Going are the sails... Chapter 1

Hello folks,

this is a series of 5 chapters about a sailing club set up in the '70s or '80s in east coast by a dutch man from his passion for sailing. At its height, it was the biggest sailing club in the region boasting of 1800+ members. At the end of this month, it's license to continue as a sailing center will cease. A friend who's been sailing there for a while, holding many fond memories have decided to jot down his thoughts, views about the place that served many over the years. So enjoy.

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I want to tell you all a story but i dont know how to begin. So i think i will tell you all bit by bit, and as my words flow, i will compile all the bits and pieces and tell you the story in a more eloquent manner another day.

As you know, i spend most of my weekends at sea off the eastcoast since the begining of year 2005 after the tsunami relief mission at Sri Lanka. The enigmatic sea with its many moods does not only bring destruction and death. To many people, it brings rejuvenation, an escape from the stresses of daily lives of the land. With its endless horizon and open skies, it fuels the sense of adventure and courage one did not know he had. Its breath of wind, healing and recovery of health and spirits. In sunrise, hope of a new day, and in sunset, romance and love.

This is a story about the people i met at eastcoast who go there to windsurf or to sail, to skimboard or swim the waves, to be in solitude in the open sea, to rest or to work and rescue. A story about these personalities from all walks of life. They have their own stories but all love the sea and all make the poetry of life.

I so very much want to share it with you all because this place called PastaFresca Sailing Centre, formerly known as Europa and more than a decade ago, as EastCoast Sailing Centre, is folding up in April.

I have made it my personal project to put this place and its people in words during my coming one week of leave.

...
adam