Always keep your sails trimmed

In a regatta, speed depends on how well you keep the sails trimmed. When tacking, it’s critical to shift direction quickly and get the sails set without delay. Even during a quiet afternoon sail, Dave paid close attention. He made sure the sails were filled with wind and the boat was moving as well as it could.

If the jib started to luff, he would either adjust course or trim the sail. That kind of care wasn’t about perfection—it was about making the most of what was there, staying responsive, and never just drifting.

It was lesson in leadership: noticing what needs attention and making small, steady adjustments to keep things moving forward.