While on vacation in Chatham on Cape Cod, I stopped by the waterfront and watched what I’m sure was a sailing lesson. I remember what they were like—out there on your own Sunfish, spending day after day racing as you learn to use the wind and come about and make your vessel a winning ticket.
My family went to Boothbay Harbor to a place called LInekin Bay, where the dining room was family-style and the focus was sailing. My dad used to race lightenings when he was young and we entered the week's end race at Linekin Bay, with great confidence. Dad as captain, Mom as First Mate and me as ...Swabby. There was little wind that day so Dad went off course to catch some wind and momentum, and we promptly sat still in the water for minutes. We finally got in, and came in dead last. My father was beside himself, although the only way we knew that was that he insisted on booking next year's vacation that day. We came back the next year and won the race. I never forgot that; Dad's competitive spirit drilled down to a tiny sailing race in a camping-style resort in Maine. Thanks for the reminder!
It's not the end...it is the journey
My family went to Boothbay Harbor to a place called LInekin Bay, where the dining room was family-style and the focus was sailing. My dad used to race lightenings when he was young and we entered the week's end race at Linekin Bay, with great confidence. Dad as captain, Mom as First Mate and me as ...Swabby. There was little wind that day so Dad went off course to catch some wind and momentum, and we promptly sat still in the water for minutes. We finally got in, and came in dead last. My father was beside himself, although the only way we knew that was that he insisted on booking next year's vacation that day. We came back the next year and won the race. I never forgot that; Dad's competitive spirit drilled down to a tiny sailing race in a camping-style resort in Maine. Thanks for the reminder!
I love this story... you always have one that sits so beautifully next to mine. When are you going to start writing again?????