running, reaching, beating

Someone said sailing's just like flying a kit.
Damnit, I've never been able to manage that.

These days, I've figured - When you lack understanding, you go back to the things you're sure of. And words, I'm sure about those

I'm at this point in sailing lessons where i can't see the big picture yet. I'm just memorizing the vocabulary, putting terms to objects and conditions. If the sail looks like this, then that means this. If the wind comes from there, you call it this.

But today, i had some time to think about it and go beyond the mix&match. And then i understood.

When the wind is behind you, run with it. That's why your sail unfurls fully, arms outstretched, asking for a big hug.
When the wind is in front of you, struggle to beat it. So your sails tuck in. Like when you're walking against a howling wind, hugging yourself tight, trying not to lose the bits of you that stick out.
When the wind is away from you, reach for it. And your sails act accordingly. Reaching out. Fingers sticking out of a car, letting the wind run through it.

Suddenly, it all makes sense. And I'm starting to get a little faith. One day, i might actually get to fly a kite.