and the tang of the sea as crew members and friends united to commemorate the occasion, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared anticipation.
Marco, ever the gracious host, ensured everyone felt the warmth of Portuguese hospitality. There were toasts abundant with good wishes and hearty fare that featured the best of local cuisine. As glasses clinked and stories were shared, the atmosphere was vibrant, yet beneath the merriment, there was an undercurrent of poignancy from those of us about to embark on the journey.
Preparations Amidst Goodbyes
In between festivities, final preparations for the voyage continued. Maps were reviewed and discussed over plates of bacalhau, and navigational plans were laid out next to pitchers of sangria, making the work feel less burdensome. Liz and Sam, integral crew members, moved through the crowd, their excitement for the journey palpable as they spoke of the adventures ahead.
Throughout the evening, I found moments of quiet reflection, watching the shimmering lights on the river and thinking about the sea’s call that awaited us. Marco joined me during one such moment, clapping a hand on my shoulder. “Alex, make sure to steer The Albatross to stories worth telling when you return,” he said, his voice both encouraging and wistful.
Casting Off
As the night deepened and the party drew to a close, the time came to say our farewells. The crew gathered for one final group embrace, promises to keep safe echoing amidst the farewells. Walking back to The Albatross, the path illuminated by the moonlight, the weight of leaving Lisbon felt as substantial as the anticipation of the journey, which was now palpable in the air.
The next morning, as Lisbon woke to the bustling sounds of the city, The Albatross was already making her way out of the harbor. The transition from the lively farewell party to the quiet departure was stark. The sails caught the first brisk winds of the day, propelling us forward into the vast, open sea. As the cityscape receded, I felt the ship come alive beneath my feet, her timbers creaking softly in the familiar dance of departure.
Forward Into the Adventure
With Lisbon and Marco in our wake, the journey ahead unfurled, vast, and brimming with potential. The horizon beckoned, a limitless canvas inviting us to paint our adventures. As the coastline dissolved into the distance, the contours of our forthcoming escapades began to take shape—ancient ruins, vibrant cultures, and the azure embrace of the Mediterranean Sea, stirring a sense of excitement and intrigue.
— Alex Harrington