The faster I sail, the more I relax
I would like to share two stories about my love for fast sailing. Each has a very different outcome, but both make me think of the Malcolm Gladwell’s 10,000 Hour Rule.
For me Malcolm’s rule has a different meaning then you will “Become world-class in any field in 10,000 hrs”. Millions work for 10,000 hrs at something, does that mean they will be world class at it? No, it means hopefully they are competent at it. To be world-class you need to have the passion, deep desire to constantly improve, enjoy failure, and not be interested in measuring success by money, or climbing the corporate ladder.
To me success is living a fulfilling, loving, passionate, and unmistakable life. That leads me to another great book. When only is better then best Unmistakable, by Srini Rao. Wow what a great book. This book is spot on for how to live and unmistakable life and why. I love it.
OK, now the first sailing story.
I windsurf, and have windsurfed since 1978 on the first Classic Windsurfer. It is one of my passions. Windsurfing is some of the best raw sailing I have ever done, and keep doing. To go out and rip around at 25+ kts, feeling the acceleration, freedom, all on a 16 lb board with a sail bigger then a laser sail, well you have to experience it to understand.
A few days a season I go for max speed. To do this I needed the perfect combination of conditions, steady breeze 21-25 kts from the southwest, and flood tide.
I rig and head upwind on port tack, dialing in for the conditions. Then I jibe onto starboard reaching just a little deeper then down the line on the waves, hopping them at times. At this point I can not go max speed due to the waves.
Then I clear the pier into our harbor and hit the flat water. Here the breeze comes across the saltmarsh and fans with a little extra punch. Again all the conditions have to be just right. I torque the board onto a free running reach, perfectly balance then close out the foot. At this point my mind and body fully relax and mentally I leave the board. Why do I relax, well because I am doing exactly what I love, and to the best of my ability. To me that is success.
Go out and find your fast, fun ride, and give your mind and body the full relaxation of success.
Next week is the second story.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas