The Magic of Our Sailor - By Carine Hartman

Written By: Carine Hartman

Category: Short Story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In Carine Hartman's engaging short story "The Magic of Our Sailor," a chance encounter in sunny Cape Town turns into an unforgettable experience of unexpected kindness and generosity. This heartwarming tale is part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, showcasing the diverse range of storytelling talent from around the world. Hartman's narrative captures the essence of serendipity and the beautiful connections formed in the most unlikely of circumstances.

About the Work

"The Magic of Our Sailor" is a captivating short story that delves into themes of kindness, serendipity, and human connection. Hartman's narrative style is both vivid and emotive, painting a picture of a magical encounter that leaves a lasting impression. Through her storytelling, she explores the impact of unexpected generosity and the joy found in small, everyday moments, leaving readers with a sense of wonder and appreciation for life's surprises.

Column1

Original Submission by Carine Hartman

Five cocktails, four beers and some snacks later the waitress is ready with her card machine to settle our R700 bill – and then the magic happens: a tattooed arm holding an iPhone comes over my shoulder and clicks the machine. A stranger we never laid eyes on just paid our massive bill.

Daughter and I are stunned. No man has ever paid for me without some singing and dancing first, which I immediately offer, of course. But he refuses. No, he doesn’t want to know our names. No drink needs to be bought and no need for your telephone number either, “Babe, because I’m just a sailor who makes a sh*tload of money working on a yacht and don’t know how to spend it all once I land”, he tells us.

Five hugs and many tears later we’re buying a feather pillow and two wine glasses to celebrate my first night in sunny Cape Town – and still can’t believe the kindness Our Sailor showed us.

We’ve been looking for him over our shoulders ever since, and he comes without fail in all shapes: three rounds of shots – which neither of us drink – land on our table, no questions asked; Kingston down the road gives us two pizzas but insists one is free; the big-mouthed manager of the expensive burger joint further down insists we pop in on Tuesday for a buy-one-get-one-free.

But the real magic of my two weeks here comes from the ocean. “Let’s go walk on the promenade and see some dolphins.” We see not only 20 frolicking in the waters but watch a seal having fun flinging his catch of the day through the air.

And who needs to go to Hermanus? “Let’s go spot a whale,” I say on my final days of “just two more sleeps”. Hardly 20 minutes later he puffs five times, breaches the waters and gives us a wave with his tail.

Is it us manifesting Our Sailor? Putting our energy out there in the universe? I don’t know. But I do know I have never been less stressed and at peace. Whether we’re feeding squirrels in the Company Gardens, drinking cheap wine in Fish Hoek or spending a windy day on Hout Bay beach, I never want this magic to end. But it does tomorrow.

Or maybe not if I fly Our Sailor home with me…

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform that celebrates the art of writing. It invites participants from across the globe to share their unique voices and stories, fostering a diverse literary community. The competition serves as an opportunity for writers to showcase their creativity and connect with audiences worldwide, highlighting the power of words to inspire and engage.

We extend our gratitude to Carine Hartman for sharing her delightful short story "The Magic of Our Sailor" with us as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her narrative reminds us of the unexpected joys and kindness that can illuminate our lives. We wish her continued inspiration and success in her creative endeavors.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.