Versatility Creates Visibility

In the 1980’s I hung with a group of friends we called ourselves Team Extreme; our motto was Versatility Creates Visibility, knowing the more diverse we became, the faster we would learn.

We windsurfed together, made the Burton Snowboard team, raced Lasers, bike riding, jeep racing, played music, and raced my Capri 25.  We had a blast, were young, fit, and passionate about life. We were going after every opportunity that came our way.

When we would race on my Capri 25, Motivation.  That was my nickname back then, so a perfect name for my boat.  My brother David was my core team mate. We would take out people who were new too sailing, or did not have a ride.  It was a blast sharing the passion and opening up sailing to these young people. Not bad for a couple of kids in their 20’s. It worked well for all, and was fun, winning 24 out of 27 races with that team over two years, those are special memories. 

So dive into what you want to excel at, but don’t miss all the other opportunities to grow.  Share your passion along the way, because it is the people in our lives that make it special. 

When sharing your passions and with others, toss out the ego, and don’t feel you are always right. You will learn more from them than they will from you. So go out and help the next generation.  Once you figured this out, the sky is the limit. 

I respect the best in sport, and life who do not have ego’s, or feel they deserve to win. These are the real champions that excel for a life time.

Legendary sailor Paul Elvstrom sums this up perfectly. “You haven’t won the race, if in winning the race you have lost the respect of your competitors.”

Be safe, Have Fun Every Day, and pass on the passion.  

See you soon, Paul