What is your Muse? What inspires you on a down day or breaks you from a rut in the work day? One’s object of motivation is a powerful tool in reaching goals of many levels.
Recently I was in need of creative break on a few writing assignments. It doesn’t seem to matter what I’m researching or writing about, catching up with a fellow sailor is my best practice to re-inspiring the head: keeping the words flowing. If I can not go sailing, talking about sailing is not a bad fall back plan.
This day I was working on a piece for a web magazine called Suite 101 when a call came in from fellow racer Tom Loughborough and one of the founding members behind the American Sailing League. We had got to chatting in Newport a few months back and with a common passion for more spirited sailing, became an easy conversation and has not stopped since. He rang for a chance to keep the chatter going with the addition West coast heart and soul behind the operations: Chad Freitas, one of two directors behind the San Francisco based Skiff Sailing Foundation and contributing force in the ASL.
Needless to say my work for Suite 101 was pushed aside for the moment because talking with these two passionate sailors about skiff sailing and their goals for the American Sailing League was just plain cool. The hour conversation, sadly cut short by technology’s inability to keep up with the three of us, left heads full of ideas, all which will be but a tease to those who read this - sorry!
Yes, a tease. That is exactly what the ASL did to the guests of San Francisco’s Pier 39. They teased spectators with a spirited display of 18 foot skiffs racing about in front of the pier. Add in live music, commentary, video and any means possible to share the sport. This included a fully rigged 18 footer on display, very nice!
The success of these events sprung from passion and a strong motivation to succeed. The folks of Pier 39 were pleased and the skiffs will return in 2009 to dance for the waterfront guests. The American Sailing League is just warming up and the time to listen and talk with them cured the writer’s block!
Now day dreaming about racing a skiff. Which is right up there with the day dream of catching a ride on a V70. This all leading me to remind folks of the upcoming start to VOR 2008 and that V70s are basically skiffs on steroids. Noticing a theme?
The Volvo Ocean Race will be something like no other sailing event for 2008-09. How so you may ask. Well, for starters, they are pulling all the stops on telecommunications and surely there must be a sudden job market for IT staff in the world of sailing.
Now, I’m not naive to the motivation for VOR to flood the senses with news and scoop, meeting the exposure demands of high paying sponsors is no small feet. But please fall victim! I’ve had the pleasure of working with some of those boys who like riding waves on 70 feet of carbon.
These guys know what they are getting into, are true athletes and great personalities for the sport of sailing. I hope you’ll bookmark the VOR website, take many coffee breaks and watch the action.
NOTE: On-site blogging begins once I get settled on or around September 29th. Aside from off-topic reports, event specific posts will be on my Sailing World Blog thru October 11th.
Cheers!
Jenn
Friday, September 05, 2008
Friday, August 15, 2008
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!
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!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
Top Chicago-Mac memory: Vampire Flies!
Have you ever just been so in awe of how much can happen over a short period of time that to summarize seems an impossible feat? The last few weeks have been full on and the Chicago to Mackinac Race forever engraved in my head. It was amazing and incredibly "challenging" ("Challenge" being the name of the 1970 S&S 50 owned by Ray Teborek, whom privileged me the right to join he's historical program.)
Currently still on Challenge as we work our way back to Chicago and with help of fellow crew participating in the journey will do my best to get a few tales out in a somewhat reasonable time...
For now, lets just say more care should have been given to the black fly warnings. Though, no one told me just how vicious the suckers are!! We were all pretty knackered on our off-watches and for the most part eating and sleeping took top ranks over anything else. From the get go we engaged in the marathon of sail changes to really work Challenge. Between the head-sails, stay-sails, kites...some solid physical labor.
Enough so to be pretty passed out in one's bunk and completely oblivious to the mini-vampires hunting us down. I slept pretty lightly the first 24 hours but after our 20th sail change (not an exaggeration!), heading into Sunday the body was ready to just give in to sleep. The wind had laid down a bit, was foggy and warm...the mini-vampires closed in.
Most of us stayed covered at all times once the flies moved in. I wore a light pair of fleece leggings and long sleeve capelline, but did it stop the feeding frenzy...no.
I've since done a little research on how these damned and evil, no good black flies feed and can not believe that the pain caused by seven mini-vampires making a little "hole" in my skin did not wake me!?! Through my fleece no less, six of the god forsaken insects fed on my left hip-glutes region and one went for the nicely exposed neck (in true vampire form!)
Slept through the whole feast!
Furthermore, so focused on racing did not even notice an attach had occurred till Tuesday (we completed the race late Monday, actually Tuesday morning.) Turns out I am a wee bit allergic to the lovely toxins they inject into their victim and has sadly consumed my focus for the last few days...sitting has been a problem since my left "cheek" is out of commission for the grape sized welts from each of the bite wounds.
A learning experience? Yes!
The Black Fly tale is simply on the tip of my tongue since I can not even sit to type this post, but in all fairness it was an amazing experience sailing with the Challenge Crew, an incredibly talented group of guys: I was the only female amongst 13 males and never once did I feel incapable or treated differently, minus my need for a bucket! They empowered me to take on any job I felt able, which is a wonderful opportunity to grow as a sailor. Thank you!
There really is a lovely story to tell and will post a proper report with slide-show when we arrive at port with proper WiFi over the weekend.
I truly hope folks visit back over the next week for pictures and more tales from Chicago-Mac 2008.
All the best!
Jenn
Currently still on Challenge as we work our way back to Chicago and with help of fellow crew participating in the journey will do my best to get a few tales out in a somewhat reasonable time...
For now, lets just say more care should have been given to the black fly warnings. Though, no one told me just how vicious the suckers are!! We were all pretty knackered on our off-watches and for the most part eating and sleeping took top ranks over anything else. From the get go we engaged in the marathon of sail changes to really work Challenge. Between the head-sails, stay-sails, kites...some solid physical labor.
Enough so to be pretty passed out in one's bunk and completely oblivious to the mini-vampires hunting us down. I slept pretty lightly the first 24 hours but after our 20th sail change (not an exaggeration!), heading into Sunday the body was ready to just give in to sleep. The wind had laid down a bit, was foggy and warm...the mini-vampires closed in.
Most of us stayed covered at all times once the flies moved in. I wore a light pair of fleece leggings and long sleeve capelline, but did it stop the feeding frenzy...no.
I've since done a little research on how these damned and evil, no good black flies feed and can not believe that the pain caused by seven mini-vampires making a little "hole" in my skin did not wake me!?! Through my fleece no less, six of the god forsaken insects fed on my left hip-glutes region and one went for the nicely exposed neck (in true vampire form!)
Slept through the whole feast!
Furthermore, so focused on racing did not even notice an attach had occurred till Tuesday (we completed the race late Monday, actually Tuesday morning.) Turns out I am a wee bit allergic to the lovely toxins they inject into their victim and has sadly consumed my focus for the last few days...sitting has been a problem since my left "cheek" is out of commission for the grape sized welts from each of the bite wounds.
A learning experience? Yes!
The Black Fly tale is simply on the tip of my tongue since I can not even sit to type this post, but in all fairness it was an amazing experience sailing with the Challenge Crew, an incredibly talented group of guys: I was the only female amongst 13 males and never once did I feel incapable or treated differently, minus my need for a bucket! They empowered me to take on any job I felt able, which is a wonderful opportunity to grow as a sailor. Thank you!
There really is a lovely story to tell and will post a proper report with slide-show when we arrive at port with proper WiFi over the weekend.
I truly hope folks visit back over the next week for pictures and more tales from Chicago-Mac 2008.
All the best!
Jenn
Friday, July 18, 2008
Chicago: America's hidden sailing meca??
I've been playing around on Lake Michigan in preparation for the 100th running of the Chicago-Mackinac Race and feel that I've found a hidden mecca of sailing. Clearly it's always been here, incredibly established but this East Coast gal born just South of Chicago in Peoria feels like she's been missing out! My head has been clearly "stuck in the Sound"...so to speak!
I arrived in Chicago on the 11th to help deliver 55 foot beauty "Northern Light" to Saint Ingus, MI for Ray Teborek, owner of "Challenge": a 1970 S&S 50 I'll be crewing on for this year's Mac. Himself, wife and close friends will continue on to cruise after we complete the event while the "kids" will deliver "Challenge" back to Chicago.
"Northern Light"
"Challenge"
I am honestly not sure where to begin, since being here I've been completely in awe and positively overwhelmed with the sailing community. I simply love it! Looking to take in as much as I can with what little time available.
Last evening I embarked on what turned to be a 5.7 mile walk from the Belmont area to the Monroe area to meet up with folks at the Chicago YC's Monroe station (there is another at Belmont.) It was not my intention to go on such a hike in flip-flops but the activity on the shore line kept me walking, wanting to drink it all in (volley ball galore, extreme Frisbee matches, Dodge Ball in the live, hundreds and hundreds of people enjoying the lake!)
It was getting dark and the city lights egged me on to keep walking, a friendly txt message from Becky DeMore and Ed Furry of Saill22.com encouraged me to make way past Navy Pier and keep moving...they also offered me a ride back to Belmont, which sealed the deal!
Though, before making the trip home an invite to tour the Columbia Yacht Club was too good to pass up! Who would not want to muck around an old ferry turned into a floating Yacht Club?!?! A very special thank you to Peter Nielsen of Crowley's Yacht Yard Lakeside for the exclusive tour...he even let us play with the old fog horn!
The evening ended with some incredible candid conversation about community sailing programs and what Chicago has done to make the Lake accessible to as many people as possible. It was nice and quite enjoyable to spend the evening talking about how to get people access to the water and creative ways to share the sport of sailing with more people...so expect to hear more on this topic...
Till then...time to get my head in the game! I've never done the Mac before and very excited to participate in the event, even more excited about the prospects of a little island taken over by over 4,000 sailors and ecstatic about the material and pictures I hope to post and share!
Mackinac Island "Pre-Sailor Invasion":
I'll be posting both tales and photos at these blogs:
Velocity Made Good
Sailing World
Fair Winds,
Jenn
I arrived in Chicago on the 11th to help deliver 55 foot beauty "Northern Light" to Saint Ingus, MI for Ray Teborek, owner of "Challenge": a 1970 S&S 50 I'll be crewing on for this year's Mac. Himself, wife and close friends will continue on to cruise after we complete the event while the "kids" will deliver "Challenge" back to Chicago.
"Northern Light"
"Challenge"
I am honestly not sure where to begin, since being here I've been completely in awe and positively overwhelmed with the sailing community. I simply love it! Looking to take in as much as I can with what little time available.
Last evening I embarked on what turned to be a 5.7 mile walk from the Belmont area to the Monroe area to meet up with folks at the Chicago YC's Monroe station (there is another at Belmont.) It was not my intention to go on such a hike in flip-flops but the activity on the shore line kept me walking, wanting to drink it all in (volley ball galore, extreme Frisbee matches, Dodge Ball in the live, hundreds and hundreds of people enjoying the lake!)
It was getting dark and the city lights egged me on to keep walking, a friendly txt message from Becky DeMore and Ed Furry of Saill22.com encouraged me to make way past Navy Pier and keep moving...they also offered me a ride back to Belmont, which sealed the deal!
Though, before making the trip home an invite to tour the Columbia Yacht Club was too good to pass up! Who would not want to muck around an old ferry turned into a floating Yacht Club?!?! A very special thank you to Peter Nielsen of Crowley's Yacht Yard Lakeside for the exclusive tour...he even let us play with the old fog horn!
The evening ended with some incredible candid conversation about community sailing programs and what Chicago has done to make the Lake accessible to as many people as possible. It was nice and quite enjoyable to spend the evening talking about how to get people access to the water and creative ways to share the sport of sailing with more people...so expect to hear more on this topic...
Till then...time to get my head in the game! I've never done the Mac before and very excited to participate in the event, even more excited about the prospects of a little island taken over by over 4,000 sailors and ecstatic about the material and pictures I hope to post and share!
Mackinac Island "Pre-Sailor Invasion":
I'll be posting both tales and photos at these blogs:
Velocity Made Good
Sailing World
Fair Winds,
Jenn
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