It all started with a dream… (part 2) – First time on board
In the previous entry I wrote that every sailor has his own story. So it's time for the next chapter of mine.
Truth be told, it all started... with a girl.
She was sailing with her parents, and I - apart from my fascination with water and sails - had no experience. I wanted to impress her. So I decided that the best way would be to sign up for a yacht sailor course.
I didn't think then that this decision would change my life.
I took my first steps on a small Nesh sailboat and a slightly larger two-masted Trainer. Everything was new to me. I was learning a completely foreign language - sheets, halyards, winches, pulleys, cleats... Plus commands whose meaning I was only beginning to understand. Sometimes I had the impression that everyone around me knew what to do but me.
From the first classes, however, I liked the discipline and rules introduced by the commander of our club. Everyone had their place, their duties and responsibilities on the yacht. I quickly realized that sailing is much more than just swimming - it is cooperation, trust and respect for people and the element.
Not everything came easy to me. Some maneuvers required many attempts, and there were so many new concepts that it was sometimes difficult to remember them. But something happened that I didn't expect at all.
Every time I got off the deck, I immediately wanted to get back on it.
This feeling has stayed with me to this day.
When I wasn't on the water, I was catching up on theory. I devoured every book I could get my hands on. A special place on my shelf was occupied by the then cult Yacht Sailor's Manual and books about boatswain's work. I also practiced tying knots for hours. Interestingly, I still use many of them to this day - not only on the yacht, but also in everyday life.
Looking back, I smile at the thought that it all started with the desire to impress a girl. Today I know that it was just a spark. The real reason I stayed in sailing was something completely different - the sense of freedom, constant learning and the people I met along the way. ...and as for the girl, I think it worked, because she has been with me for over 20 years ;)
It's worth taking the first step towards your dreams, because you never know where it may lead us.
Regards
Marek
P.S. If you have an interesting story, experience or topic worth writing about, be sure to let us know. We are also happy to publish our readers' stories. Write to us at office@sailwith.pro.
