The way I ended up on the boat is not that important, let’s just say it involved waking up way too early and standing in TO traffic for two straight hours. Sailing was not on my ‘must do’ list, but it always fascinated me [correction, I just checked and sailing WAS on my MUST DO list. Wow!] The love for open water runs deep in my veins.
I got a few instructions before the set date, like “wear something warm and comfy in case it’s cold out there, bring running shoes, sunglasses, etc. We’ll supply you with whatever you need.” So there I was in my Nike pants, panda t-shirt and a windbreaker, definitely ‘styling’ and having not a clue of what to come. Must confess I don’t like the ‘first day’ of anything, they always make me uncomfortable and leave me feeling useless at first.
The boat had to be lowered down and I had an amazing task of pressing the lift crane button, but that was after the boat was in the water already. Oh yeah, I was ‘important’, but super excited never-the-less. Yes, pressing buttons makes me happy! Time for a clothes change. What? Change into what? I thought I was already dressed! The girls were completely awesome and supplied me with waterproof sailing gear, and ‘ninja’ booties. I was even more ‘styling’ than before! So off on the boat we went. I have never thought that sailing was so complicated, with all the different colour ropes, it’s own completely different language, and so much excitement. I spent more than two hours with my bum hanging out of the boat, leaning back, and switching sides. The ultimate leg and abs workout! At first I was just sat there clueless, listening to chatter about gusts of wind, and directions. Girls translated their sailing language to “Get your butt out of the boat, NOW” and “Duck, and watch your head” just for me when the time came. The experience was amazing! I think they have started a very expensive addiction to sailing. I’m even considering taking sailing lessons, so I won’t be just extra weight on the boat. Thanks to the ladies for such amazing opportunity, and anytime when you’ll need me to hang my bum out of the boat again, I’m so up for it! Good luck in Montreal on your Regatta.
Oh yeah, no pretty pictures, since capsizing was an option and bringing expensive equipment on board was not!
