Thursday, October 25, 2007

Is it possible...

...to miss a blog?

Yes, for as much fun as it has been to share with the community through the Sailing World site it has not been as "personable" as writing in a platform created myself, much like sailing on a boat nurtured by one's own hands...familiarity.

I will seek a better balance in the New Year and appreciate those who have held on while I bounce about!

2008 will bring a few more changes but such is true for everything in life. The holidays can be a trying time to stick with the program and will stay present to support those who enjoy a little "bug in the ear" to meet their goals.

Finally, I've become a complete junky for offshore news and with the Barcelona World Race occurring during the holiday mayhem...sure there will be news to spark a blog or two on my passion for offshore racing and the physical demands on the sailor...

The following is my tribute to the imOc 60 who's presence would distract me from all other thought!

Sunday, August 19, 2007

One way trip...

...to Brazil. There are going to be 84 boats at the start of this year's Mini Transat, celebrating it's 30th anniversary. This will be the largest turn out with boats still on the waiting list to get in. Team Acadia, skippered by Clay Burkhlater of Stonington, CT will be the only American sailing the only American designed (J Boats) and only American built Mini since 1977! To be here with less than 4 weeks, truly exciting.

How Clay got here and the support from back home...amazing. Clay and I reflected a bit over the last few years, how we both got to this point; he with Acadia and I with SailTrim. We've been blessed by a tremendously supportive sailing community.

Personal journeys; whether starting a new career, school or sailing campaign do take on a life of their own when the individual(s) taking the leap are devoted to the "quest". Clearly Clay is quite devoted...he damn near built the whole boat, however, lucky for us and his humble heart, a whole community has brought Acadia and Clay to this point and working with him has awarded the opportunity to see and hear his appreciation and gratitude.

However, this journey comes to a point where Clay and Acadia need to prepare, let us all go and focus on why they're here. Had he, himself not been driven to do this, non of us would have had the opportunity to share in the adventure. This is true for all who take on a personal "Everest"...to reach the peak, summit, each must acknowledge an appreciation for self in staying committed to the goal.

Once they stop worrying about whether or not they've properly thanked and showed thanks...it's time to set sights and give complete focus to the goal and envision it's completion...the rest will follow suit!

Team Acadia Photo Album:



For Team Acadia....eyes are set on Brazil!

Good Luck to all who take on the world, believe in yourself and it'll happen ~ Jenn

Saturday, August 11, 2007

7 Miles in 17 Minutes...

...no not my latest training run! Just the most exhilarating event on the West Coast for skiffs, kite boarders and windsurfers!

Bridge2Bridge Promo:




Join the fun and be part of the "SKIFF" documentary!

Fair Winds,
Jenn

Monday, August 06, 2007

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

Thursday, July 05, 2007

It's not the Tour de France a la Voile...

...but Mystic Mudhead Midnight Madness Regatta on a Mumm30 will be a little New England teaser for this gal! Hmmm...knew there was a reason not to hide my warm fleecy wear...maybe summer in New England but it's going to be chilly and wet!




Regardless, we have a great line up of crew...full report to be posted Sunday.

Till then there is regular video footage posted on the Tour's Website for all you Mumm30 junkies!

~Jenn
(posted 12July07)
It was madness and my full write up WAY to long to post....we took line honors and overall ~ Fantastic for a night full of fun from riding waves, weaving through lobster pots, endless display of fireworks, a red moon, beach fires that lit our way around Block Island...a green fireball of a shooting star...I kid not! The best gorp and brownies one could hope (thank you Vicki!) for an on the rail past midnight energy boost...when the absolute "quietness" concerned me that our crew were fast asleep...but not...just enjoying the ride...flying an A-sym on a Mumm30...about time I say!...to more lobster pot weaving...man we were so lucky as we cut through groups at a time, however with so much energy and focus on which red blinking light on the horizon marked our finish...it all just worked out.



It was an excellent night of sailing ~ thank you guys!