“Now Suzanne takes you down
To her place near the river
You can hear the boats go by
You can spend the night beside her
And you know she’s half crazy.”

Leonard Cohen, the legendary poet, singer-songwriter, and artist, had a profound and enduring connection to boats throughout his life, from his early years with his loved steam-driven toy boat, in the teens canoeing and sailing along the shores of the St. Lawrence River, to his time on Hydra, an island with a glorious naval past. Leonard's relationship with boats was a metaphorical and literal vessel for his creative journey. His fascination with the sea influenced his artistic expression, offering a unique perspective on his work. Leonard's relationship with boats was a constant source of inspiration and a metaphorical anchor in his artistic journey. He even had a boat, the mysterious “The Julie”, a small caique, a traditional fishing boat which took him around Hydra.

Beyond their practical utility, boats hold a rich metaphorical significance. They symbolise an extended journey, a passage through life's unpredictable waters. Leonard often explored themes of love, longing, and existential reflection in his work, and boats and the sea became a recurring motif representing these aspects. They embodied the ebb and flow of relationships, the search for meaning, and the transient nature of existence. You can hear the boats go by, like in the starting lines from his song ‘Suzanne’. This metaphorical journey was a constant thread in Leonard's artistic expression.

Please read the full story; you will understand the wonder of boats and the sea.

Sailing holds significant importance on various levels, encompassing practical and symbolic dimensions. It contains adventure, connection with nature, skill-building, solitude, symbolic significance, community, and recreation. It's not just about the physical act of sailing, but also about the mental and emotional journey it can take you on. It holds a special place in many people's lives, providing a means to explore, connect, and navigate the vast expanse of the sea and the human experience. Besides Leonard’s metaphorical voyage, I can highlight some other aspects of sailing.

They all seem to have been close to Leonard’s life.

Exploration and Adventure
Sailing allows individuals to venture into uncharted waters, explore new horizons, and experience the thrill of adventure. It offers a unique opportunity to discover unfamiliar places, cultures, and perspectives.

Connection with Nature
Being out on water profoundly connects people with the natural world. The rhythmic motion of the waves, the wind filling the sails, and the vast expanse of the open sea provide a sense of harmony and tranquillity. It allows individuals to witness the beauty of marine ecosystems and appreciate and respect nature's delicate balance.

Self-Reliance and Skill-Building
Sailing requires individuals to develop various skills, from navigation and seamanship to sail handling and boat maintenance. It fosters self-reliance, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability as sailors navigate changing weather conditions and unexpected challenges.

Solitude and Reflection
Sailing offers moments of solitude and introspection, allowing individuals to disconnect from the noise of daily life and find inner peace. The peacefulness of being surrounded by the vastness of the sea encourages contemplation and deep reflection.

Metaphorical Journey
Sailing often carries symbolic significance. It represents a symbolic journey through life's challenges, uncertainties, and personal growth. Setting sail and navigating through rough waters mirrors the ups and downs we encounter in our journeys, inspiring resilience, determination, and the pursuit of our dreams. That’s life, stupid!

Community and Camaraderie
Sailing fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among sailors. Participating in regattas, joining sailing clubs, or sharing experiences with fellow sailors creates opportunities for social connections and exchanging knowledge and experiences.

Recreation and Leisure
Sailing is a popular recreational activity enjoyed by many around the world. It provides an avenue for relaxation, leisure, and escape from the stresses of everyday life. Whether it's day sailing, cruising, or competitive racing, sailing offers a unique and enjoyable way to spend time on the water.

The importance of Sailing
‘Navigare necesse est, vivere non est necesse’, Navigation is necessary, living is not necessary, the old Romans said, and most certainly, the even older Greeks claimed the same, particularly those living on an island. Pompey the Great, a Roman general and statesman got the sentence on paper. It tells that he was ready to start his voyage home, but a great storm arose upon the sea, and the ships’ captains were reluctant to set sail. Then Pompey ordered them to weigh anchor, shouting: “We have to sail; we do not have to live“. This was in 56 B.C., and Leonard navigated through life like that.

Leonard's affinity for boats and water can be traced back to his childhood in Montreal, Canada. Growing up near the St. Lawrence River, he developed a deep love for the water and its sense of freedom. Leonard often reminisced about his youthful adventures on the river, exploring its currents and observing the ever-changing landscapes from the deck of a small boat. These early experiences instilled in him a profound appreciation for the serenity and introspection that sailing provided.

A Nautical Haven
In the early 1960s, seeking solace and creative inspiration, Leonard embarked on a transformative journey to Hydra, a naval paradise in the Aegean Sea. It was on Hydra that Leonard's relationship with boats reached new heights. The island, devoid of cars and accessible only by boat, became his sanctuary. Leonard acquired a small sailboat named "The Julie," which served as his means of transportation and a source of inspiration as he navigated the crystal-clear waters surrounding Hydra.

On The Julie, Leonard found respite from the outside world and a sanctuary for contemplation. The wave’s rhythmic motion and the open sea's vastness mirrored his introspective nature. The solitude and isolation he experienced while sailing allowed him to delve deep into his thoughts and emotions, igniting his creativity and influencing his poetic and musical compositions.

Metaphorical Significance
Beyond their practical utility, boats held metaphorical significance. They symbolised an extended journey, a passage through life's unpredictable waters. Leonard often explored themes of love, longing, and existential reflection in his work, and boats became a recurring motif representing these aspects. They embodied the ebb and flow of relationships, the search for meaning, and the transient nature of existence.

Sailing into the Soul
Leonard's lyrics often alluded to the maritime world throughout his vast discography. Songs like "Suzanne," "Bird on the Wire," "Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye", and many others incorporated nautical imagery, evoking a sense of longing, nostalgia, and the longing for connection. These references served as poetic devices, deepening the emotional resonance of his music and capturing the essence of his own experiences on the water.
Navigating the Waters of Inspiration
Leonard's relationship with boats was a constant source of inspiration and a metaphorical anchor in his artistic journey. From his childhood adventures on the St. Lawrence River to his transformative years on Hydra, boats were vessels of introspection, reflection, and creative expression. They symbolised the ever-changing tides of life, the search for meaning, and the quest for connection. He invites us to embark on our metaphorical voyages through his lyrics and poetic imagery, navigating the depths of our emotions and embracing the transformative power of the sea. Just as Leonard found solace and inspiration on the water, may we, too, see our vessels for exploration and self-discovery, charting our course through the vast ocean of existence.

There is a famous photo from Hydra of Leonard standing beside a gangway to a small Caïque, a traditional Greek fishing boat. The gangway is a rotten plank, and the ship is old. Leonard looks sceptical. If this was his boat, there was every reason for concern. I am unsure if this is his ‘The Julie’ or a wreck belonging to his favourite fish supplier.

“Everybody knows,
that the boat is leaking. Everybody knows the captain lied. Everybody got this broken feeling, like their father or their dog just died. Everybody talking to their pockets. Everybody wants a box of chocolates and a long-stem rose.” The song is one of Leonard's most brutal, skinning reality to the bones.

Living on a boat is much different than living on land. Still, metaphorically, the deep sea, its uncharted waters, high waves, and unpredictability have inspired philosophers, writers, artists, and poets as long as we can trace back in history. So does Leonard, as in his song ‘Democracy’. It compares the US to a sailing ship that must be vigilant against greed and hate. Leonard certainly did not limit his words to the American borders. His message is as universal as the oceans.

Writing ‘Democracy’ was quite an Odyssey, drifting over several years, and it took him 50 verses to complete. The song suggests it might take forever to get here, but it’s a promise worth waiting for. Remember, Odysseus made it home.

“Sail on, sail on
O mighty ship of state!
To the shores of need
Past the reefs of greed
Through the squalls of hate
Sail on, sail on, sail on...”

Walking upon water
Suzanne, Leonard’s platonic muse, lived near the water in Montreal. “She used to take me down to her place near the river. You could hear the boats go by”, Leonard said, and the song also emphasises that Jesus was a sailor when he walked upon the water. The song also mentions that all men will be sailors until the sea frees them and that there are heroes in the seaweed.

Leonard Cohen's iconic song, "So Long, Marianne," became a staple in his live performances since it was released on his debut album, Songs of Leonard Cohen, in 1967, after a dream festival. I will tell you about that later. In one of his versions, a boat snuck into the song with a morning train so Marianne could repeat goodbye.

Here Comes the Morning Boat
A critical hub in Leonard’s and Marianne’s life was the Katsikas store, today Roloi café, where they met their friends beside the harbour basin. Katsikas served as a general store with a cafe and taverna, a few seats at the rear inside, and a flock of tables and chairs outside. Its strategic location near the arrival point of the mail boat made it a gathering spot for Leonard and his companions, who anxiously awaited the arrival of their crucial royalty payment money orders from overseas. Whenever the eagerly anticipated envelopes arrived, it must have brought great delight to Mr Katsikas, as it meant settling numerous outstanding tabs from the penniless artists.

The “Here Comes the Morning Boat” version of ‘So Long Marianne’ from 1988, an entire stanza sung by backup vocalists Perla Batalla and Julie Christensen, appeared as the song’s final verse. Leonard and Marianne's recurring break-ups run like a red thread in their correspondence in the late 1960s, separations taking place by all means of transport, plane, train, car and, of course, boat because they live on an island.

“Here comes the morning boat,
Here comes the evening train,
Here comes Marianne now,
To wave goodbye again.”

The dream of dreams
Leonard had a recurring dream about a boat, how he left the island not by the ferry but onboard a rich man’s yacht and changed his life. Last year, Leonard told me about his dream in the kitchen of his house and Marianne’s. It goes something like this. At its core, it’s a remarkable dream come true, as you will hear, but also a hint of the eventual separation from Marianne.

Once upon a time, in the slumbering but beautiful Hydra town, a penniless singer named Leonard lived with his girlfriend Marianne and ‘Barnet’ her son Axel Jr. Leonard had a rumbling voice that could move mountains and a passion for poetry and music that knew no bounds. However, his financial situation often left him in amusing predicaments.

Leonard had a group of local admirers lovingly seated around him beside a tree at Xeri Elia Taverna, aka Douskos, particularly Marianne. He would sing for hours, playing his guitar, becoming better and better. It was a big performance but a small audience, a dilemma haunting him in his dreams because they were full of desire, leading him from the island onto a worldwide tour. The problem always seemed to be that he needed more money for the ticket. And his anchor Marianne would be another dilemma.

One night in his dream, Leonard received an invitation from a visitor to Hydra, an American girl called Judy. She wanted him to attend the USA and perform at a prestigious music festival. Overjoyed by the opportunity, he eagerly accepted, oblivious that he needed more money for transportation overseas or accommodations. Luckily, dreams often offer solutions.

Undeterred by his empty pockets, Leonard hatched a brilliant plan. He decided to hitchhike his way to the festival, armed with nothing but his charm, guitar, and infectious smile. He even considered working himself across the Atlantic as a sailor or singing in a bar onboard an ocean liner. Leonard decided to start in the port. He told Marianne he was going to the port and brought his guitar.

Everything happens in the port
The daily boat from Athens should arrive within hours, and Leonard was standing on the quay next to a colossal sailing yacht with a group of people dining astern. Driven by his dream, he took out his guitar and started to sing one of his songs, Suzanne and hoped for the best. The song chronicles his real-life platonic relationship with the artist and dancer Suzanne Verdal. In addition, being a beautiful song, it praises Suzanne, which happened to be the name of the yachtsman’s wife. She was elated. The music sounded fantastic, and the young man was handsome.

The wealthy yachtsman invited him onboard for a day trip around the Aegean. Delighted, Leonard joined in and settled at the table with his guitar on his lap. The crew prepared the ship, and soon, they left Hydra harbour behind.

As they sailed along, Leonard couldn't help but notice the luxurious interior of the ship. He admired the leather seats, the Teak deck, the gleaming brass and chrome, and the state-of-the-art sound system filling the air with classical music. He was asked to tell his life story, and they got the short version that he dreamed of going to the States and performing at a festival. Feeling mischievous, he couldn't resist strumming a few chords on his guitar, creating an impromptu melody that filled the dining area with a beautiful tune that expressed his mood when leaving the island. He liked the lyrics popping up from nowhere and decided to work it out later.

“We met when we were almost young
deep in the green lilac park.
You held on to me like I was a crucifix,
as we went kneeling through the dark.
Oh so long, Marianne, it's time that we began ...”

The Gem from the Rock
The Yachtsman, observing his wife’s excitement and astonished by Leonard's talent, burst into laughter. He hadn't expected a poor singer from Hydra to serenade them like this. He realised that he had stumbled upon a gem, a rare talent in the most unlikely of places, a barren island in the heart of the Argo-Saronic Gulf called ‘the Rock’.

With a sly glint in his eye, the Yachtsman turned to Leonard and made him an offer the young man couldn't refuse. He offered a free ride across the Atlantic, a luxurious cabin and a full boarder. After that, to cover Leonard's expenses for the festival, he was provided with an elegant hotel room, meals, and even a tailored suit to wear during his performance.

Leonard's eyes widened in disbelief as he accepted the Yachtsman's generous offer. He couldn't believe his luck. What started as a journey with empty pockets had turned into an adventure filled with unexpected opportunities. The trip through the Mediterranean, passing the Bosporus and three weeks of sailing in primarily good weather was a new experience for Leonard. He could telegram Hydra, explaining that he was attending a USA festival. Leonard was sure Marianne would understand, less ‘Barnet’ who admired Leonard and would miss his pal.

"Already a little homesick STOP Maybe away for three months or so STOP See what I can do with my music STOP Hope you're feeling good STOP Little friend of my life STOP”, Leonard ended the telegram.

In New York, he stayed at the yachtsman’s house for a while, delighting the wife. By her, Leonard was introduced to the girl of the dream, a dapper singer named Judy. Everything that happened was a Deja Vue from his imagination.

A cavernous debut
Arriving at the festival, Leonard took the stage in his classy suit, his cavernous voice resounding through the festival grounds. The crowd was captivated by his raw talent, infectious energy and a voice like no other. His performance was a triumph, and he quickly became the talk of the town.

From that day forward, Leonard's penniless days were a thing of the past. He signed record deals, visited the world, and became a beloved and successful singer. But he always remembered the funny story of how his sailing adventure turned into a life-changing moment. He didn’t forget Marianne, ‘Barnet’, or Hydra; he just changed focus and excused himself.

And so, the tale of Leonard, the penniless singer-songwriter turned superstar, spread far and wide. His infectious spirit, profound poetry and undeniable talent touched people’s hearts from all walks of life.

As Leonard's career soared, he never lost sight of his humble beginnings. He used his success to uplift others, supporting aspiring artists and championing charitable causes close to his heart. Despite his newfound fame, he remained down-to-earth, always ready with a kind word or a warm smile.

What a dream!
Years later, when asked about that fateful sailing adventure, Leonard would chuckle and reflect on the unexpected twists of fate. He believed that sometimes, the most incredible opportunities come knocking when you least expect them. “I was not better than others”, he said. “Only had an unearned luck.”

In the annals of music history, Leonard's name became synonymous with perseverance, talent, and the belief that dreams can come true. His funny story of hitchhiking with a boat to a music festival became a legend, inspiring countless artists to never give up on their passions, no matter their circumstances. And masses of people are coming to see the place for the wonder.

And so, as the curtain fell on Leonard's remarkable journey, he continued to sing his heart out, bringing joy and harmony to the world. His story serves as a reminder that even the most penniless of singers can rise to the most incredible heights, creating a beautiful melody that resonates with the souls of millions.

“What a dream!” I commented.

“And all amazingly became tp/p/leonard-at-a-safe-balcony-distance-from-the-boats-in-the-portrue. Ultimately, I even got the most beautiful dream back, Marianne.