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It's Still About Perspective "It's about this time every year, at the beginning of the summer racing season, that I give my usual speel about how, unless you're getting paid to be out there racing a sailboat, it's really all about the fun. I don't know of that many people getting paid to sail on Puget Sound, so it's pretty safe to say that everyone is out there to have a good time. Of course everyone has a different perspective on what constitutes a good time: for some it's the chess game of getting a tactical advantage over their opponent; for others it's the excitement and satisfaction of being part of a competitive team; and for many it's just getting out with some friends and sailing with a bunch of other boats that happen to be going in the same direction. Whatever the reasons it's easy to let incidents of the day obscure the basic premise. We tend to forget the fact that we just spent a day doing something we really enjoy. Oft times it's little things; a blown tack, bad start, running over your spinnaker (okay, not such a little thing) that will cast a pall over what otherwise is a great day. ...So, when you're out on the water and things may not be going exactly how you'd hoped, smile and remember you're doing something special, something that makes you and all around you happy. Enjoy." It's a year since I wrote those words, and as the spring/summer racing season approaches, it's time for my traditional locker room speech about sportsmanship and having fun out on the water. Last year was different. We'd just lost our good friend Kelly O'Neil and the whole sailing community mourned her loss and celebrated her life. Putting things in perspective was pretty easy, black and white. But as time turns things to grey, let's remember why there was such an outpouring of feeling for her. She was a good sailor but that's not what we think about. She was a good photographer, but that's not what we remember most. She was a joy to be around. Sailing was fun; racing, cruising, being out on the water was fun -- that's what we remember. Many things have been done to honor her memory but nothing would make her happier than everyone just having fun out on the water. Sure, race your guts out, that's what it's all about. But when the race is over, shake your opponents hand. "Nice race, good call on that tack." Win or lose, back at the dock or the clubhouse, people remember the nice folks. That's the legacy, not a shelf full of dusty trophies. Kelly made those around her happier. If we all try to do that, now that's a fitting tribute. Have a great season -- win the start -- catch the tide -- ride the wind and enjoy! |
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