Captain's New Year Log - Was it just a Dream?

Ahoy and enjoy reading my Captain’s Log for 2022!

Time — 00:01 on Jan.1, 2022.

The crew on the bridge and I just finished checking the GPS and radars while onboard a newly built yacht that is under my command. As we deliver the yacht to its new homeport, I scan the Pacific Ocean’s horizon for other boats and ship traffic to notice that we are all alone with the waning crescent moon’s light reflecting off the water.

The yacht smoothly carves through the ocean swells, and we maintain our headings for the final leg of a long voyage. From the bridge with the security monitors, I can see that those onboard in the main salon are cheering in the New Year.

I know the onboard celebration will not disturb anyone while we are cruising miles off the coast, but all of a sudden, out of nowhere, a nameless ghostly looking ship navigates in on a very close parallel course.

A little startled and very curious, I come alongside its beam to take a closer look. I peer out the starboard side, where I can faintly see celebrations onboard the dark, shadowy ship. It looks like a reflection of New Year's centuries ago aboard a wooden schooner of the past.

I can see the helmsman trying to turn a large wooden steering wheel as he fights to keep the boat on course while looking at an ancient binnacle. He is reading a crudely hand-drawn chart that looks like a worn treasure map. Below him on the deck, the crew is cheering in the New Year with tankards of rum being scooped from wooden barrels, and as the crew dances to a lively tune.

Oops, we almost bump beams with a passing swell. I correct my course and check my electronics, but I do not have any targets on my radar, not even this ship from the past.

As I gain my bearings, I glance out to spot a megayacht that has appeared alongside from nowhere. I notice the ultramodern, sleek-looking yacht that appears to be effortlessly gliding through the water.

I glance through a large porthole to see what looks like New Year's future with the yacht's interior better than a five-star hotel. Now, the helmsman is using voice recognition and virtual controls to maneuver the vessel.

The charts are 3D images floating in the air, and the head's-up displays are detailing vital information about the yacht for a safe voyage.

To my surprise, I notice that the crew is watching my Boathouse TV show while feasting on a gourmet dinner from an extensive menu. I would order the chef's special, which is always my favorite and a real treat.

Hey, is that a — oops, I am suddenly awakened from a nap by the loud warning signal coming from the GPS chart plotter, which is alerting us that the harbor entrance buoy is nearing. I glance from the bridge's ultra-soft leather couch to see my helmsman standing his watch. I know we are getting close to the harbor when I glance out the bridge windows and see the glowing lights on shore.

As I stand up to take the conns for the harbor entrance, I cannot help but adjust the radar and scan the horizon for those two mysterious boats — or was it just a dream?

All safe, the yacht is securely moored in her new home slip.

End Captain's log:

Happy New Year!

By Capt. Mike Whitehead