Sailing My World

My mother laid a heavy hand on my shoulder and suggested I treat the next race as my last. It was as I had feared: my disappointing performances at both the World Championships and my final examinations have finally killed the waning confidence my mother had in my sailing commitment. Perhaps sailing isn’t good for me anymore? Maybe I really needed more time for my studies? Maybe… As I saw the worry in my mother’s eyes, for the first time in nine years, I began to seriously consider quitting.

Race day finally came, but the excitement that I was used to feeling just didn’t surface. As I dragged my boat towards the shoreline, I saw people frolicking on the beach a distance away; oh, it’s been so long since I’ve properly relaxed. Balancing training and schoolwork left no time for leisure. But I have learnt to appreciate such a life. Because I know self-discipline readies me for races; even outside of sailing, I have the will to buckle down and study after a grueling day out at sea, or miss a holiday for a service trip, as I know my efforts are worth more than personal pleasure. I grit my teeth, as I realize the years coping with the demands of sailing have built this work ethic into my system. I’ve fought hard to prepare for this race, as I have for everything I undertake. This race may be my last, but I’m going to give it my all.

The pre-race horn sounds; I run my race plan through my head – I’m going to head west, in accordance to the forecasted wind heading. But as the starting gun goes off, I notice dark clouds accumulating in the east. As my body propels my boat and me through the water, my mind continues to whir as I re-strategize; in an instant, I decide to head east, determined to capitalize on storm winds. Yes! My quick thinking gives me an early boost, and I launch into a quick lead. I grin; adaptability and resilience have always allowed me to thrive in uncertain circumstances, whether it be an unprecedented change in wind