Why Do People Sail?

Why DO People Sail?

Really. Why do people get into a little boat that may or may not have a motor attached to its stern? We won't even get into the part where sailing requires moving about in a zig-zag pattern to get from point A to point B.

Why do you sail? Why am I asking this question? Well, it's interesting that all the time I was away from this blog, it was the number one set of key words that has led people to this site for the last year!

"why do people sail"

Now I'm curious, did those who came here find what they where looking for? Many stuck around, digging through my archive of posts. I'd love to have been a fly on the wall as they read, say a post from the early days of chasing 18 footers around the globe, never-mind what they'd think of the Volvo Ocean Race sailor.

Then we have the beer-can man or women who jets out of work a touch early to make a Wednesday afternoon dock-call, dancing around their local harbor. Sometimes bobbing around, often the case in Fisher Island Sound in late Summer.

How about the mom and pop program with a small herd of little ones in tow, piling into the late model O'Day for a weekend away from their land-locked neighborhood? It's a lot of work prepping a family for a weekend of "cove-hopping." What inspires them to go sailing?

What inspires someone to even buy a sailboat?

In my own life I have experienced virtually every single economic bracket of "sailing." No matter the budget level or make of boat = MONEY PIT! Period, they could take that movie and do a boater's version of it. Boats, whether powered by wind or fuel are right up there with a fixer-upper vacation home.

Love sailing. Love being on the water. Love the people you share a dock with or meet up with at the yacht club or sailing center. Love. Love. Love.

Why we do anything - because we love it. Who cares how silly it may appear. Who cares how much it cost. If you love what you do, why not do it.

There you have it. It's really simple. Why do people sail? People sail because they love to do it. It's really no different then why people golf.

Interesting to note the next set of key words that lead people to my site where:

"why should people sail?"

My answer to that would be something along the lines of, " Well, if you feel like you "should" do it, why do it at all?" Do what you love. So what if it's not sailing, you can still read this blog and never step foot on a boat. Events like the Volvo Ocean Race are a trip to read about, follow, damn, you can even play the video game!

Only spend your time doing what you love, and if that means reading about it. Playing the video game or watching the latest movie - it is time well spent.

(I am WILD about rugby. I read about. I am lucky enough to photograph one of the best women's college rugby teams in the US. I will never get on that field!)

Publish or Perish: Why picking up your favorite sailing magazine is important.

"Be published or perish." This, a familiar phrase from my professors in University. At the time, was heavy in the sciences and all my mentors where active in their field of study. The school I attended was adamant their staff be contributing leaders in their area of expertise and one way to secure this position was having their research published in scientific journals.

What does any of this have to do with sailing?

How do the top boat designers, professional sailors and photographers make their work and accomplishments known to the world? It's typically published in one of the many sailing magazines. As contributors and readers, we breeze through clips on the web. However, it's when the story or image makes it to print, the real satisfaction of success is felt.

The virtual world has improved tremendously with rich content that is easy to find. It's a mixing pot of professionals and hobbyist. The combination providing a unique base of information from those who are paid to contribute and those with a passion.

Where am I going with all this?

I always wanted to be published. In print. Granted, as a young girl in University, the hope was to be first author in one of the many scientific journals I collected. Later, it would be to see my name in an American based Sailing Magazine I grew up reading alongside my father on our family cruiser. As an adult, a hardcover book protecting the pages of a great tale crafted from the many adventures experienced from chasing dreams.

The virtual world is my office. It's an amazing view. However, want makes it to print sticks around longer. We can go to the library and look up all the work on famous boat designers of the America's Cup and relieve the history of around the world racing. This may all be done on their computer database, however, because it made it to print in one of the recognized publications, its earned the place to be archived and therefore remembered for all time.

Remembered for all time. That's my point.

Will always send a shout-out to all the mentors and friends holding down virtual sailing news sites (too many to name and would not want to leave any out!) They work very hard to keep us in-the-know, in real-time. I've spent some years on that same goal - you don't sleep much!

However, for sailing to grow and leave a mark: the stories and images must be published or perish. So please, whether it's the digital version or quick grab at the new-stand, on your way through the airport; remember that every-time you do buy a sailing magazine, you are contributing to its future being told to our grandchildren.

Now, of course my hope is it'll be Seahorse's, but I am where I am today because of them all. Enjoy some Summer reading this season!

***
Note: I chose to work for Seahorse because their content is a mix of quality you find in a scientific publication and the light reading of news from the highest level of sailing. You learn a lot from the contributors without the clutter of ad/sales because they have streamlined their business process to efficiently publish content. It's not an easy magazine to acquire in North America, here's a free digital sample of April's issue:

Lead Changes and Challenges on Day Two at Key West

Lead Changes and Challenges on Day Two at Key West: Good Tactics and Boat Speed Rule the Day

Key West, Fla - Another day of good wind brought two more races and a shakeup in some of the standings in many of the 11 classes at Key West 2010, presented by Nautica.

A northeast wind that started off at seven knots and built to 13 allowed organizers with Premiere Racing to remain on schedule for a 10-race regatta. Some of the professionally-crewed grand prix classes saw the overall lead change hands while other classes saw the opening day pace-setters strengthen their grip on first place.

Joe Fly, an Italian entry skippered by Giovanni Maspero posted a pair of fourths on Tuesday to take over the lead in Farr 40 class. Francesco Bruni is calling tactics on Joe Fly, which began the day in third and now leads fellow Italian boat Nerone by one point.

Nerone, skippered by Massimo Mezzaroma of Punta Ala, had a terrific Tuesday with a first and a third to jump from sixth to second in the overall standings. Vasco Vascotto is tactician on Nerone, which was named Sperry Top-Sider Boat of the Day.

Struntje Light, skippered by Wolfgang Schaefer of Germany, fell out of first place despite winning Race 3. Schaefer was remained optimistic despite falling to third overall due to an 11th in Race 4.

“Of course, we are very happy to be in the game. We came here to get some experience in the new boat and so far our boat speed has been very good,” said Schaefer, who took delivery of a Farr 40 formerly owned by Peter de Ridder a few days before the regatta.

Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark had planned to compete in Farr 40 class at Key West 2010, but wound up having to attend the World Future Energy Summit in the United Arab Emirates. However, the prince still entered his boat and has been following the results very closely each day. He was no doubt thrilled to see that Nanoq won Race 3 on Tuesday with Anders Myralf on the helm and Volvo Ocean Race veteran Bouwe Bekking calling tactics.

“We wish Frederik was here to enjoy this win with us, but we understand that he has to take care of his official work as prince,” Myralf said.

Nanoq’s crew has not sailed together since the Farr 40 European Championship in Sardinia so that is why Prince Frederik felt it was important for the boat to race at Key West. Tuesday’s victory brought some positive reinforcement about Nanoq’s new rig setup.

“We had a very good start, hit the first couple shifts and rounded the first mark just ahead of Joe Fly. We then had a very good downwind leg and were able to extend the lead to five boat lengths at the bottom mark. We just covered the fleet from there,” Myralf said.

Barking Mad, skippered by Jim Richardson of Newport, R.I., rallied from last in the 12-boat fleet to fifth in a race for the second straight day and is fourth overall.

In the Melges 32 class, John Kilroy and his team aboard Samba Pa Ti had a superb day on the water and vaulted from third to first in the 22 boat class. Stu Bannatyne is calling tactics while fellow pro Morgan Reeser is trimming the main for Kilroy, who won Race 4 and placed fourth in Race 3 to move ahead of Monday leader Ramrod (Rod Jabin, Annapolis, Md.) by a point.

“We had confidence in our boat speed based off of yesterday so today wanted to have good clean starts so we could get clear lanes,” Kilroy said. “We were seventh at the last mark in the first race and rallied to get a fourth. We got a great start in the second race and were able to just extend and extend. Stu did a great job on tactics today while Morgan and Sam Rogers did a great job of trimming.”

This is only the fifth Melges 32 event for Kilroy, who has competed in Key West with a Farr 40 and a TP52 among other designs. The Malibu, California resident loves the exciting sport-boat and said the competition in the class is intense.

“This fleet is so close that one small mistake can cost you 10 or 15 boats. It’s the outhouse or the penthouse and you just have to try to stay in between and hope to be there at the end,” he said.

There is a new leader in the 21-boat Melges 24 class as well with Alan Field and his USA 587 team moving into a tie with UKA UKA Racing. Former College of Charleston All-American Steve Hunt is calling tactics for Field, a California resident who won Race 3 on Tuesday then tacked on a fourth in Race 4.

“It’s pretty shifty out there so it’s important to be in the front row and able to control your own destiny. Alan won the start (in Race 3) and that allowed me to play the shifts better,” said Hunt, who spent seven years mounting an Olympic campaign in 470 class. “Our boat speed is pretty decent and we really improved our tacking today.”

Field finished a somewhat disappointing 11th at the Melges 24 Worlds in October and Hunt admitted a win in Key West would help ease the sting of that result. “At the worlds Alan had a little trouble getting off the line, but here in Key West he is starting the boat much better, which makes a huge difference.”

UKA UKA Racing, the Italian entry owned by Lorenzo Santini and helmed by Lorenzo Bressani, now has an impressive series line of 2-1-2-5. Tactician Jonathan McKee, a Seattle native, said strategy and boat-handling have been paramount in the shifty conditions. “It’s not really about boat speed and much more about positioning,” he said. “Today was less shifty than yesterday, but it still wasn’t totally obvious which side of the course was favored.”

Bella Mente and Pugwash extended their leads in IRC 1 and 2, respectively, with a second straight strong day of racing. Bella Mente, a Reichel-Pugh 69-footer owned by Hap Fauth of Newport, R.I., has sailed very impressively in winning all four races.

“We are coming off a very successful summer season in Europe in which we won the Med Cup and several other regattas. Right now, the crew is on top of its game and we are getting the most we can out of the boat,” Fauth said.

Pugwash owner David Murphy looked quite content on Tuesday afternoon as he ate finger sandwiches and sipped green labeled beer aboard his Lyman-Morse 90-foot motor yacht, berthed at the end of the Galleon docks. Murphy deserved to enjoy happy hour after opening Key West 2010 with a stellar line of 2-1-1-2. The New York resident is a newcomer to competitive sailboat racing who has enjoyed tremendous early success.

Pugwash, a J/122 based in Newport, R.I., has won four of the seven events it has entered since Murphy took delivery in June. North Sails professional Larry Leonard is calling tactics for Murphy, who is looking to add Key West to his impressive list of victories that includes Chester Race Week and the Edgartown Round the Island Race.

“All the credit goes to the crew. Larry is the mastermind while our trimmers are terrific. I’m just kind of like Forrest Gump. I just focus on driving the boat,” Murphy said.

Savasana stretched its lead in J/105 class with a fourth and a second on Tuesday as skipper Brian Keane looks to repeat as winner of Key West. Mike Danish is serving as tactician for Keane, who praised the performance of second-place Ghost and said Savasana has to keep putting up good results.

“Ghost sailed great today and certainly is pushing us,” Keane said. “Ideally, our goal is to finish in the top five of every race and win each day. It’s all about avoiding the big mistake.”

North professional Will Welles holds the lead in J/80 class for the second straight day despite an eighth in Race 4. Jeff Johnstone of J/Boats steered Little Feat to a pair of bullets on Tuesday to close within one point of Welles and the Rascal team.

Johnstone may be with the company that designs the boat, but admitted even he can learn new tricks on the race course after finishing seventh in both races on Monday. "It was one of those things were you had to go left, but you couldn't bite off more than you could chew," Jeff Johnstone said, referring to how he played the shifts a bit differently on Tuesday.

Follow all the grand prix action, racing excitement, and results through the web-site blog and coverage, live tracking of the Melges 32 and J/80 fleets by Kattack Kattack.com, Scuttlebutt’s on the scene reports SailingScuttlebutt.com, and nightly on demand video by T2P on www.T2P.tv (after 9:00PM EST) and more.

Results, photos and news: www.Premiere-Racing.com

Press Officer Bill Wagner bwagner@capitalgazette.com

Spanish Castle To White Night Coming Soon

She's nearly ready for shipment and going to be a beautiful gift to self or fellow fan of a good adventure read:



For up-to-date news and scoop on the book's release - check out the Fan Page!

News Bite From Istanbul Europa Race

"Just as in the third leg of the race, the Istanbul Europa fleet have
once again found the Mediterranean's weather gods in capricious mood. Now approaching the Alboran Sea, the last stretch of the Med before the Straits of Gibraltar and the frontier with the Atlantic, the sailors are experiencing the robust conditions of a low pressure
system: squalls, thunderstorms, flashes of lightning and sudden,
brutal bursts of acceleration as they are caught by the fierce gusts.
And as the boats pass Cap Palos, the battle for places in the ranking
is fiercer than ever." Read More On The Final Leg Of The Istanbul Europa Race

Closing In On Nice, France: Istanbul Europa Race Nibble

"Even with less than 300 miles to the finish of the first leg of the Istanbul Europa Race, the positioning and posturing is still going on, with no clear benefit or preference on either side of the course as the leaders close on Nice. Michel Desjoyeaux and the crew of Foncia has stolen the theoretical lead by virtue of their gains in the west closer to the island of Sardinia. A small shift and the ability to skirt more around the outside of a blocking bubble of high pressure has been the key to Foncia's gain today." ~ Further Reading

Here Come The Puma Moths!

From our friends at Puma Ocean Racing...

Get Back Out There!

The PUMA Ocean Racing Bladerider Moths will be sailing in the 2009 International Moth World Championships. This event will take place August 6 – 15 in Cascade Locks, Oregon, USA.

Moth Worlds are one of the premier events in competitive dinghy sailing, attracting top-level sailors from around the globe. The entry roster includes countries such as the United States, Australia, Great Britain, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Japan, and Belgium.

After finishing an amazing journey with PUMA's boat 'il mostro' in the Volvo Ocean Race, PUMA Ocean Racing is excited to have two top sailors compete in the Moth Worlds using the PUMA Bladeriders. PUMA Ocean Racing is all about high adrenaline sailing and the foiling Moths that 'fly' over the water are another exciting way to bring that to the sailing audience and beyond. The foiling moth class is relatively new, but features some of the best young talent.

PUMA's Moths will be sailed by Brad Funk (USA) and Glenn Raphael (AUS). These are the very same boats that joined the PUMA Ocean Racing Volvo Ocean Race crew in the stopovers around the world.

Brad returns to the PUMA family after sailing the Moths during the Volvo Ocean Race Boston Stopover. He is currently sailing in the Laser and International Moth Classes. Additionally, Brad sailed in the Laser Worlds in 2007 and 2008, and he's slated to attend the 2009 Laser Worlds a week after finishing Moth Worlds. A candidate for the 2008 Olympics, Brad is currently campaigning for the 2012 games.

Glenn Raphael is a welcomed addition to the PUMA program. Hailing from Australia and now living in the United Arab Emirates, Glenn has vast experience on the international sailing scene. He’s currently sailing in the International Moth Class and has participated in both the 18-foot skiff and Olympic 49er classes. This will be Glenn's third appearance at the Moth Worlds, having sailed there in 2007 and 2008.

PUMA will be blogging from the 2009 Moth Worlds on http://www.pumaoceanracing.com as well as following the event on the PUMA Ocean Racing Facebook page, through Twitter updates and posting event photos on Flickr.

Note From Jenn: Puma does an amazing job getting the story out with personality...follow along, you'll enjoy the scoop!

Up-and-coming Bite: 2009 Moth Worlds

Just got an email from a Puma peep sharing the news of their participation. For sure to be the best looking Moths out there on the water...

Furthermore, believe Mr. Amory Ross will be shooting the event...which means amazing images.

The folks at SA will have this one well covered, but plan to keep an eye on the event, many Volvo sailors have their sites set on this class. I can rattle of a number of guys who went from the finish in St. Petersburg Russia, home to a new Moth awaiting them...

It's interesting to see the variety in the lives of a Volvo Ocean Race Sailor...what to do after you have sailed around the world...not an easy one to top!

Spectacular Sprint To Stockholm

A half million people?!?! Maybe not in the photo below. A shot of those gathered around the large screens displaying live footage of the Sprint race from Sandham to Stockholm. However, when they tallied Race Village attendance, on-the-water spectators and those who lined the shores for a glimpse of these impressive boats; it was figured, a half million all right!

Getting around was bit of a task! Taking pictures, nearly impossible. Trying to do both while enjoying a hot cup of tea- not advisable! Though, I did manage and while waiting for the fleet to come into shore-side viewing distance, battled the people and enjoyed the scene.



Shore-side spectators enjoyed live commentary (this impressive stage is perched on a floating barge!)



The mini-Puma City is also sticking to a floating theme, in fact, many elements of the Race Village are built on-top of barges. Including Ericsson and Telefonica Wet-base areas.





Eventually, the call came and the cattle drive to all viewable points commenced! Thank goodness for a "backstage pass" and a quiet perch away from the crowds to watch the "on-the-water-circus" arrive into town. For the crowds who lined the shore, it was a "tippy-toe" affair to catch a glimpse of it all.





Ericsson 3 made a perfect show of winning the Sprint and initiated a crowd response one surely must of heard all the way back to Sandham!



Later in the day Magnus and crew attempted a "rocket" number, though their high leg kicks could use some work! No matter, it was wonderful to see and feel his enthusiasm for their Second place finish during the Prize Giving. He has the most impressive smile, even when buried deep in the crowd spectating.



It was truly a spectacular day in Stockholm. We are currently experiencing some less then lovely weather but spirits are high. Everyone seems a bit more rested. All are excited to know Telefonica Blue are on their way and preparations and details getting sorted for Sunday's in port race. After having a hand in the on-the-water logistics and dealing with "spectator exclusion zones," then witnessing the madness of both the arrivals and Sprint Race. I believe the team(s), logisitcs and sailing, will have their work cut out for them!

There's been a break in the rain, time to get out of this media center!!!

Bites For A Cause: Humpback Whale Huniting to Resume In Europe

Homing into the academic roots and study of marine sciences, it's been pretty easy to partner up with groups like Oceana to write about Sustainable Sailor practices or in this case, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) and their current campaign to encourage the world not to take for granted the North Atlantic Humpback Whale. Here is the latest news from the WDCS:

Humpback whales in the line of fire – Europe to decide their fate

The humpback whale is one of the most prominent large whale species (famous for their “singing”/long mating calls) and has been protected from commercial whaling since 1966.
However, this species will be in the firing line at the upcoming meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC), to be held June 22 – 26th on Madeira, Portugal. Denmark is expected to request a quota to kill 10 humpback whales off the coast of West Greenland. The vote of the EU-block will be decisive in whether or not the first humpback whales in decades will be killed legally in European waters.

Denmark’s abuse of the aboriginals’ right to “subsistence whaling.”

Denmark, on behalf of Greenland, is expected to submit a proposal for the killing of 10 humpback whales a year under the IWC’s “Aboriginal Subsistence Whaling” (ASW)-category. Greenland claims that its current ASW-quota is not sufficient to satisfy its population’s need for whale meat.

If the international community were to approve this request, it would be the first time in decades that the otherwise totally protected humpback whale would be hunted in Europe. The position of the 23 European Union countries, which are also IWC members and who must vote as a block, is likely to determine the decision.

For the sailor, it's a unique love affair with marine mammals. They are beautiful and scary. Scary because an encounter with them, when today's ocean racing designs move so fast can be devastating for both the animal and the human. However, seeing one is such a special moment given how few there are in the world. One has to hope, with better understanding of these animals, setting up whale exclusion zones like that seen off Boston will help both sailor and whale to "move" about the oceans more harmoniously.

Stay tuned...more to come later this month. Furthermore, while reporting from Sweden and Russia later this month (Volvo Ocean Race;) it's my intention to collaborate with the WDCS to share their news and keep these gentle giants around for our children's children to appreciate!

Mass Bay High School Regatta at Fan Pier Boston

It is a PERFECT day for a High School Regatta at Fan Pier.

While guest explore the Race Village, take in the Harbor views from Puma City there is live racing right off the Harbor Walk.







Racing is still underway, stay tuned for race results and more live coverage from Volvo Ocean Race at Fan Pier Boston!

Duxbury High School Took Home The Glass Today!

Will post more details on Volvo Open 70 arrival details later today ~ Cheers!

Photos: Jennifer Langille/Premiere Racing

A Few Bites Off Track

Late last week my head got stuck in the snow and stayed there. I can honestly say, with the exception to having a number of co-workers at Mad River Glen seriously into sailing, all thoughts have been on getting fresh tracks in the 5 feet of snow blanketing Stark Mountain in Vermont.

There is something special about fluffy snow. It does not matter how cold or tired one is, making a fresh line through the stuff is addicting! It's fun. It's an experience which embraces all thoughts and for a few moments, the rest of the world dissolves away. Worries saved for another day.

I'd been playing with a pair of "fat" skis which opened up areas of the mountain I would normally stay clear off. Marked trails became a thing of the past and exploring the woods tested me in new ways. One run in particular was way off track, extremely deep and way steeper than I've ever tackled in my life.

I'd normally be pretty scared, actually terrified but there was something unleashed and instead of tears there was a steady giggle with each wild jump, turn, swoosh and the all expected face plants in 5 feet of snow. Escaping each mildly reminded me of being stuck in the "sewer" unraveling a massively entangled kite from a not so clean douse. However, that never made me laugh like a school girl.

Coming out of a massive wipe-out after just nearly missing about 10 through a narrow tree lined chute evokes an inner excitement I've never had while sailing. I'm not sure I've ever laughed, giggled, snorted or hopped about like a little kid who has to use the bathroom after a good down-wind run with the kite. There have been many awesome days on the water sailing. There are days I've held my breathe in anticipation while riding the edge of a wipe-out, but pretty sure there was no giggling at the time.

So what's the difference, besides the obvious? One can not really compare skiing and sailing, though, almost every sailor I know either skis or rides. Is there something missing in their world of sailing that playing in the snow fills? This has been consuming my thoughts during the daily commute back and forth from the mountain. I've NOT been having this much fun in the last few years chasing after sailing opportunities.

I've also never pushed the snowy envelope as I have this season. Ah. Maybe that is it? Maybe I need to take sailing to new levels. Maybe a return to the Volvo Ocean Race in April will reinvigorate the passion for wind and water. Maybe just getting back on the water will help. The eXtreme 40s will be in town and those suckers exhilarate!

Maybe the ambition to nibble on sailing needs a fresh perspective because chasing after the news stories and technical scoop does nothing to excite lengthy prose about sailing. Even the Volvo Ocean Race has left me uninspired. Love the lifestyle, but these past few weeks, where a weather report of snow is enough to get one out of bed at an ungodly hour to drive through blizzard conditions to wait in a 40 minute line for a fresh powder fix has introduced an aspect of living not frequently felt in sailing.

It does exists and maybe deeper exploration into the worlds of windsurfing and kite boarding will help. To be in position when Mother Nature calls, going without reservations and to give her your all, till you can't stop laughing from all the endorphins flooding the brain! A little dose of that is good for the mind, body and soul.

Cheer!

Note-worthy Nibbles

Bite From Boston
Did you know... everyone can sign up for note-worthy eNewsletters on the Boston Stop-over? Check-out the latest issue and help spread the word. It's going to be a great few weeks of intoxicating sailing-related events for all ages! I'm shooting to be on-site early April to rejoin the Premiere Peeps with hopes to provide a "behind-the-scenes" look at the event.

It's sincerely similar to a circus with Fan Pier looking to be just another pretty place to walk the dog and then out of the blue a massive village overtaken by crowds to never knowing the "circus" was in town. Stay-tuned for more news to come and join the FaceBook Fan Page!

Keeping It Blue
In the world of Ocean Conservation there are a number of sailing peeps on a mission, self included, to turn World Ocean Day into a Global Holiday and why not? Holiday's are a fun way to acknowledge and recognize issues important to everyone on the planet, especially all us water junkies!



An additional way to take action, join the Ocean Conservation Yacht Club who's partnered with Oceana and dedicated to working with sailors. Look for the OCYC at the Annapolis NOOD regatta April 24th thru 26th.

Speaking of NOODS...St Pete's is this weekend!

One Design Bite

There's quite the entertaining thread going on in one of the sailing forums regarding One Design Weigh-ins in response to a reader article on the topic.

The OD weigh-in dilemma has been beaten-to-death by SailTrim (me) over the last few years and to be quite frank, really tired of engaging conversations at KWRW, etc., with hefty guys who's overall health could benefit from investing in their own weight management. So for all those unhealthy, over-weight sailors who demand their healthy and fit crew be the ones to lose, check-out this link and consider the benefits to YOU for taking the initiative to be more fit. Imagine how much your sailing will improve. Furthermore, your crew won't starve themselves and be hydrated more often then not.

• FDA: Losing Weight
• National Heart Lung and Blood Institude: BMI Calculator
  

Well fed, hydrated, and fit crew sail fast! (They also have more fun, better attitudes and work harder even if they aren't the best sailor...they are the best crew ~ cheers)

Why do people sail?

Seriously, why?

Can't speak for the rest of you sailors out there. I know why I sail, though today still unable to sit "normal" almost a month after my Black Fly turned Staph Infection incident from doing the Chicago-Mackinac race, an experience which has overshadowed the pages and pages of notes on the amazing time otherwise had.

How a "microscopic" negative can so easily undo a 50 foot boat load of fantastic memories is beyond me. The experience has me reminding self "why I sail."

I sail for many of the same reasons the likely person reading this blog does: for sport, sensations of movement, love of water and being outside, etc., etc. Explaining to people why a sailor sails is pretty easy picture to paint. Despite being a little uncomfortable these days, the love and passion for sailing has not weakened. Just a little jaded about sailing anywhere there may be Black Flies.

Now, if we (sailors) could leave out a few bits on why we sail. For example, sharing the "war stories" for after they go out on the boat a few times. Sailors love to hear other sailors "big fish" tales from regattas past or wild deliveries. Unless the potential new sailor is already an adrenaline junky, they want to hear about the lovely cruise which involved more civilized affairs.

Granted, this takes putting a few feelers out there. Understanding a little bit more about the person one is talking with and then deciding what picture would entice them to scope out the closest sailing center. Sailing does have so many "faces", many "flavors" to choose from, truly an activity, sport for anyone who chooses to give it a try.

For example, some of us choose to race around bouys, go offshore, hang on a trapezes ,etc.. We choose to sail on the boat which best matches our personalities. It is ok if that style includes a 25 foot Cape Dory, sipping wine on a lake or coastal waterway in just enough breeze to keep the iron jib tucked away. As sailors, active ambassadors for our sport, it is our responsibility to ensure all the facets of sailing get properly portrayed.

To grow our sport, increase participation and ensure our favorite events are there for our children's children to participate in: we each have to share why we sail. Though, why we sail may not be why the person listening wants to sail. They may just want the ability to cruise on a gentle boat in gentle waters.

Though, do advise they bring bug spray...just in case!

Sailing Road Trips...

...are never without something occurring! We corralled for a 0730 departure from Noank, CT...



and maybe two hours into our trip the trailer's tires chose not to continue on with us...




...four new tires later and we made it out of the state for a rather uneventful trip to Annapolis. Well, I take that back...driving a M30 through narrow toll stations and getting gas make for a new sort of adventure.




We arrived to Bert Jabin's BEAUTIFUL Yacht Yard a tad too late for use of the crane, but quickly prepped our girl for first shot at it the following morning.

The crew was very focused on weigh-in, over anything and the scale was the first thing unpacked when we arrived to the yard!

Being a cautious team, everyone joined in a light run that night and thanks to the efficient efforts of the yard, we all remained in good spirits for the finals push to get the boat ready for an afternoon of practice on Thursday.

All in all, aside from tire troubles, our boat and team where very prepared for the event this past weekend. It was amazing to see the impact it had on our sailing. We were able to fit in plenty of practice, address concerns as they arouse, still make it to the tent party and have team time while making it to bed at a decent hour to hit the "repeat button" next morning.

I am extremely proud of the team this weekend and believe our success of a productive regatta to initiate the M30 season was a result of early communications about weights, members taking time on the weekend to complete boat projects and arriving to the event early and well prepared.


Photo: Ian Burman

Furthermore, we made time to debrief before and after sailing, enjoyed the social venue however ended each night as a team and started each day as a team over a nice breakfast (boat owner Scott Baker gets the gold star for getting our butts out of bed and in gear! While tactician Randy Shore inspired us to take time for a team sit down breakfast.)

Oh and I can not forget the team bonding over electronic golf our last night...good times on the water and shore side at Annapolis NOODS!

Special Thank You to SailFast Apparel for keeping us in fashion and cool (it was hot hot hot the first two days), Bert Jabin Yard and to the organizers of the event; we had a wonderful time despite the fickled weather.

Sights and sounds...

...can bring people back in time.

The holiday period from November through January 1st can be sensory overload! The seasonal changes, sensory cues and damn Christmas carols playing moments after the last bite of turkey, all trigger memories of years gone by.

It's really quite an interesting aspect of human psychology, the relationships between sight, sound, and smell with human emotions and memories. One of many elements I enjoy most about sailing, how it engages all our senses and can either keep one alive in the moment or bring back, for self, some lovely memories.

Back in the day...

Our family use to get together around this time with other families from the marina for an America's Cup holiday gathering (the taped races). They were great parties. I actually think I better understood the cup in my pre-teen days, then ever I do now. Today - I get a headache with each press release and instantly filled with disappointment and tune into the commentary of the Barcelona World Race for a reprieve.

I miss my childhood innocence around the Cup, how my "marina friends" and I would announce to our parents how we were going to someday be America's Cup sailors. Once, sitting in the middle of the living room, my younger self was fending for tele rights from "non-sailor" step father who wanted to change the channel from the Cup to something about UFO sitings, "No!, that will be me someday!", standing my ground, as the women I looked up to, duked it out in the male dominated waters. My grandparents (both sailors) had been visiting and now deceased grandfather, in his gentle tone, simply said, "Dear, you will need to be much bigger". Was somewhere between 10-12 at the time, I'm told.

I have to chuckle when thinking back to being one of the littlest in school, too scrawny to wear proper little girl clothes and dressed like a little boy most of the time, "helping" my true father on the boat and never once thinking I wasn't "big enough". Oh well, in truth, the America's Cup is no longer an ambition - out grew it- on to sailing across oceans...some day.

In my youth, the America's Cup was the highlight of sailing, the level of sailing any young sailor would hope to achieve, an event worth watching - would like to move on. There is more to the world of sailing than the America's Cup and those who are key in what makes it special, feel they have the talent to make other events special while those who cast a dark shadow duke it out...

There is more for the sailor than the America's cup as well.

Personally, would like to see the sailors, no matter age, class of boat, etc., be the highlight of the sport over one particular event. With the ever more physical boat designs making way to a local docks, mother nature's mood swings and demand for creative means to power these beasts of all shapes and sizes, will require the growth of the sailor in many different facets.

Support the sailor and support the future of our sport.

Back To School...

It's the time of year where returning to school is fresh on the mind unless you have no children, done with school and happen to give it little thought till all off sudden caught behind the big yellow bus for the first time in months...

In preparation for graduate school, have been searching for scholarships and or grants which support individuals interested in heading to school for the goal of working in the sailing industry...very very few. The yacht clubs prevailed with 500-1000$ to assist their sailing youth, which makes a little dent but otherwise nothing really stood out.

Youth and adult sailing clubs, clinics and organizations are wonderful for supporting the sport, however, what about the individual who may not aspire to sail under the Olympic rings or work as professional crew or captain? How about those who find homage in the lifestyle of the sport and would like to contribute and play an active role? The young sailor who loves to watch the weather...or the artful one who has a way with computers...love of science and water...the list is endless!

How about our industry's leaders budgeting a scholarship fund for the young sailor who whats to go to college and design the next generation of boats, rigging, computer systems, etc...just a thought...

~Jenn

Sailing with finesse...

...on a 30 foot boat with "big jobs" and little sailors...

This weekend awarded the opportunity to share the Mumm30 experience with a fellow sailor. I was able to sail the boat, once again, from beginners eyes and brought back to the day when I was once told I was too small to do the fore deck on a Mumm30...

As I walked through the fore deck and pit positions, flooding her head with way too much information, it occurred to me all the explanations, tips and tricks were geared towards someone who can't "muscle through" a job or task.

As a science fanatic, I do respect anatomy and physiology, knowing some "bodies" are better suited for different types of jobs within the different levels of sailing. With that said, not being a very big person who aspires to sail on medium to big boats, getting the job done on occasion requires some mental and physical finesse.

So... Sailing Finesse 101...which only works if you have sailing 101 under your belt...

"Big jobs can be done by little people...remember David and Goliath..."

Use your head...think ahead...respect own abilities and inabilities and don't be afraid to ask for help when needed (leave the ego at the dock, bringing the humble heart on board)...still struggling to get the job done...is it because of feeling too small...not strong enough...can a different "tool" be used to help complete the job...could a tweak in "how" the job is performed help...or, at last..."communication" to fellow crew to set a slightly different stage to perform the job (my fav...."please square the pole"...)???

Aside from on the water practice, trial and error there is land training to the aid of us little sailors who can...want to be a 5 foot halyard jumping rock star on a 50+ foot boat...you will have to use that 5 foot stretch of arm length to it's fullest potential with both speed, strength and agility (since stable surface only occurs while docked).

How?

Perform an "air hoist" with a coach to first assess if full range of motion(ROM) is being employed, then either head to the gym or fitness center to consult a trainer in formulating a program/plan which maintains ROM, builds power in the movement with speed. Freestyle swimming, climbing and rowing are all great (and fun) extracurricular activities to build stamina and strength for rock star hoisting and many other jobs on a sailboat.

Need more guidance ... ask SailTrim. On land training, positive attitude and on the water practice can help someone tune their mental and physical attributes to finesse most "big jobs" on any size boat...

Fair Winds,
Jenn

The little black figure on the bow is me at this years Acura Grand Prix:


Photo: Tim Wilkes 2007

Besides "beginner's eyes" on this weekends sail, gratitude to the people who gave me the chance to try the "big jobs" despite little hands. ~ Thanks to my Mudheads and Family!