Skimming across the wide harbor, I am exhilarated by many sensations as I begin my sailing practice session. Spray over the bow chills my face like hundreds of tiny ice flecks even as the salt water burns in my eyes. The sun's glare on the water makes my watery eyes squint even tighter; it feels soothing and warm, however, on my bare legs.
The big race is tommorow and I must get comfortable with this trickly little boat. Racing before the wind the boat is like a leaf being blown across a pond. With just the rear end of the hull in the wayer, I am half flying. My imagination pictures the boat as a bird swooping across the surface of the lake looking for a quick meal. I shift my weight a little and the boat rounds up towards the wind, slowing my progress. No time for daydreaming! I fight off the turn by pulling the tiller to regain my original course.
With one hand on the tiller and the other holding the sail, my hands are in the same position aswhen i play my guitar. I recall the practice involved both in playing the guitar and in sailing. Musicians and sailors alike practice their technique to reach perfection, whether in the form of a beautiful tune or a thrilling sail. On the water I manipulate the sailboat to attain harmony between the boat, the wind, and the waves. Finding the right combination of these elements requires careful attention to detail. When playing the guitar I meliculously pluck, pull, and slide my fingers to create harmony out of countlesspossible combinations of notes.
Walking from another daydream I realize the sun is setting, the waves are turning into ripples, and the wind is dropping to gentle puffs. The will be no more sailing today, but I can now continue practicing my guitar. These twin passions will make this a memorable summer.