Woke up on Sunday morning, race day, with the same melancholy that I had felt for the last few weeks (end of summer and all), and the day was finally here. We, the crew of Eventyr, would be sailing together for the last time. It's not just the end of a season, it is forever.
It's sad.
But it's good . . .
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| (Skip Wilson photo) |
It's been joyous, challenging, and so, so fun. And my crew-mates, my friends - they're the best in every way.
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| Eventyr, 2013 MDI Cruising Class Series, FIRST PLACE (me, in blue hat, in center) |
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| Trophy! |
Eventyr owners have bought a power boat, so Eventyr is for sale. The time is right for them to do this. They've had many years of sailing and racing, so how perfect it is that we could help them win this last season's championship. Nice way to end this chapter in their lives and begin a new one.
We're really happy for them . . .
. . . They're going to have such fun with their new boat . . . messing about and poking around the down east coast . . . without us . . .
. . . waaaa . . . maybe the boat won't sell . . .
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| Eventyr (Maine Sailing Partners photo) |
We came up with an idea: FOR SALE, EVENTYR J-42, WITH CREW
Anyway, so off we went on this last day. It was a beautiful day. The wind was moderate, the sky was blue, and you could see forever.
This race would not count in the final standings. It was "fun" event - a pursuit race, but still competitive. We were hoping and planning to do well, like usual.
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| pre-race strategy session |
The course was pretty straightforward and easy with a few long upwind tacks and a couple broad reach and downwind spinnaker runs around Baker and the Cranberries. There was time for me to take a few photos. I don't think I was too annoying.
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| serious - look at the mountains! |
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| view from in front |
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| "time for a little something" - winnie the pooh |
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| girl power! so, all girl crew next summer? |
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| "a little light, a little light" |
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| "so, what do you think?" Hello? Fore deck guy? |
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| uh, oh, view from behind |
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| Finish! (4th) Thanks for a great season! |
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| cookies and beer! and memories and sentimental thoughts |
I'm left with not really knowing what to write. I admit I'm feeling a little lost.
You know when something just works, when something is just right? I don't think it happens often with a group of people because of dynamics and emotions and egos. But the "just right" happened on Eventyr because of respect and patience and honesty and laughter and compassion, and more laughter - and sandwiches and beer and chocolate.
And sailing - off Mount Desert Island. So beautiful.
I am happy.
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Frederic Edwin Church
Mount Desert
oil sketch on paper
1850
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O’er the glad waters of the dark blue sea,
Our thoughts as boundless, and our souls as free,
Far as the breeze can bear, the billows foam,
Survey our empire, and behold our home!
- Lord Byron, The Corsair
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