Congratulations, Meagan Bryant on Logging 100 On-Water Days!
Having started sailing in April 2018, Meagan “Megs” Bryant could still be considered a new sailor, but she has everything from a rough ocean race to log canoe racing under her belt and is seriously hooked. Here’s a bit about her amazing 2019 on the water and the 100 days she logged to become a first-time SpinSheet Century Club member:
What motivated you this year to get out there?
My love of the water is my main motivation for sailing. I’ve always been drawn to it. The challenge of getting 100 days this year was also intriguing and a fun goal to have.
Can you share three highlights from the season?
Three highlights from the season include completing my first ocean race (Annapolis to Newport), getting involved in log canoe racing with an amazing team, and buying my first powerboat!
Did you experience any scary days (storms, emergencies, etc)?
I experienced a few windy days, but fortunately, I did not experience any emergencies nor did I find myself scared at any point. I do fancy a bit of adventure!
Favorite wildlife sightings?
Soon after dawn on the second day of the Annapolis to Newport Race, a pod of about 20 dolphins joined the boat for a while. It was stunning to watch them play and dart all around us. They were so graceful, and it definitely rejuvenated the energy on the boat after a long, wet night!
Did you take any newcomers out sailing or doing some other kind of boating?
I purchased my first powerboat, a cuddy cabin that I’ve named Sea Squirrel, with the intention of doing some overnight trips on the Bay. Having purchased it in October, the weather and my scheduled prevented it this year, but I’m already making plans with friends for raft-ups and overnights when the warm weather returns. It has been so much fun taking new folks out on the Squirrel and being able to see their faces light up when they learn something and handle the boat.
What did you get out of being on the water so much?
Being on the water feels like home and where I feel most connected. I have met and crewed with some of the most incredible people this year! Skippers and crew took a chance on me, embraced and welcomed me back, and I developed some of the sweetest and most amazing friendships I’ve ever had and that I know will last a lifetime. As a bonus, racing provides a wonderful sense of teamwork and allows me to be able to compete in my favorite pastime!
As a thank you, I want to acknowledge US Patriot Sailing for providing my initial racing opportunities and introductions to the sailing community, Valhalla Sailing Project for providing additional crew introductions and inviting me to be involved with their program, and Warrior Sailing Program for continuing to provide broad reaching opportunities. There are many skippers and crew that have been and continue to be so good to me, and I am so thankful and humbled! I learn something about sailing, people, and myself every time I’m on the water. My experiences on the water this year provided significant personal growth and clarity for me and I would not trade that for anything.
What would you recommend to someone considering the 2020 Century Club?
I would tell anyone considering the 2020 Century Club to go for it! There are so, so many opportunities to be on the water and so, so many wonderful people in the community with which to share the experiences. It is usually only a matter of asking someone to join you or asking if you can join someone else. It is a fun challenge, and even if you don’t accomplish 100 days, the important part is that you enjoy the journey and continue to grow!
Find our 2018 Start Sailing Now profile on Megs here.
Find more SpinSheet Century Club stories here.
