What’s in a Name? A Daughter Named Sailor

Tony Gilbert worked for many years bringing new sailors into the world through Club Nautique in Sausalito and Alameda. He recently sent us a very personal story about a new sailor launched into the world: his daughter, Sailor, born on April 11. Following is a letter from Tony and his wife Sarah to their daughter “Sailor” connecting the values imparted by sailing regardless of whether she actually becomes a sailor. These are sentiments most sailors and parents will appreciate.

Dear Daughter,

Your mom and dad wrote these words before you were born, anticipating welcoming you into this world very soon, in April 2024. We want you to know why the name “Sailor” has a special meaning to us, and why we believe this name will carry a special purpose for you. Here are five reasons why we gave you the name “Sailor.”

Mom and dad — Sarah and Tony — first connected over their shared love of the water. That includes water sports like kayaking, swimming, rowing, and sailing. They met in San Francisco, California, where they each loved to be near the water and visit the beach. Their third date together was on a sailboat in a place called Sausalito, where your dad worked, in September 2018, when your dad gave your mom a shirt with a cartoon sailor that reads, “Keep Sausalito Salty.” Your mom wore that same shirt when she was pregnant with you on your “first sail,” also in Sausalito, in December 2023.

So foremost, the name “Sailor” is simply reminiscent of how your parents met. Your parents sailed many times together and shared sailing with friends and family.

Second, the name “Sailor” evokes the freedom and skill inherent in the sport of sailing. Moving a boat against the wind, especially in heavy weather, doesn’t happen through luck or hope alone, but through practice and skill. With this name, we want to convey to you that, truly, you have the freedom to pursue the opportunities that cross your path in this life. But more importantly, you will develop the talent and skills needed for your life through fortitude, hard work, knowledge, learning, patience, persistence, and training.

Third, the name “Sailor” conjures the beauty and power of what can be seen and experienced in this life — from a quiet sunrise to a tumultuous storm. You needn’t be on the sea or in the ocean to be awe-struck by the beauty of this world — you can find beauty all around you, far inland, at home, in a book, or alone in your mind. See beyond what is right in front of you at this moment and know that there is always much more to this life, waiting to be experienced and seen by you.

Fourth, because the ancient profession of sailing was traditionally only for men, when in days gone by only men and boys were sailors, we want you to know that you will forge your own path regardless of gender. Your mom and dad have each known talented sailors who are women and girls, who have even crossed a big ocean on a little sailboat, powered only by the wind. So too will you be unencumbered by the misguided opinions of the ignorant. We want you to know that girls like you are talented and strong.

Lastly, the name “Sailor” is meant to inspire the fact that dreams can be made real. Because many people only “dream” of sailing, it is unfortunately a sport that remains inaccessible to many. But your mom and dad, who do not come from privilege and did not grow up with sailboats, found their own paths and niches to pursue what they loved, and “made dreams come true” in their own way. We want you to know that nothing is unobtainable to you, and with persistent work and creativity, you too can make your own wishes a reality.

The name “Sailor” is not meant to prod or push you into the sport of sailing, and there is no expectation for you to love the water nor to become a literal sailor. You will pursue your own path, and it is our simple hope that the name “Sailor” will help remind you every day of these five truths.

We love you, Sailor,
Mom and Dad
(Sarah and Tony)

As Tony closed out his letter he said, “I’ve read Latitude since I was in my teens, and it has long been one of my favorite portals to daydream.”

Tony wrote the Crew List success story of Kelly Gregory, ‘An Unmanned Circumnavigation’, featured in the September 2021 Latitude 38. To add your own name to the Crew List, visit here.