When you have a 16-hour flight, you have quite a bit of time to reflect … I’m returning from my second trip to United Arab Emirates in a month. This time I went to test and dial in the XCat boat I raced a few weeks ago.

While we were there, we went to the Abu Dhabi F1 race. It was strange for us to be there and not have a boat to get in. The boats were being craned in and I was looking around thinking I should be strapping in right now.

While most kids in America dream of growing up and playing in the majors, NBA or NFL, I only dreamed of racing a tunnel boat. I have been blessed to have people around me to help me chase this dream. It started with my father, who introduced me to boats and then racing at an early age and supported me throughout my youth. At the same time, my grandfather (gramps) also attended and did whatever he could to help me be successful.

I truly believe my strength comes through him—there is nothing better than finishing a race, unstrapping, seeing his smile and getting a hug. I know that he is proud of me first, last or crash.

And then there’s the 95 percent of my real friends who I’ve met through racing—we have a brotherly bond because of boat racing. There are a few key people in my life because of boat racing who I look to for advice in my life, not just racing. Wayne Worthy is someone I can call no matter what is going on and he will give me honest, sound advice. Chris Fairchild is another.

And of course, there’s my wife, Flavia. We have been together for 15 years—I’m 32—and she has always supported my racing. She is there to console and support me after a bad weekend as well as celebrate a success. When I have to get on a plane and leave for a week with two hours notice, she is there to help me pack and deal with all the stuff at home while I’m gone.

I do not say thank you enough, because without you all these ambitions would be meaningless. With the help of these people and many, many more, I have accomplished more than I ever thought possible.

There is only one more thing I want to do, and that is race the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) F1 series so that I have an opportunity to be a world champion. I have been working toward this most of my adult life, and with a little luck (and sponsorship) it might happen. But I can truly say that even if it does not, racing has given me more than I ever hoped for—I have been truly blessed!

So whatever your ambitions, dreams or goals, I hope that you reach them. Just be sure to thank and appreciate the people in your life who help you achieve them. Happy Holidays and I hope everyone has a great new year!