Too often, the tips you read are directed towards experienced sailors trying to improve on their sailing skills.\u00a0 It seems like tip writer’s\u00a0forget about the new sailor.\u00a0 Here are a few thoughts to consider during those first few very important sails.<\/p>\n
Your day will not be enjoyable unless everybody on board is enjoying it.\u00a0 Sail to the comfort level of the least comfortable person on board.<\/p>\n
Dress for success.\u00a0 As you may have already found during lessons, weather on the bay can vary greatly.\u00a0 I’ve seen days in the winter where shirt sleeves are in order and days in the summer where crew members are getting hypothermic while dressed in sweaters.\u00a0 Often, the temperature can start with one extreme and progress to the other.\u00a0 Bring layers even if you don’t think you will need them.\u00a0 My wife came up with a great idea awhile back.\u00a0 She picked up four inexpensive fleece blankets which she rolled up and put in a reusable cloth grocery bag.\u00a0 They fit perfectly, don’t weigh much, and are always available for the added little bit of comfort.\u00a0 Throw in a couple pairs of warm gloves and you are set.<\/p>\n
Don’t be afraid to sail under mainsail alone, at least for the first couple of hours.\u00a0 If you are a new skipper, chances are very good your crew has even less experience than you do.\u00a0 Adding in a jib creates complexity.\u00a0 When you do, your crew needs to handle sheets and winches,\u00a0which will probably be a bit intimidating the first few times.<\/p>\n
There are five sailing\u00a0maneuvers I recommend you practice every time you go sailing.\u00a0 Tack, jibe, crew overboard recovery, reef, and heave to.\u00a0 Start with doing several tacks to get yourself and your crew used to being on board.\u00a0 Once you are comfortable, do a few jibes.\u00a0\u00a0 If you are sailing under just the main, this will be the first time your crew will need to handle any lines.\u00a0 Make sure your crew has gloves on.\u00a0 Take your time and be safe.\u00a0 Doing a crew overboard recovery is simpler with just the main.\u00a0 After you have your jib deployed, put in a reef and heave to.\u00a0 This doesn’t have to be done the first time out if you (or your crew) are not comfortable with more than just the main.<\/p>\n
First and foremost … have fun.\u00a0 You are going to make mistakes.\u00a0 Don’t beat yourself up when they happen, however, make your mistakes safe ones.\u00a0 For example, everybody keeps their head down at all times.\u00a0 Practice the\u00a0first few jibes\u00a0in protected areas with light air.<\/p>\n
Every time you go out stretch your skills.\u00a0 Start in well protected areas.\u00a0 Once you are comfortable find more challenging conditions.\u00a0 Make a few “safe mistakes” then tuck back into the well protected area to learn from them.\u00a0 Ask yourself two questions; “what did I do well” and “what could I do differently next time.”<\/p>\n
Here is a thought … everyone has a “comfort zone,” a “learning zone,” and a “panic zone.”\u00a0 You have to get out of your comfort zone to learn.\u00a0 If you go past your learning zone you get into the panic zone and nobody learns anything.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Too often, the tips you read are directed towards experienced sailors trying to improve on their sailing skills.\u00a0 It seems like tip writer’s\u00a0forget about the new sailor.\u00a0 Here are a few thoughts to consider during those first few very important … Continue reading