One of the responses I get quite a lot is “Oh, you must have grown up sailing, then?” the truth is quite to the contrary!  That’s one of the things which makes this whole idea so outrageous; I’ve only sailed six times ever – not counting holiday day trips on a yacht, with crew, where I was mostly engaged with sunbathing and beverages.  Since it is uncouth to both crew and wear a bikini (dire emergency or rescue situations aside), one’s role needs to be established before you leave the marina, sorry Joey Potter.

I’ve always felt so welcome and at home amongst the sailing friends I’ve met along the way – and I hope that’s not just business / client etiquette…..  I say that with a pinch of salt; I’ve invited myself for drinks enough times when I’ve not been clientele to have a view of a bit of the behind the scenes.  And I look forward to learning a lot more.

It’s going to be very different to the City, and whilst I have done some weeks before, it will be all new when I’m thrust onto a boat with strangers rather than just my father and/or friends.  Weirdos aside, there might be people who might decide that rather than experimenting with what the local restaurants and bars have to offer, pasta on board is their lunch and dinner of choice seven days in a row.  My personal preference in that situation would be corn cakes and tuna mayo, either way the carb to protein ratio is going to be less than ideal.  And I dread to ponder what happens if I find myself on a dry boat.  Scrabble?

Another interesting finding, when accosted in the corridor/pub and asked about all of this, is how many people I know sail, have sailed, regularly sail, have even done their yachtmaster!*  It’s quite amazing, and very intimidating.  Especially when it is extremely senior people in the City who I only tangentially know who are coming up to me and initiating conversation; running away may be an acceptable option when you’re 17 and intimidated, less so at 33.  It means there’s even more pressure on me to actually succeed at this.  I know it’s going to be hard and it’s a very long time since I invested myself in something which truly challenged me; sorry work, you’ve just been too much fun!  How many people leave their job because it’s not hard enough?!  I’m starting to doubt my decision.

But only momentarily; whilst there is stil a lot to achieve before I go, I can’t wait to wake up and know 90% of the time the sun will be shining and there’s a whole new adventure awaiting just out my front door.  Let’s go!

* I also encountered someone who failed their yachtmaster four months ago.  He didn’t do the coursework though, got too involved with the fun stuff; note to self.