09 July 2009

I am Alive!

I know because I've spent way more time sailing than blogging lately. Remember when I almost gave up Megabyting? Well, I decided to do one more season. And not that anybody actually keeps up with this blog, but if you did, you should be wondering what happened at the Catalina Nationals. I have no idea. I wasn't there. Turns out I had an epiphany sometime during the long drive back from Whiskeytown. It didn't say, do more Megabyting or race Lapras. It said, "Go cruising in Lapras. That's what you bought her for." Damn right. As for the Megabyte, I was so frustrated after my regatta screw-ups that my first inclination was to sell the boat and check-out of the racing scene by diving exclusively into cruising the big boat. After some time I came to my senses. Cruise Lapras. Race Feraligatr. There it is. Even the names make sense--if you know your Pokemon.

So we went cruising instead of racing on the weekend of the Catalina 250 Nationals, but I'm not going to get into all that right now. (I promise, Dean, I'll post something, video, etc. before I blog about Huntington.) Where was I. Oh yeah, I am alive! Just got back from one last Megabyte practice session before this weekend's High Sierra Regatta. I can't say I'm now nailing all my roll tack and gybes, but I just felt so alive out there. It was windy enough to get into a full hike, choppy enough to require some boat man-handling, and just scary enough to nearly dime my attention. This is something my non-sailor friends have a hard time understanding. How can something that is barely faster than walking be so invigorating? It just is.

And, it feels good.

4 comments:

Dean Fulton said...

My boat's all packed up. See you at Huntington. Way to be alive! I'm still curious how many showed up for the Cat 250 Nationals. Cruising rocks.

Anonymous said...

You're alive! I never pictured you dead to megabyting. I must admit I don't follow all your steps, but last year and pursuing through your blog, I see "megalife" in you. Best to you at Huntington. Sorry we won't make up this year, but we'll see you the day after.

Rod Lee

Philip said...

If I can really cartop a Megabyte, I'm in to add to the mix in NorCal. Where can I find a boat?

David said...

Hey, Phillip. That would be great. Most of us use trailers, but cartopping is certainly doable, too. The boat is not much bigger than a Laser. Two local boats just recently sold, but I think there's one more for sale up near Sacramento. The class website seems to be down at the moment or I'd dig the info out. Try going to http://www.megabyteclass.org/ and then find the Northern California fleet page. scroll to the bottom to see boats for sale.