Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 72059 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72059 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
By the time Sail reached the leeward mark, he was in second place. The final upwind leg was short, demanding precision and power. Sail stayed aggressive, blocking any attempts from the boat behind to pass. The finish line loomed closer, and Sail pushed harder, crossing the line just behind the leader.
It wasn’t a win, but it was a statement.
For the second race of the day, the wind had picked up as predicted. Sail had been prepared for it. Now gusting to fifteen knots, Sail was excited. Stronger winds meant fewer mistakes, and fewer mistakes meant a chance to climb higher.
The triangle course started with an intense upwind leg. Sail’s start wasn’t perfect, but he adjusted and quickly found a lane, staying clear of the messy air near the middle of the fleet. Hiking harder than ever, he changed the cunningham and vang on the fly, tweaking every detail for maximum speed.
Reaching the first mark in fifth place, Sail leaned back as the boat accelerated into the reaching leg. This was where the real fun began. Spray flew in arcs as Sail powered through the waves, his boat cutting across the water like it was flying.
Soaring.
The lead boats were just ahead, close enough to chase. Sail stayed focused, steering with precision, and trimming the mainsheet to keep the sail perfectly balanced, all while his brother’s voice echoed in his mind.
The second mark approached fast, and Sail executed a smooth rounding, easing the sail as they turned downwind. His body moved instinctively, balancing the boat as it surged forward. The wind tugged at the sail, and Sail adjusted his angle, feeling the boat respond like an extension of his body. Catching a rolling swell, he rode it forward, overtaking one boat, then another.
If he could fist pump, he would.
By the time he reached the leeward mark, Sail was in third place, his eyes locked on the two boats ahead. The final upwind leg was brutal, the wind gusting harder, the waves tossing the boats like corks. Sail’s arms ached, his legs burned, but he didn’t care. This was exhilarating.
Sail adjusted his heading, taking advantage of another subtle wind shift. The second-place boat faltered, their tack sloppy, and Sail seized the opening.
In the final moments, it was a duel between Sail and the Lex Danke. Both boats angled toward the finish line, their skippers hiking with everything they had. The horn blared just as Sail crossed the line—a fraction of a second behind the leader, but ahead of the rest of the fleet.
Sail felt exhaustion in every muscle he had as he sailed back to the marina. He told himself this was the good kind of tired. Not the tired he felt last weekend after Crew kicked his ass in practice. He hadn’t taken first . . . yet, but the leaderboard shifted in his favor. There were more races and he had definitely sent a message that he was there to compete.
galvin
. . .
There was a benefit to dating a Carter, especially when the one you were dating happened to be racing in the regatta taking place in town. Galvin didn’t ask for anytime off from the diner. She planned to work whatever schedule Penny gave her, but Pearl was adamant Galvin have the day off while Sail raced, and for the celebration party the Carter’s intended to have whether Sail won or not.
After having dinner with Sail’s family, pretty much two nights in a row, Galvin couldn’t tell Pearl no when the invite to sit with her and the rest of the Carters at the regatta had been extended. It’d been a long time since Galvin felt like she belonged with someone who wasn’t her family, and she was drawn to Pearl. Maybe it was because Pearl had known Galvin’s mother.
Or maybe because Pearl was so motherly, you couldn’t help but fall under her spell.
Galvin had researched what people wear to regattas and had walked downtown to buy some preppie clothes. This was something she never thought she’d do, dress to fit the event. She didn’t want to embarrass Pearl, and wearing yoga pants or jeans might send the wrong message.
For the first day of races, she opted for a long, flowy skirt, button down shirt, and ballet flats. She packed a wide-brim hat and a blanket to sit on. Although something told her Pearl probably brought everything she would need.
Galvin opted to use the gate to leave instead of going through the diner. It was busy. The line to get in extended around the corner and Galvin figured Penny would ask her to work if she saw her. The thing is, Galvin wouldn’t tell her no. She’d feel obligated.
Once she was away from the overhanging trees, she looked up at the sun and took in the rays. It was beautiful day, and the morning had started perfectly. Sail had taken her down to the marina and showed her around. She watched him study his boat. The way his hand skimmed parts of it reminded her of the way he touched her when they were alone. He cared for his craft, the way he cared for her. It was an interesting concept, and something she could appreciate. Seeing him in his zone like this made her smile.