I grew up in a swimming pool. I learned lessons of perseverance, how to do the butterfly and the fun of being on a team. Our kids are growing up sailing learning their own life lessons.

There are many races when the wind isn’t quite right and the athletes have to continue sailing until the judges determine the conditions are fair for a race. They are actively sailing while they wait. It can be frustrating, tiring and boring. It is up to Mother Nature and often you just have to wait. Waiting for wind teaches them a lot about patience. And while they wait they can’t be on their phones. No cell phones are allowed in the boats and that I really love! Sometimes it can even be fun to wait for wind when a kind lake local takes them for a pontoon ride.

Sailing is governed by many rules and judges. It is the sailors responsibility to know the rules. The sailors are expected to do their circles when they break a rule. If they don’t do their circles their competitors can protest them and they then go through a protest hearing with the judges after the race. There are so many learning opportunities from the rules to the hearings. The athletes learn to respect the rules of the sport, the judges and their competitors. I appreciate it when I get to be on the judges boat and the sailors thank the judges at the end of their race. It is a nice recognition from the sailors for the judges who are volunteering their time for them to compete. 

And like many other sports sailing teaches perseverance. There are many regatta days that the sailors are on the water for 6 or 7 hours with only a short break during which they tie their boat to their coaches boat to eat lunch. It takes perseverance to finish every race on the high wind days and the low wind days. 

But during those long days competing something magical happens - lifelong friendships are created. Friendships are formed between kids of all ages, from all different lakes. Special friendships are formed between skippers and crews who work together to make the boat go fast. And they learn huge lessons about communication as they work together to win.   I have observed first hand among sailors my age they truly are lifelong friendships.

Another season of summer sailing is over and I am grateful for the life lessons and the friendships. We have been welcomed into a sport that many of the families have been competing in for multiple generations. It is a way of life for them. We are grateful for them so generously showing us the ropes; especially welcoming us on their boats to spectate. Watching sailing is really fun when you don’t really know the difference between a jibe or a roll tack. We do actually kind of know the difference, but more than that we know sailing is a great opportunity for our family.