I used to own a 16 ft. sailboat and was never more than what I called an ‘experienced amateur’ sailor. I loved the boat and was always amazed at the physics of sailing. It seemed that the most boring way to sail was with the wind directly behind. I did not use a spinnaker so that wasn’t an option. The biggest thrill was sailing ‘close’ to the wind.
You’d think that with the wind coming at you from a sharp angle from the side, that you’d flounder or at least have a tough time moving. Not so. My biggest thrill was like the one you see in the photos when the crew is hanging on the side of a boat that is leaning sharply, running into the wind. The idea was to find that point where the seemed wind resistance was actually pulling the boat forward at increased speed.
Once I got to the point where I was able to sail comfortably in most wind conditions, the learning interval seemed to fade from my immediate memory. I remember, only vaguely, going through the fears, uncertainties, upsets, and even deliberately tipping the boat to learn to right it effectively. I even had the experience of getting caught in a line squall and fighting my way to shore to prevent capsizing. But none of those thoughts and memories kept me from my next sailing adventure. My life had actually altered regarding ‘to sail’ or ‘not to sail’ and I was now beyond any mental arguments about ‘don’t try it, it’s dangerous, you’re not a sailor.’
Sailing became a pure joy and thrill and I used to invite some of the spectators who’d stand on the dock watching us sail boaters at play. I got no takers. For the most part, the responses were a simple, “No thanks. I’ll just watch. But you go ahead. Enjoy.” I used to wonder if by telling me to ‘enjoy’ that they weren’t somehow including themselves in the play….but not really including the risk of actually playing! Hmm.
There is so much of life that is a thrill to experience. But the way of life includes a time when it seems like the worst choice is to jump in and play……there is always a risk. A friend of mine once said that some of the things that will give us the most satisfaction and pleasure in life are the same things that our well-meaning friends warn us as being a big con, or shady-risky at least.
Maybe life would matter more if once in a while we were willing to ‘go with’ our resistance. Use it to propel us forward into excitement, take us away from the spectator viewpoint, and put us where it matters most….right on the playing field of our lives!
Rich