TOW

I love to watch the inexperienced motor out of the river mouth and into the ocean. If they are leaving on the outgoing tide, they are sped on their way by a fierce current. That speedy exit can elevate their hopes for an exciting day of sailing or motoring in the offshore waters. Among the things they should be watching are the small fleet of powerful boats with bright red TOW emblazoned on their hull. If they do not notice this now, they will later.
They’ll have looked at their chart, laid aboard the food and beverage, and checked the gas. The partygoers estimate a return on the turning tide after a beautiful day. At some point in their journey back, it clicks that they are not going anywhere, even with a tidal assist. Someone digs out a never-used book of tide tables and reads the sad news – a four-knot current outbound stimies progress homeward. Even on a returning tide, you need to exceed that to make it in. Sad eyes look towards the underpowered outboard motor. Dismay echo‘s among the partygoers who over occupy the small craft from gunwale to gunwale. Someone takes this opportunity to become seasick and chums the fish. A powerful boat with a bright TOW painted on it swoops in, and for a price, returns them safely to the mooring.
The holiday rental owner had provided a binder with all sorts of helpful information for the tenants to study. Under the tab heading – information for boaters- was the scoop on the river mouth, tides, and the cost of a tow.
The following day they are sitting on the beach watching the inexperienced innocently sailing forth. They share knowing looks and wait to watch the inevitable.