Social Media Stories: Adding Depth to Basic Sailing Imagery for Untide

While sailing and restoring Elixir, we realised that photo content can be fairly repetitive when limited to the confines of a boat and shed. Here are some examples of using writing to elaborate on quite simple imagery. This transforms a seemingly average image to a story, generating more engagement. 

Trimming the genoa:

Image copyright Matt Mario Photography.

Trimming the genoa on starboard tack, on one of Elixir’s shake down sails in Falmouth Bay in January.

Coastal sailing is unpredictable. No matter what the forecast reports, the effect of the land as the wind whips over hills and funnels through valleys means things are constantly changing.

First comes a ruffle across the texture of the water. Next the slight variation of the angle of the wind tickling the helmsman’s ear. Sheets are eased and tightened as sails flap and strain.

It is here we learn our lessons — to adapt to the world as it transforms in front of us. Keep watching, keep changing and remember that it’s in your power to make a step backwards a chance to do it all again with twice the experience.

Tweaking the Compass Light:

Image copyright @preciousocean

What seems like a tender moment between a pair of best friends is actually a frantic last-minute bodge hours before we intend to set sail for a week from Peniche to the Canaries

The red compass light had failed on our final night sailing into Portugal from Galicia after the wires became tangled in the steering chain. Without the most crucial element for night watch navigation, we were left either dazzling our eyes using a torch to check the bearing, or trying our luck as celestial navigators, lining star patterns up with sections of the rigging.

All but forgotten upon our arrival to Portugal, we indulged in our first waves of the trip, parties and pastels de nata. A task put to the back of our minds as we revelled in the luxuries of life on land. But tasks on boats are not like that list of DIY we all have but never get around to, it was essential to fix this before our next leg, even if it meant sacrificing one final surf.

See more original imagery and unique stories at @un.tide on Instagram.