Out For a Sail.

Matt,

Life is like a sailboat. 

Imagine if, before you were born, you agreed to take a voyage. It was a one way trip with a beginning and an end. You weren't told what to expect other than you'd be given a boat to sail across a vast ocean. That's it. There's no time for training, no life jackets and no backing out. Backing out would put you right back at the start on a different boat. You can get started right away. Anticipating an opportunity to experience something grand, you sign up.

Instantly, you find yourself standing at the edge of the water with hundreds of other people. They're all there for the same thing. They agreed to the journey and are ready to take their boats. Looking out across the marina, you see the sun just beginning to rise. You hear the clinking of the rigging. Hundreds of sailboats are docked in their slips, rising and falling with the gentle swells. Looking closer, you notice that no two boats are the same. Some are big and some are small. Some have their sails fully set, while others seem to have no sails at all. A few seem to be riding dangerously low in the water. 

Just then, a voice calls out from the dock, "All right everyone, let's get this thing started. When the whistle blows you will line up at the dock and I'll hand you a slip number as you pass. That's your boat. Once you find your boat, get in and get going. There's no time for discussion and no one may board another boat. Once you're on your boat, get going." 

The whistle blows and you jump in line. Your heart races with anticipation, your palms sweat as you look out across the marina. You wonder, which one is mine? Is it that big one? Is it that small one? You hope it isn't one of the half-sunken ones. You look around at the people with you. They're all wondering the same thing. 

After a few minutes of waiting you reach the dock. You take your slip number and head down to slip 44. Along the way you watch as others take to their boats. You hear their expressions as you pass, "Oh my, what a beautiful boat", and "Hey, my sails aren't rigged", "My motor won't start" and "There's a foot of water in this thing." and "The bilge won't run".  Your pulse quickens. It seems that some of the boats have issues. You wonder what you'll find when you get yours.

You reach slip 44 to find an old wooden sloop-rigged racer. It has a tall mast, a clean cabin and shiny brass bell mounted in front of the wheel. Climbing aboard, you check out the lines and notice the sails. Everything's fully rigged and ready to go. Ducking into the cabin you find a stocked galley, a clean bed and a small cast iron stove. Tucked into the bow you find a spare set of sails with what looks to be new lines and a heavy anchor.

Satisfied that your boat is well stocked, you run a quick check of your batteries. They're fully charged. Behind the steps sits a small diesel motor in good condition. The fuel gauge reads "FULL". Kneeling down you pull up a panel in the floor and inspect the bilge. It's dry.

Satisfied that your boat isn't about to sink you go back on deck, fire up the motor and begin untying your lines. Standing at the helm, you realize just how lucky you are. Your boat is dry, well stocked and ready to sail. Looking out over the marina you notice some boats already pulling out. Others are still in their slips, the new owners struggling with the rigging or trying to repair the sails. One guy is bailing water from a wreck. Suddenly, a voice cries out from the next slip over, "My sails! Where the hell are my sails. How am I supposed to sail with no sails?"

Looking over, you see a boat similar to yours with a young man standing on deck with tears in his eyes. You are about to call out when the dock manager walks up. He gives you a stern look, stares you in the eyes and says "No, those are your spare sails. They won't fit his rigging. He gets to figure it out on his own just like you."  He steps closer and lowers his head. His voice softens, "Everyone's boat is exactly the way they're supposed to be. Don't worry about him, he'll be fine and besides, you'll be wantin' to keep those spares," as he turns to walk away, "you're gonna need 'em."

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