Wow the Hobbie quickly taught me the limits of sailing. We were upside down more often than not. I have always maintained that you can learn to sail in an afternoon and then spend a lifetime improving your skill. If you listen carefully to your beloved boat she will tell you what you need to know. At least how to stay upright. Time passed quickly and so the progression of boats. Hobbie tj14, Rhodes 19, and then Elskan a 28′ Carl Alberg design. I took ASA classes through advanced coastal cruising with Tradewinds. IT was on the third day of the advanced coastal trip when I discovered a new reality. We had rounded the Farallons and were hove to off Pt. Reyes for dinner. The rest of the crew were below deck eating while I stood watch and ate in the cockpit. The sunset, the sea, i can’t explain except that I felt whole and one with my surroundings. This is what I was born for. I have always loved the outdoors but this was different. This was no longer a hobby it was a way of life.