Sailing on the Hudson

Even though Achilles is mainly about the running and triathlons, it also lays on lots of other cool activities for its members - kayaking, white-water rafting, bowling, to name a few.

Being born in a coastal town (Weymouth, Dorset, in the UK), and having been brought up within a mile of the sea until the age of 18, I've always felt that the blood that courses through my veins consists of at least 50% salt water.  To me, there's no better feeling than unfurling a sail, gazing out over a beautiful blue sea with a well practiced nautical squint, and feeling a fresh sea breeze blow through your hair - until, that is, when the wind really picks up, the water gets too choppy, and I start feeling slightly nauseous and anxious that the boat's bobbing around too much.

Some comically bad marine photography - Lady Liberty

Last Sunday, my friend Lisa Bowers, a volunteer at Achilles, arranged for Achilles to come down and sail on the Hudson in some yachts run by the Manhattan Sailing Club.  My only other experience with the M.S.C. was when Lisa had taken me out to their boat-bar, right in the middle of the Hudson, overlooking Ellis island, on a beautiful summer evening, so I was keen to keep up my association with the club.

On the waves

In all about 15 boats went out, sailing for about 2 hours.  We left from just to the south of the World Financial Center plaza downtown, and had to motor out a bit to pick up some wind, but eventually found a good breeze.  It was great having a unique perspective of the Statue of Liberty, but I just wish the boat could have kept more still while I was trying to take a photo of it.

At the helm

It was a fun afternoon.  It was great to get out on the water and we were looked after very well by our skipper of Lori, and first mate Christina.  Thanks Lisa for organising!