Now that the International Sunfish Masters Regatta is over I have several thoughts. First, it is true that we become what we focus on. Second, perseverance is my strength. Third, I will win a major event. Perhaps it is a bit narcissist but I believe with proper training and positive reinforcement my dreams will come true.
The night before the regatta I feared being left behind at the start of the 56 boat fleet. This fear became a reality in all 4 our of 7 heats. The worst was when I angered an olympic sailing coach and renowned sunfish sailor. I knew I was over early and decided to just bear off and run down the line in front of the windward approaching boats; bad move as it is illegal to barge down the start line. I thought it was the quickest way to get out of the way while enabling myself to dip start. How selfish, I should have simply sheeted in and put the tiller down thereby luffing while backing my boat around while hoping to not hit the committee boat. At least I would have played fairly and not hindered the competition. Despite the general recall I was embarrassed by my poor judgement.
In the next to last race of the event it took me nearly two minutes from the start to get moving across the start line. Definitely left behind by those who were moving and on the line at the gun, I decided I needed to sail fast and stay in clearn air. I am still waiting to see the results but this could have been my best race. In 6 - 8 knots I believe I finished somewhere around 21st. Not bad for me (out of 56 boats) -- especially after such a poor start.
The last race brougt the promised 15 - 20 knots of wind. Convinced I wouldn't have adequate time to put a Jenns rig in, I just sailed as best I could in the 1 - 2 foot river swell and puffs that brought spray over my head. Pounce, plod, and smack went my hull if I headed too high; whoopeee when I bore off to keep some speed with a luffing sail. Determined to finish the once around course on the right side of the boat, I thanked a former sunfish sailor, Nancy F. for teaching me about the chicken gybe. Who cared if it took me more than a minute to carry out the round about tack on the down wind leg? I stayed upright and finished the race in a respectable last place. Heck, quite a few sailors dropped out. I persevered and won self-respect.
Third, I put into place a rigorous training schedule. Thanks to complements by the captain of Purrfect, Larry E. and encouragement by MYC's famous photographer, Ross H., I will focus on winning the Florida State Women's Sunfish Championship on May 8. My big boat women's team will foster this goal by keeping me focused on sailing fast, choosing the right side of the course and being on the start line in clean air , , , what else is there?
1. writing down my goals, plans and results.
2. writing an article about the sunfish regatta for Southwinds, the Windward Leg, local news and internet
communication.
3. following a rigorous physical fitness and training program.
Well, that's enough about me for now. Gotta get the results so I can flatter and acknowledge my competition who did an awesome job of reminding me of how lucky I am to live in the US of A, to have my health at age 61 1/2, and to have a husband who loves me. Lastly, to all of you, thanks,,,,
Marlene
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