Steering a sailboat is sort of like driving with bald tires on ice – it’s a double edge sword that could go either way. Capture the wind.

In University I had big plans with a friend of mine to start a “boat business” in South America somewhere. We would take people out for dinner tours while other friends steered the ship. Granted I am from Alberta and the only ocean I had seen was Sylvan Lake. But why let reality cloud a great plan…

After a day on a sailboat courtesy of Lindy and Doug, two South Africans, the boat business dream has been rekindled. I also want to live in a van one day and drive around to the best rock climbing spots in North America but after sailing I could switch to a boat.

The waters of the Arabian Gulf are crystal blue and the ocean is warmer than you average “freeze my ass” Canadian Lake. While sipping on sprizters, we watched the sunset and talked about music. It was one of those times where you try and memorize every detail for future daydreams.

It seems that around every passion a tight community forms. The scene at the sailing club betrayed a love for the ocean. Friends slapping each other on back, teasing about the last race, and jumping onto each other’s boats for a drink. I met a lady who invited my Dad and I onto her boat for a tour. Despite nearing retirement, her long blond hair and tanned skin made her young and vibrant.

She had pictures on the wall of her life. It included a huge map, which traced her journey around the world. She gave birth to her first son on that boat. Now her kids are grown and she’s leaving for another spin around the globe with her husband. They set sail soon.

Give me adventures in this life.