As Christmas approaching, SAIL GLOBAL international sailing community had its annual gathering last Saturday (5th December) at Suzhou base. Those friends who had taken ASA sailing courses of SAIL GLOBAL this year and members attended the event that was the last group sailing event of the year and the festive party for sailors to meet friends with common interests.
By noon, sailors arrived with their families who would also take a ride in the regatta. Nevertheless, till afternoon there was not a hint of wind on the lake when all the boats got ready for the race. There is no other choice then to reduce the three rounds of race to only one round.
Boats slowly moved on the lake and it was more about competition of patience. The nature is always unpredictable. A real sailor has the courage to face up to the furious storms but also has to accept windless weather condition is also part of sailing. Walkie-talkie chat and some good drinks could be supplement for lack of speed.
Back to the clubhouse, Christmas elements had filled every corner. The staff prepared mulled wine, a European Christmas drink, and a non-alcoholic fruit spice hot drink. With the holiday music, it is party time.
In the evening, everyone sitting around the carefully arranged table, George gave a toast. He said that thanks to SAIL GLOBAL founder and co-founder couple Chris and Jane, lots of work they had done for every high quality sailing event so that everyone could have a great leisure time here. Everyone had gained something from here, sailing skills, friendships or a lifestyle close to nature.
Chris then gave a toast and thanks to all of friends and family for their support. SAIL GLOBAL provides a platform for people who love sailing to come together. In the coming year, SAIL GLOBAL will spare no effort to create more and better sailing activities to give back to sailors.
It was Chris that cooked beef and sea food in person. Jane treated with her home made salad again. Delicious wine and food marked a great sailors’ night. The party time also brought them joy beyond sailing.
After dinner, the old friends sat around and played the game of Truth Telling. Everyone had to say why learn to sail. They confessed that they didn’t know sailing before, even had no idea where to sail in China. When they tried it with SAIL GLOBAL and liked it a lot. They want continue and do more. Few of them said they wanted to spend more time on sailboat. One said he want to work and sleep on a boat. Another one wanted to buy a boat when kids leave home. Back to 6 or 9 months ago, most of them never imagined that one day they would skipper a sailboat without much effort. Now they have felled in love and been motivated to do more on sailing.
The SAIL GLOBAL team are very proud that we had done it in this way. There will be more new events and courses next year. Bringing more people to sailing is the target we keep pursuing. Many people who live an urban life are looking for hobbies beside work. But many of them don’t have a real hobby. Most of their time is spent on work and family but do not have a private time to enjoy their life. While sailing is a perfect choice that they can have their family and partners on their boat. It is a hobby that links everything together, that is why when you do sailing, you can have a totally different lifestyle. And you can do sailing your whole life and you will always experience something new. Its never get boring.
We would like to say THANK YOU to all of you. We are very grateful to have you all with us, sailor! See you on board soon again!
