Blessed

 Saturday we sailed! Chandler and I took the boat out and it was great. The breeze was steady, the air warm and our satisfaction off the chart as we had the opportunity to work the new lines and controls for the first time. It was a quick but effective beat towards the James River then a run back to the HYC dock. Smooth as butta!

After last years Octoberfest series, the FBG Racing Team shifted focus from competitive sailing to several overdue maintenance issues that needed to be addressed. Like a safety stand down. Lines were getting old and looking like a failure waiting to happen, below decks, the stow tops on our settees needed some TLC. The list was significant and I wasn't sure how this was going to get accomplished. But what I didn't realize was the depth of generosity, commitment and ability of this rockstar race team. 

It started at our awards afterparty when the crew presented me this amazing box of rope. Libby was quick to point out that ropes are lines waiting to be installed. Love it! 

Unknown to me, they worked with Quantum Sails Norfolk putting together this amazing collection of super high-tech rope. They selected the best option for replacement halyards, new sheets for jib and spin, twings, mainsheet, Cunningham, outhaul, backstay and more. Written on the box, best skipper! Wow - but that was just the beginning.

Chandler implemented maintenance Wednesdays #maintenancewed keeping focus on our projects and momentum on the process. It worked out very well giving individual crew members an opportunity to pitch in; what you can when you can. Some weeks we'd huddle around the heater planning and others we knocked out a good bit of maintenance. Its tight down there but we managed to slowly but surely knock out an item here and an item there.

We took everything out of the boat, fixed a bunch of stuff and then only put back what we needed. Spartan. 

It's really amazing to me the way this team came together and kept together over the winter. Recruiting and retaining crew is one of the tallest barriers to a successful syndicate on the race course. Consistent crew is a strategic advantage and it takes a deep bench to max-out with 8 at any given event. I am truly blessed to have these Rockstars in my life! 

Thank you-Chandler, Evan, Chris, Olivia, Daryl. Libbie, Myles, Stephanie, Patrick, Aaron, Bow Kat, Tammy, Chance and anyone I missed. The 2024 sailing season will be epic. Can't wait to see you on the water! 

Our last maintenance Wednesday was truly epic. Massive loadout of tools, load in of sails and equipment, splicing new lines in the club while re-rigging and organizing the boat. The team was in full effect and I was in complete awe. I have a blessed life! An awesome family and epic race team! #humbled #blessed #fbglove #appreciation #joy #thankyou #wow! #wednesdaymaint #highpoint2024 #loveccvr #competitivesailing