Quannapowitt Yacht Club

I like the fact that I need to stay in shape if I want to be a good small-boat sailor.

It’s hard to motivate myself to exercise when I don’t have a goal. Sailing gives me that goal. I know I do better when I’m at a reasonable weight, have a bit of aerobic capacity and don’t wear myself out holding the tiller on a windy day.

Older bodies take longer to get in shape so when February appears I know I’d better put in a little effort – less comfort food, walks when it’s warm enough, some bicycle style crunches every other day, lifting some modest weights to build a little endurance in my arms. It’s eight weeks until docks in and I want to be ready – well, at least sort of ready anyway.

So, welcome to the middle of winter; but don’t blink, spring is gaining on us. I’ll see you in April for race practice. Be ready or be sore.

Jay Livingston, Commodore