The 16-foot catamaran needed repair. It had flipped while launching in through the six-foot waves, snapping the mast. The owner was looking for a cheap repair. I was looking for cheap sailing lessons. We needed each other. The repair went smoothly. While it was not pretty, with less than ten dollars left at the hardware store, we were set.
As I squeezed into a wetsuit, my confidence grew. I knew my primary obstacle was learning something new. As we pushed the catamaran into the surf, I realized that everything was big! The boat was big and unwieldy. The waves were ugly monsters. Fear took control as I realized there was every chance that we were going to flip and break the mast again.
Somehow, someway, we got through the surf and on the water. As my heart returned to its normal place, I thought the rest of the day would be wonderfully uneventful. I could swim, with the wetsuit giving me an extra sense of comfort and buoyancy. My life jacket felt comfortable. Everything was going to work.
With a few minutes of instruction, we were sailing on the bay. Then I hear a question floating through the air.
“Are you ready for some real sailing?”
“Yes!”
“Ok, hook yourself up to the wire. We need some ballast to get some speed.”
I had seen catamarans flying on one keel. It looked so effortless and exhilarating. With me in the frame, I had no idea. While I was not overweight, I could not imagine this thin braded steel cable holding. My fear paralyzed me. As I struggled I replayed other fears in my life, trying to find context. It felt like I was jumping without a safety line. As my heart went back to my through I could hear David singing over the waves, “Love us, God, with all you’ve got – that’s what we’re depending on.” (Psalm 33.22)
I clipped in, let go, and sailed! With my heart in my throat, we sailed into a wonderful memory that still brings a smile. Bring it on!
