Learning to sail in the sun with John Kitching
WHY WAZ IT?
There’s a deliberate spelling mistake throughout this article. No prizes for spotting it. It’s ‘was’ spelt as WAZ, which stands for Wind Acceleration Zone. I just threw it in because every time I hear the word ‘was’ I’m reminded of WAZ and the time I was really sailing in ‘perfect’ conditions. I’m also maybe suggesting we could do with the creation of a new word in the English language. ‘Was’ is such a final word. it is past tense – something that is over. Finished. I wanted a word that still had a bit of life left in it – something to convey the vivid memory, and maybe a word that means: ‘was once and I’m still feeling the benefits of it’. You must have experienced something similar. At the end of a great meal, for instance – “Was that OK?” asks the hostess. “It was great!” you say. But you want to say more: “Yes, it was great — and still is to a certain extent I’m still enjoying it!” A softer word. Something on the lines of the Hopi North American Indians. They have never had a past tense. Everything that has ever happened to the tribe is referred to in their present tense, as though it still has life. Long dead members of the tribe are referred to as if they are still around, exciting deeds of long ago as if they are still happening. It’s a difficult philosophy to grasp, but some experiences are worth making the effort for. In future, when someone asks you: “How was it for you?” You might be able to answer: “It waz great!” And then add: “And I’m spelling was with a ‘z’. Sailing in a wind acceleration zone waz certainly that sort of experience for me. JK
WAZ.indd 1
10/9/11 15:42:55
Some ‘bits of paper’