Need more stories with beer

While competitive sailing gets a lot of attention, Hal Smith suggests we can’t forget what is good for the soul:

I believe there is plenty of sailing that would not be characterized as being pursuit of excellence. We do see examples of excellence all of the time because that is exciting and prominent and thus it is what the media reports. But there is much more beyond the championship regattas.

Championship regattas are not the best place for beginners to start. Beginners can have fun just finishing the course, but there is something in the American spirit that pushes us to raise the bar another notch each time. That is part of our DNA, and it is responsible for the invention of many of the wonderful things we have.

However, I have seen sloppy race management create frustrating days on the water for the sailors, so pursuit of excellence has its benefits for all involved. Maybe we would all enjoy reading more stories about experiences with a tiller in one hand and a beer in the other. That is good for the soul.