Yesterday, Das Boot's crew served as Race Committee. It was a perfect sunlit day. What's not to like about a warm day with a steady 12-knot breeze? I wanted people to enjoy themselves, but not too much. So, I chose a jagged, 4 ½ nm course which required two spinnaker sets. The 6nm windward/leeward course would have more pleasing to me to sail. But I wasn't out there, was I? Nevertheless, a good time was had by all. I was also proud of the flawless work our team did, lead by Trophy Wife. Truth was, I was extremely envious of those out on the boats whom we, ashore, were starting, finishing, and awarding glasses to.
But that was nothing like the envy and pride I felt this morning. This was the day my two oldest granddaughters embarked on their first sailing summer camp. Conquering their fear of bottomless salt water, A & E took to the sea like fishes. First, there was the early morning swim test, which Doberwoman and I furtively photographed from afar.
Then there was - well I couldn't stay any longer for that because I had to go to work. I also couldn't stand the wave of envy that swept over me. Envy of their youth and excitement. And there is a smidgeon of worry: Whatever are we going to do if one or both of them takes to liking/loving sailing??? For one thing, maybe Trophy Wife and I might have to dispense with our vision of a boatless future.
At the very least, we might become enveloped with a sense of perpetuity.
But that was nothing like the envy and pride I felt this morning. This was the day my two oldest granddaughters embarked on their first sailing summer camp. Conquering their fear of bottomless salt water, A & E took to the sea like fishes. First, there was the early morning swim test, which Doberwoman and I furtively photographed from afar.
Then there was - well I couldn't stay any longer for that because I had to go to work. I also couldn't stand the wave of envy that swept over me. Envy of their youth and excitement. And there is a smidgeon of worry: Whatever are we going to do if one or both of them takes to liking/loving sailing??? For one thing, maybe Trophy Wife and I might have to dispense with our vision of a boatless future.
At the very least, we might become enveloped with a sense of perpetuity.
"Our vision of a boat less future."
ReplyDeleteWhy?
"It is of great use to the sailor, to know the length of his line,
Deletethough he cannot with it fathom all the depths of the ocean.
It is well he knows, that it is long enough to reach the bottom
at such places as are necessary to direct his voyage,
and caution him against running upon shoals that may ruin him"
John Locke, An Essay Concerning Human Understanding (1690)
Envy of their youth and excitement.
ReplyDeleteOn a completely different context I am coming to understand that statement.
Loved John Locke in Survivor!
ReplyDeleteStill can't imagine having a vision of a boatless future. Cheat the nursing home. Die on your LASER.
Skipper, your youthful exuberance is enviable, too!
DeleteThis is someone worthy of our envy - Jack Sutphen still racing at 91.
DeleteExuberance, at whatever age, is enviable.
DeleteWhat separates me from Jack Sutphen is not his exuberance, but his resources.
DeleteDuh! I mean Lost not Survivor!
ReplyDelete