As soon as I have a free second I scan the water. As I see what is about to hit us, I can’t
believe I didn’t see it before. “Puff on!” I yell to Katie trying to push my voice above the howling
25-knot winds, but it’s too late. We both instinctively hike out further as the waves carried by the gale force winds unforgivingly hits my sail, threatening to throw us into a capsize and put us in
the realm of losing what seems like the most important race of my life. I quickly look away from
the water to glance at her, she has the same look in her eyes as always and I know she’s up for
any challenge I’m willing to put her through. Instead of letting the mainsheet out to try and avoid
capsizing, I hold my grounds and keep it steady.