I watched stars fade into the sea. I heard the crash of the surf. I was part of a team made up of people, each one as precious as a pearl of the ocean.
I lay on the bow under an endless field of stars, fighting fatigue with all my strength just so I wouldn’t miss a single second of that divine beauty. I was awakened by the sunrise and the morning breeze. I was lulled to sleep by the waves and the howling wind. I was made entirely of salt water and sunshine. I watched the waves and the wind wash away everything unnecessary from people, leaving only their purest essence. I stood at the helm and raised the anchor. I cast off the lines and coiled the ropes. I was first mate to the bravest captain.
My kids and I learned firsthand that ocean waves are far thrilling than any roller coaster. We learned, and we taught. We sang songs and danced like real pirates. We gathered the wind in our hair, and in our hearts, the energy of the elements and boundless love. My body is already missing the weightlessness of the water, my mind, it seems, has not yet returned from the voyage, and my heart, I believe, has been surrendered to the sea forever.
Thank you, Friendly Regatta, for opening up such a wondrous world to people.
Making people fall in love with yachting is a true art form.
