But sometimes you don’t even know where to go or your direction might be wrong. Randomly jumping ships you discover a friend that shows you a secret direction. Alternatively you are born with a very fast ship from your parents and can cover more distance.
But you are right. Some people make the most of opportunities given to them, some just let it go thinking they have no influence over their life.
I think part of the point of the parable is that speed does not matter as there is no 'goal'. We all are just wandering about aimlessly enjoying the wind and sunshine. Sure, some move faster, but just to the other side of the big lake to have to scoot around. Some don't move at all and work on their tans. If you like the wind in your hair, find/make a fast boat.
(I think the parable starts to break down though. How to describe nations, laws, gender issues, etc? It's too much for such a 'happy' story to go into any depth.)
The point is that you have to know where you want to go before wondering if you should jump into a new ship or reach a position where you can steer your ship.
I see a lot of people trying to get power or changing situation without having a plan or a goal. They spend a lot of energy going nowhere.
But you are right. Some people make the most of opportunities given to them, some just let it go thinking they have no influence over their life.