So for the doubters out there in blog world... heres my finished wings in all there shining glory... and YES we will be at the JJ... representing the SFS
This has got me thinking lately... yes i know dangerous stuff!!!! About all my years at the League, the great friends Ive made and the great enemies, the many sponsors and corporate activities, the magnificent Sydney Harbour and its Islands where no 2 days of racing are ever the same, the fantastic locations in Europe I have sailed 18s as well as the many friends from different countries, the icons of the 18s like Peter Sorenson and Trev Barnabas ive raced against
My reasons for skiff sailing have changed dramatically over the past years, once it was for the glory of the race win or the odd title win, now, its just for fun... ye its still serious and me and my young team of Benny and Sam will be fighting hard at the upcoming JJ Worlds, the boys are very new to skiff sailing but are super willing and keen to learn and improve their skiff knowledge, both on the water and off in all aspects... thats probably helped me the most over last few months of very crazy and strange events that have happened around me... most notably with the conviction and gaoling of a great friend and past skiff crew from many moons ago... Jeffrey Gilham... for you mate after 15 years of never ending hell, the fight has just begun... again... but thats another story in its self and not really for this place and time
Whilst I will never be remembered at the League for winning a JJ, close on occasion but no cigar...my time there has been super eventfull including 3 memorable years as a board member, and its got me looking at all the old pics of the many shapes and sizes of all the unique skiffs of the past... and ye why not... i mite even do some pic on this blog of all those years and different beasts, just to see the fashions and fads come and go, the many sponsors that have made my skiff years possible, the great ideas, the stupid ideas, the rebuilds, the endless hours and hours and late nites of skiff prep, the crashes, oh ye and the injuries... and not to forget the big nites of partying and drinking... theres nothing like ending the day of skiffing and salt water with countless Rums... thank god for Bundy, what would sailing be without it
At the end of the day I sail skiffs cause i love it, noone can ever say its for the money, unlike some pro sports people of today, its the thrill, its the challenge of boat prep and tuning, its the mental process, its the planning and execution and the many people involved in sailing. Im not out to prove anything to anyone, im just happy 2 young guys are interested in learning more about sailing... actually to tell the truth im still learning with them, and thats probaly the great thing about sailing in general, there is allways something new to learn, thanks guys
Now bring on the JJ... see you on the water
2 comments:
I think you may have forgotten to do the qualifying races?
Wow thanx for the team support, how nice it is to read some kind and caring remarks
But dont be loosing sleep there squaddy king, you can catch up with the team in the new year at SFS rigging park as we race in the upcoming Aussie Titles at the League which double as JJ qualifying
Cheers and thanx for the reminder
Post a Comment