Sails Raised

Today, I spent the afternoon watching sailing races out on the bay. The sun was hot and a light wind was blowing to create a wonderful atmosphere. Actually, I unexpectedly got a little burned on my face and neck; I guess the rays were a little bit stronger than I thought!

At one o'clock, the races for women's and men's windsurfing took off. Before beginning, they congregate around each other until the whistle is blown. The time prior to starting is crucial because of positioning. Unlike other sports, there is no way to completely stay still, line up, and start exactly at the same time. Instead, it's whoever manages to get closest to the starting line without passing it, before the starting cue.

Thankfully, I met some Americans and Frenchmen who knew sailing and gave me a great commentary of what was going on. This was extremely helpful because (as I learned today) sailing is not a spectator's sport. Why? Well, it's difficult for spectators to get close enough to the boats to see clearly, and because of how technical sailing is, it is important to know some of the ins-and-outs of sailing competitions for the races to have significance. Without my newly met friends, I would have little idea of what was happening.

Later this week, I hope to go out in a boat to get closer to the action. The spectator's pier is much to far away. I look forward to more sun, more spray, and more stiff competition.