Meet Diane London, the NWSA September 2024 Member of the Month, who has adventure in her Viking blood.
Diane grew up in Minnesota and Wisconsin. She’s always loved the water but like so many, she had limited access to boats, let alone sailing. She moved to Florida part-time in 2021 and full-time in 2023. A neighbor wanted to take a basic sailing class and Diane agreed to join her. (It was a birthday gift to herself). She loved it.
“I am a single professional woman and I wanted to be able to be on the water, as well as meet friends. I found during the class I was a real natural guiding the sail both in minimal wind and large wind.” She was hooked. Diane is hoping to become involved with both Tampa Bay Women Who Sail and NWSA noting, “they are hosting the next national convention in Tampa Bay.”
Diane recently sailed as crew with Bay Sailors — Sailing for Single and said, “I’m learning so much and finding peace on the water. Best therapy ever! I’m a Shrink — a Couples Therapy specialist offering sex therapy, trauma and more. I feel I can let go of all the heaviness I feel in the work week when on the water. Best therapy ever and it is truly a gift to myself as self-care. I am worth it.”
Fun Fact: Diane is a direct descendent of Erik the Red, father of Leif Erikson. Her father’s mother was an Erikson. She’s a Viking. “My heritage is real and I feel at peace on the water. I’d like to believe I am a warrior like those who explored the world when very little was known about where they were traveling. Adventure is in my blood.”
Diane says her sailing dreams are small … “I’d love to go to South America (Peru or Costa Rica) or to Europe (Greece or Italy). Frankly, I’d love to sail anywhere.” She experienced living in close quarters when she camped this summer in a vintage Shasta camper which was 100 sq ft. “It wasn’t a hardship. I love simple living. A change of clothes, my phone (camera), ear buds, a good book or two, toiletries are what I would take along if packing light on a month-long sailing trip.”
Diane says, “Trust that those around you will teach you and keep you safe. You will learn and grow and it will become natural to you in very little time. Go for it, you only live once.”
Diane defines sailing as adventure on the water in which one can find peace and tranquility. In one word — Freedom.
Diane joined NWSA in August. Welcome aboard Diane!