There were places, naturally, where I was my true self, most notably while hiking or skiing in Tahoe, but often I was filling the expectations of my role as a wife and mother.
Two years ago, I started sailing. This was an antidote to my addiction to the outdoors, and spending time in the mountains, or more importantly in nature after my children no longer wished to leave their friends for weekends or holidays in Truckee. I understood this, and sought other outdoor activities that were closer to home. For a while I thought it could be horses, and I took riding lessons, but this didn’t give me the same sense of freedom. Then I found sailing.
Sailing has given me everything I could have ever asked for. No mask required, sailing is simply a merit based sport. No one cares what you look like, where you live, how old you are, the most important thing is the common love of the sea. This passion unites the most unusual of companions and creates unconventional friendships.
Last night, I was at the Yacht Club, surrounded by friends looking out onto the Bay. My friend, and I sat with a globe, and he explained to me how the winds move around the world. And, I was enthralled. That’s all I can say. Enthralled.
Love and blessings to all.
Sydney 