Yacht Rock: A Sailor’s Playlist

1. Margaret was a long-time goth, and Jeff runs a website called Grateful Dead of the Day. But sometimes on the boat, we just need some smooth music. And that is when we turn to yacht rock. As we headed down the Delaware, we put together a little sailing yacht rock playlist – a sort of highlight reel – so you could all jam at home. Enjoy, and let us know what favorites of yours we are missing.
   
   

Brandy – Looking Glass

“And there is a girl in this harbor town, and she works layin’ whiskey down.”

We might prefer it if she was serving up some rum, but it is hard to argue with Brandy, as we know she is such a fine girl.

Vahevala – Loggins & Messina

“I’m thinking about when I was a sailor. Spent my time on the open seas.”

We discovered this song sometime in the midst of a midwestern winter, and it kept us from going completely crazy. It is even better on the open seas.

Just The Two of Us – Grover Washington

“Good things might come to those who wait. Not for those who wait to late.”

If this does not make you dream of cocktails on the bow with the sun sinking low, then you might as well swallow the anchor. Steel drum, too; enough said.

Southern Cross – Crosby, Stills & Nash

“Off the wind on this heading lies the Marquesas. I got eighty feet of waterline nicely making way.”

Is this the most classic sailing song? Perhaps. Is this the sweetest jam ever? Definitely.

Summer Breeze – Seals and Crofts

“Summer breeze, makes me feel fine.”

Who can listen to this without longing for a little wind over the beam.

Sailing – Christopher Cross

“And if the wind is right you can sail away and find serenity. Oh, the canvas can do miracles, just you wait and see.”

Just because this is what your coworkers think of when you mention you were out on the water over the weekend does not mean it is not the smoothest tune ever.

Africa – Toto

“It’s gonna take a lot to drag me away from you. There’s nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do.”

Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti are pretty far from the sea, but that does not mean this song should not be on your playlist. Who does not want to sail to Africa or listen to Africa?

What A Fool Believes – The Doobie Brothers

“But what a fool believes, he sees. No wise man has the power to reason away.”

You don’t have to like the Doobie Brothers to like doobies. Conversely, doobies make the Doobie Brothers even more righteous.

Come Sail Away – Styx

“Come sail away with me. Come sail away come sail away come sail away with me.”

This might be one of the weaker songs on the list, but when the pace picks up with the chorus, hold fast! And those laser sounds…ooooh yeah!

Moonlight Feels Right – Starbuck

“The wind blew some luck in my direction. I caught it in my hands today.”

The song mentions Chesapeake Bay and has a few rather salty illusions, so it makes the list. And watch out for that xylophone solo!

Sail On – Commodores

“I gave all my money, and my time.”

The song sounds like it is coming from someone who put everything into restoring a sweet old boat, only to be left frustrated and broken. We can all relate.