Who really knows where chasing the wind will take me next? I started kitesurfing in 2013 but sailing has fascinated me for years, seemingly more like a dream than anything. So when a friend asked in a group chat if there was anyone interested in joining a sailing team… you guessed it, I signed up and have rearranged my schedule around practices and training because I don’t want to miss this opportunity. Call it a bucket list thing, much like this blog.
For me, sailing has now transformed from a little dream into a real goal since I joined a co-ed sailing team that will be competing in a month in an International Regatta. I feel lucky and blessed that half my teammates really know what they’re doing and they’re giving me and my friends the opportunity to learn from them and compete alongside them.
A couple other of my kiteboarding friends joined, so we’re in it together, learning as well as we’re all really motivated to do our best in competition. Truth is, we’re competing against some people who take it even more seriously and are trained, seasoned, hardcore professionals. Our team is committed to our training and we are motivated and driven, but we totally understand we’re the underdogs.
when you’re having fun…
Sailing became my happy place in the rain during our last practice. The weather was pretty miserable, but as a team we learned a lot, and overall it was a good experience. When I learned to kite I wanted to go out everyday and I went out on days that the wind wasn’t ideal just to kite for the love of it and as an instructor sometimes you end up teaching in some funky weather, what I’m trying to say is that each time, good or bad, you learn something different, and that ends up being better for you in the long run.
during last year’s races
Funny thing is this, I joined the sailing team and then asked how they did last year, and it turns out they did pretty darn good, so now I’m hoping my crew of kitesurfing ladies and I can rock this year’s races even if we’re competing in a different class. Regardless win or lose I’m pretty excited and happy to let the wind take me somewhere new.
More info on the St Thomas International Regatta:
https://www.sail-world.com/news/240991/Get-ready-to-STIR-up-the-fun?source=email
Dagseas Wind Tour 
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