He’s Irish and it is entirely predictable that he’s fond of the immortal band U2. And the charismatic Bono’s captivating number, `Where the streets have no name,’ often rings in his ears when he is the middle of the sea.
Given his passion for the sport, Patrick Crosby might well like the line to be changed to `Where the seas have no name.’ Indeed, sailing knows no barriers.
The 16-year-old Crosby, who emerged triumphant in the Laser 4.7 category of the Raymond-India International Regatta, comprehends that it is never too early to dream… and dream big.
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He rides the waves and harnesses the winds.
Crosby was just six when he first sailed with his father Tom and grandfather Ted. Gradually, his fear was transformed into confidence.
“I was very scared in the beginning.Then, I began to enjoy the challenge.”
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So much so that he now even finds “peace of mind” as he grapples the often testing conditions. The lad from the lovely coastal city of Cork realises that sailing is as much a mental sport as one of fitness, skill and tactical nous.
“Sailing on the Irish coast teaches you a lot of things. It is often cloudy, cold, rainy and windy. There can be huge swells. You need to be at your best,” he says.
The scenario, excluding the nip in the air, was similar during the competition here with showers, gusts and swells posing searching questions to the aspirants. Yet, as Crosby points out, there is a crucial difference between the conditions here and in Ireland.
“The sea can also get very choppy here and handling the small waves can be difficult. It can be hard to keep the boat moving forward,” he said.
Crosby impressed in Dublin’s Topper Worlds with a podium finish and eyes future with optimism.
And the words, `Where the streets (or seas!) have no name,’ continue to inspire him.