Resource management
Now, I’m not one for armchair sailing but the technology behind the ’20/’21 Vendée Globe has me on the edge of my seat. It allows you to be completely immersed in everything from real-time onboard data to second guessing strategic decisions. Having made my lofty take on their toil over a glass of red I fall into a warm bed for a good night’s sleep before logging on first thing. It’s terribly indulgent. The race had hardly released 33 passionate skippers into the unknown when they started to fall.
After years of preparation the disappointment is crushing for the unfortunates as they limp to shore with nothing but their own desolate company for support.
It takes a big person to make repairs, get back in the saddle and set off knowing their race is over.
What isn’t over is the experience of sailing round the world singlehanded with an intensity of ups and downs that come with compressing 10 years of life into a few months.
It’s heady stuff that requires the ability to remain motivated and highly aware for day after grinding day. Many don’t realise that problems become highlights as they break the monotony of slugging it out 24/7.
As we face our varied versions of lockdown isolation I thought I might share a few insights; it’s acceptance that smooths the disruption of rapid change as the Vendée charges through the world’s contrasting weather systems.
Acceptance, to me, is the foundation of mental resilience, for maudlin reflection on what might have been leaches performance and erodes the very core of a person.
Acceptance releases positive energy to deal with the present. COVID-19 is a bummer but it’s here, the old life is gone, make a good fist of what’s in front of you.
Humans are competitive creatures that use others as a gauge. Robbed of this benchmark gradual deterioration can set in and one of the physical tells is your urine - keep it clear.
Be kind but firm with yourself through disciplined routine. Get up early, make your bed, shower, iron your clothes and you will be like a lion. Let it slip and you will soon be watching daytime TV. At the same time be kind to yourself, recognise that times are hard, allow the odd treat but keep them as treats or you will tarnish their benefit. On the Vendée my menu had a hidden treat from the family every week. Nurture is as important as fuel.
Break it down; I didn’t sail around the world. I sailed down the Atlantic, across the Indian Ocean, the Pacific Ocean and then back up the Atlantic.
Four unique legs whose conclusion was celebrated and reflected on for lessons. Each leg had been visualised, I could win in the Atlantic but lose in the Southern Ocean.
This elicited a conscious shifting in gears, making me proactive as I embraced change. I looked forward to each transition and ticked off a daily count on the bulkhead.
This gifted meaningful chapters and a visual reference of progress. Why not celebrate the end of each lockdown week with a slap-up meal?
Sleep is a crucial part of our rhythm and yet it is often the first to fall when deprived of daily structure. Don’t be seduced, turn off electronic entertainment at a reasonable hour, move from the sofa to the bed, read or whatever it is that sets you up for a good sleep.
Poor sleep has a cumulative effect leading to an undermining lack of drive. The Vendée is about resource management and sleep is top of this list. I might give up a few miles tonight to be sharp for a strategic decision tomorrow. Know yourself and empathise with signs of bruising. There is nothing like the positive action of a spring clean to pep you up.
Use your hands, be creative.
For COVID-19 I am learning wood carving.
You might be isolated but thanks to technology you’re not on your own. Be open, share your journey, and don’t believe the fluff on social media.
Everyone is suffering and an honest person will open constructive dialogue.
Dig below the facile crust of Twitter with a proper letter. Organise a remote quiz night, log on to the Vendée Globe and sail around the world.
My menu had hidden treats from the family, nurture is as important as fuel