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| Home >> Top Tips >> TopTip2020 #24 - A Zen Story - by Nick Collis-George, AUS |
TopTip 2020 #23 A Zen Story
by Nick Collis-George, AUS
Nick Collis-George got back into dinghy sailing in 2012 with a second hand Laser, learning how to sail again at a leading Sydney Harbour Laser club. Three years ago he was one of the first in Sydney to buy an RS Aero and set about starting a new fleet at Balmoral Sailing Club on Sydney Harbour. The club now has 18 RS Aeros and is the largest RS Aero club in Australia. Nick received the Grand Master Medal (65+) at the RS Aero Worlds at Black Rock YC, Melbourne in 2020. Here Nick delves into the Zen of why we sail our RS Aeros...
'I sail my Aero to sail my Aero
While I have been going ok at RS Aero regattas, they can be stressful and difficult for me, not the Zen experience I am used to sailing back home. At the Black Rock Worlds we had several three to four race days in fresh winds and open waters. It needed every bit of fitness, health and basic boat handling to keep the boat going well and avoid capsizes.
I aim to sail my RS Aero three times a week, averaging 120 sails a year, which is possible in sub-tropical Sydney. Sailing, keeping fit, having a healthy diet and lifestyle creates a virtuous circle, and RS Aero sailing is my keystone activity.
I appreciate the tips from top sailors although, as a masters sailor in my late 60s, some modifications are required. Knees, hips and back can't maintain extended hiking, torquing is not an option, and the spring in the legs is not there for the last push required for roll tacks. Just getting some kind of a gybe done in 20 knots is a winner.
Mixing up the sailing experience is important, keep it fresh and interesting. At Balmoral SC we organise mid week sailing in addition to the club's Saturday race schedule. Our Tuesday sails take us all around Sydney Harbour using buoys and channel markers for our informal racing. The harbour is empty, these are among our best sailing days. I also find some solo time for boat handling practice. Setting up a variety of RS Aero sailing days is also part of developing a club fleet, but that's another story.
I was asked for a top tip. This is not a tip, it’s more a thing.
I sail my Aero to sail my Aero!'
A Zen Story
A Zen Teacher saw five of his students return from the market riding their bicycles. When they had dismounted, the teacher asked the students, “Why are you riding your bicycles?”
The first student replied, “The bicycle is carrying this sack of potatoes. I am glad that I do not have to carry them on my back!”
The second student replied, “I love to watch the trees and fields pass by as I roll down the path.”
The third student replied, “When I ride my bicycle, I am content to chant, nam myoho renge kyo.”
The fourth student answered, “Riding my bicycle, I live in harmony with all beings.”
The fifth student replied, “I ride my bicycle to ride my bicycle.”
The teacher went and sat at the feet of the fifth student, and said, “I am your disciple.”
Reply
17/04/2020 16:40:00
Peter Barton
Posts: 4657
