Sailing

Sailing is a rush. When winds exceed 15 knots, our deck slants almost vertically and chop splashes over the bow and low side, drenching me, the crew sitting in the forward position. My dad and I sit next to each other on the side of our Star (a low, slick racing boat), Tantalus, ready to fling our combined weight over the side to level the deck as much as our 300 pounds can. I hook my feet into the hiking straps and lean out in a sustained sit-up for the length of the tack. Anyone who says sailing is not a real sport does not understand the meaning of work--strength, focus, and strategy combine during a race to form the ultimate recreation.

Julia