Well, I survived my first regatta in our new J/22. And what a first time out it was! With only 2 hours total sailing time in our boat, and fresh off completely replacing and/or moving all deck hardware, we did OK. Our goal was to not come in last and we didn’t. We had two boat behind us.

The J/22 Midwinters had a fantastic turnout. There were over 40 boats with approximately 18 women and 122 men. I was the deer in headlights for sure. All three days it was really blowing and the chop was a jaw buster. I felt at home since I just left Dressage (English riding). I just imagined myself sitting on a straight-shouldered Thoroughbred trying to canter through a set of Colorado moguls. It was no Quarter Horse lope that’s for sure! Yeehaw.

My position was jib trimmer and I was definitely not fast enough for this crowd. I’m still having to think about clockwise; it doesn’t come naturally yet. In 18-20 there ain’t no time to be thinking. My wise husband on the helm was very patient and steered as best he could to my slow trimming. He also wisely chose a course that required as few tacks as possible. We did a lot of ducking and taking the knocks because he knew the alternative was even slower. I’m determined to get better and improve my technique.

Our jib sheets were not flowing very well on the tacks and were causing lots of additional friction so we decided to get some new sheets at West Marine the first night. We went from too slow to wheee. The new sheets were wild and I was convinced they were possesed with a mind of their own. It was blowing about 18 and on the first tack I very purposefully unwound the sheet and moved quickly to sheet in the new side and get up on the high side. The next thing I new the lazy sheet had perfectly rewrapped itself with a double wrap around the wench and I swear it would have cleated itself if I hadn’t intervened. That was it. I decided my skill level was not sufficient for the wind, waves and new unruly lines so I notified the skipper of my concerns. Debbie, our foredeck crew graciously stepped in to take over the middle. I stayed between Debbie and David and they did a great job of navigating the course. It only made me more determined to learn this position so I can do it better.

I came home with over 30 bruises and by the third day I was just trying to get to the highside anyway I could. My muscles were spent. It has taken me a full three weeks to recover. I have Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It’s a condition you have for the rest of your life. With good care and maintaining a good attitude you can manage it and still have fun. It’s been a long haul back to functional health over the last five years. It’s a miracle I’m even doing this at all! I never could have imagined I could do something this physical again.  Five years ago I was riding in the electric carts at Home Depot and Wal-Mart. But I have made great progress and I’m ready to go at it again. The Texas circuit races are only two days long and there will be half the number of boats. Piece of cake after Midwinters!

I can’t thank my husband enough for being so patient with my beginner status and supporting me in learning how to sail. It’s so much fun to be outside and on the water with him enjoying something we both love together. And I’m extremely grateful for Debbie Adams and her wonderful patience and encouragement. She has been my mentor and teacher and a great crew member. And the DCYC sailors are the best. Thanks guys and lets go do it again!