I used to sail with the captain who gave me a very valuable lesson. He would tell the
crew, on our very best day against Mother Nature, we play to a draw. And we can never
forget that no matter how ingenious we think we are, the forces of nature are so much more
powerful and unpredictable than we can prepare for. And we have to do our best, but it's a very
humbling experience.
Nature is both the sailor's friend and his rival. You don't go to sea on the links without
expecting sometimes to do battle with the forces of nature.
Now we are straight downwind, which is not a very good point of sail. The officers give
the instructions to the crew.
9-1-1, whoo!
We can all become better people by laying out on the water, humbling ourselves with the forces of
nature, the power of nature, the grandeur and beauty of nature. There's a lot to be said. These are very powerful moments.
When we go out here, when we're offshore, and we're dealt with everything that nature can throw at us, and we come through it.
This phrase comes to mind that sailing does not build character, it reveals it.
Don't fight it.
9-1-1, whoo!
9-1-1, whoo!
