Crossing the Gulf of Mexico, on a 36' Pearson (sailboat), at sunset: As the Gulf Stream pushes you along at an extra 2-3 knots, it is a rush. The main was reefed twice, and the boat was lurching through the waves at 9 knots (fast for that boat). There is no one around.. all you can see in any direction is water, not even a bird in sight. The isolation is beautiful, and intoxicating.