Chapter 2024
2024, the year that I “went backwards to go forwards”, social media seems to make it so that every year we make forward steps towards our goals, objectives and dreams. However, 2024 started with the realization that I needed to go backwards to fix the areas that were holding me back.
The backward step
When I say I went backwards, I went back to the beginning. Back to working for the same (wonderful and amazing) boss I had in 2020, the job-role that I left to chase my solo ocean racing dreams. Rediscovered online system failures, grumpy clients and the rush hour.
My time racing Figaro’s hadn’t been helpful for my technique in the dark art of commuting, pitched against some of the greatest (and grumpiest?) commuters, those who compete in the London and Southern UK league. The ability of some to bend their bodies to the exact shape of a crowded train, fit between the slightest gap between two people and incredible fitness at running up escalators should be admired. It was as if I was rookie again. Happily, I quickly re-found my form. I held my own in the pushing match to get off trains, snuck through gaps and broke the 30 second barrier to summit the escalators at Westminster Underground station.
Big city life can occasionally be very very cool too.
The high point of my commuting season took place at Waterloo train station in July. The person at the front of the queue for the ticket barriers hesitated, he couldn’t find his ticket; frantically checking his pockets, his bag and finally his phone. Like a hot knife through butter, I was there, shoulder to shoulder with him, E-ticket in hand. With a gentle hip-check and a beep from the machine, I was through the ticket barriers. I gave a quick look behind me, maybe for personal satisfaction to check the faces of my vanquish rivals or maybe in the hope that I won the respect of my competitors.
For most of my journeys I carried 2 bags, the first; everything I needed for work, the usual things in a little backpack, and a second bag 3x times the size with all my sailing kit. Maybe the difference in size of bags highlights my priorities in life. (if my boss is reading this; this is all just hyperbole, and you should never believe anything written on the internet).
Ok, you probably don’t read this blog to discover the rush hour.
The Sailing side
From a purely statistical standpoint I had the sailing season of my life, I finished on the podium in every race except for one. (Aina; I am so sorry you had to be racing with me the day my luck ran out.
I finally finally scored a podium in Figaro’s, I won’t say too much more about Ellie Driver and my Defi Paprec result. You can read about it here https://www.davidpaulsailing.com/davidsdiary/a-podium-at-the-defi-paprec.
I was lucky enough to be there for the birth of a brand new (and coolest) Class 40. Even if going upwind in a miserable sea state in 20 knots of wind, north of Belle Ile, probably can’t be described in any romantic way.
I got sail with people far beyond my own abilities and learn from their preparation, attention to detail and thought process while racing.
I had the chance to meet another person called David Paul, a person who shares the greatest name given to a human being (yes, I’m biased) and maybe the only other person who understands the pain of having 2 first names.
I became a writer, something which because of my dyslexia wasn’t a dream or objective, as this had long been deemed stupid by schoolteachers.
I still actually cannot believe it, seeing my name in the Author section
The process of becoming better
After the 2023 edition of La Solitaire du Figaro, I knew I had 3 key areas to work on, to become a better sailor and the very reason to go backwards was to work on these without the stresses of upcoming races.
1. Upwind boat speed
2. Weather knowledge
3. Confidence
With the absence of time on the water, I think I’ve read every book in existence that discusses the beautiful art of making sailing boats go fast upwind. Proof of progress being made came during the Defi when Ellie and I got so frustrated at being stuck behind other teams that we started overtaking too leeward of them. (For my non-sailing friends, this would be the equivalent of jumping over someone in a running race, extremely difficult and requires a big speed advantage). (For my sailing friends, yes, I know if we’d had a better start, we’d never have needed to do this).
I’ve managed to do some weather forecasts and routings for other teams throughout the season. A great way to focus solely on the meteorological and strategic side of sailing. I will say that giving someone else their strategy feels akin to being a chess player, ordering your players around, followed by a nervous wait to see if the plan works!
I’ve managed to make progress with my self-confidence (or rather lack of). Which stems from something which has nothing to do with sailing! Step by step progress is being made!
I’m proud of the progress I’ve made this year, and I know that the day I have my own sailing project come together I will be significantly stronger than I was 12 months ago!
2025
I have some ideas of what 2025 will look like and hopefully it will continue to involve speaking French!
I would love to have written here that I’ve found a title partner to share the adventure of La Solitaire du Figaro with in 2025, except I haven’t.
So, I need your help!
I'm not going to do it alone!
If you enjoy reading this blog, I think it’s for one of 3 reasons; a love for adventure, passion for sailing, or because our paths have crossed.
No matter your reason; thank you!
But to continue solo sailing, I need you.
In order to compete at La Solitaire du Figaro I need to bring new partners onboard. (note the pun)
You may know people around you who could be a future partner. Help me to get in touch with them!
This project can be of interest to any company so long as it has employees and customers, wants to make itself known. Or wants to demonstrate social responsibility by promoting a cause close to their heart that embraces environmental and sustainable initiatives as well as supporting employee engagement
All I need is an email introduction so I can get 10 minutes on the phone to present the project. The rest is on me!
Otherwise, if you have any ideas, questions, suggestions, advice, feedback (positive or not!) that can help me, don't hesitate to tell me!
Happy new year!
I think it’s now time for me to stop going backwards and start going forwards.