Second Annual #optsailing

We’ve been praying for rain, and it looks like we’re finally going to get it. Fingers crossed. The forecast calls for rain on Wednesday and ‘Black Friday’ — the day REI has designated as a day to #optoutside and that we’ve transmogrified to #optsailing. As REI states, “We’re closing our doors again because some things are more important than selling stuff.” And after almost two weeks hiding from the thick, acrid smoke, aren’t you just craving the outdoors more than ever?

Black Friday looks like it will be a good day to rinse the smoke residue off your rigging, sails and foul weather gear after the ‘pre-wash’ on Wednesday. Since we can now all shop 24/7, it’s important to use our rare days off and this season’s limited daylight for much more rewarding and restorative activities — like sailing. Yes, you can also sail 24/7, but, unless you’re heading offshore, that’s a bit more complicated.

For obvious reasons Thanksgiving weekend is always light on races, though there are a few events, including Tiburon Yacht Club’s Wild Turkey Race on Black Friday and Berkeley Yacht Club’s Sunday Chowder Series. We applaud REI for remembering what’s important and inspiring us to #optoutside and, even better, #optsailing.