The Reluctant Sailor - Tips for the Sailing Beginner
Stroll around any marina and you will soon spot the classic sailing characters: the old enthusiast, patiently restoring a wooden shell to its sleek former self; the dedicated racer, tweaking his stripped out, cutting edge craft; or even tanned BMW man, who turns up on sunny weekends to take his latest woman out for a spin in his souped-up power boat.
Move to the bar, and you'll find them easily. The old hand, scruffed down, ready for that all important anti-fouling job. The smart executive, shades in hand, leading an enthusiastic team-building session. Or the sun-bleached student, fresh from his gap year spent taking boats down to the Med.
But what about the rest? What about the unsung sailors? What about those resigned individuals who, worn down after years of hints, huffs and sweet-talking, finally utter the fateful words: 'Oh, for God's sake, alright then!'
In less time than it takes to hoist a mainsail, these women (for they are usually women) find themselves huddled nervously on the deck of a boat, trying to come to terms with the fact that yachts are supposed to tip over, and that this is good thing.
There are a surprising number of these reluctant sailors. Most, like me, would prefer never to set foot on a boat but, driven by the need to see their sailing-mad partners on at least one weekend out of twenty, occasionally venture out onto the water.
In my case, my 'Reluctant Sailor' status comes largely down to a fear of venturing into an alien environment, where I am not in control.
I do not like not being in control. When a yacht tips over, I want to know that it ? that I! ? can do something to correct it. When we are picking our way through a narrow channel, I want to know how to avoid hitting unseen rocks or other boats, and when my children are sitting on deck, I want to know how to rescue them if they fall into the water.
Education is the key and unfortunately this means that I, as the terrified new owner of a yacht, now face the prospect of learning to sail, so that I am not frightened of sailing.
But my reluctance stems not only from fear. There are many other reasons why I have no interest in sailing. It is cold. It is wet. It is usually raining, and always uncomfortable. Be honest now. How many good nights' sleep have you ever had on a yacht?
And yes, while there are around three days out of every year when weather, location and company combine to make sailing a blissful experience, does that really make up for the other 362 days when it is not?
My husband thinks it does. And so, nine years after we exchanged our dinghy for a baby and a pair of patio doors, I have finally relented. We have bought a yacht.
He is happy. The kids are happy. And I?. I have come up with some ground rules to keep me happy?
The Force Four Rule ? The Reluctant Sailor will not set foot on the boat if the forecast even hints at winds above force 4. [This rule is an adaption of the existing 12 ° C rule for dinghy sailing]
The Sunshine Rule ? The Reluctant Sailor will not go sailing if there is no prospect of sunshine over the period of the sailing expedition.
The Anchorage Rule ? No anchorage will be acceptable to the Reluctant Sailor unless it is within 100 metres of a pub/restaurant/hotel, and preferably a small town with a guaranteed escape route.
The Fair's Fair Rule ? The Sailing Fanatic will match every week/weekend that the Reluctant Sailor spends sailing with a week/weekend somewhere warm, dry and comfortable - preferably abroad.
The Don't Shout Rule ? The Sailing Fanatic must not shout excitedly when asking the Reluctant Sailor to do something. The Reluctant Sailor reserves the right to tell the Sailing Fanatic where to stick his boat if he raises his voice.
The Rain Rule ? Unless the presence of the Reluctant Sailor is required on deck to avoid capsize, collision or other near-death experience, the Sailing Fanatic will deal with all work on deck while it is raining. The Reluctant Sailor will be having coffee and Kit-Kat's in the cabin.
The Maintenance Rule ? The Reluctant Sailor shall not be expected to maintain the boat under any circumstances. The words 'anti-fouling', 'sanding' and 'painting' are of absolutely no interest to the Reluctant Sailor.
The Too Much Time Rule ? The Sailing Fanatic is not allowed to go into a huff when the Reluctant Sailor casually mentions that the Sailing Fanatic has spent the last four weekends 'fiddling with that wretched boat', and that the handsome divorcee from next door has moved in to keep the Reluctant Sailor company.
The Packing Rule ? The Sailing Fanatic will keep his mouth firmly closed on the subject of packing for a sailing expedition. The Reluctant Sailor reserves the right to bring along anything and everything needed to sustain her through the ordeal, but will, if pushed, draw the line at the handsome divorcee from next door.
The Children Rule ? The Reluctant Sailor will not be solely responsible for entertaining/controlling the children in the cramped and un-child friendly environs of a boat. The Sailing Fanatic wished for a family sailing experience and a family sailing experience he shall get.
The Money Rule ? The Sailing Fanatic accepts that once the sailing budget is gone, it is gone. He will just have to wait for that essential bit of kit. Any suggestion that this is not fair will cut no ice with the Reluctant Sailor, who is perfectly aware of her moral high ground on the subject of sailing and money, and will calmly point to the outrageous expense of buying the bloody boat in the first place.
Helen MacKenzie is a freelance writer. She contributes to the web site at http://www.sea-dreamer.com. The Sea Dreamer web site has articles, guides and news on sailing and cruising on the West Coast of Scotland.
Related News
Searching for the Best Crewed Charter Yachts - 3x24 - Your Newspaper and News Magazine
Searching for the Best Crewed Charter Yachts3x24 - Your Newspaper and News Magazine, Germany -5 hours agoby Mary Swanson Just imagine cruising the tropical seas aboard your own privately chartered yacht. If this has been a dream of yours that you would like to ... |
Cruise West Announces Eight PENTAX Photographers' Cruises for 2009 - MarketWatch
Smaller is better - Sydney Morning Herald
Sydney Morning Herald |
Smaller is betterSydney Morning Herald, Australia -Aug 22, 2008Seattle-based Cruise West prides itself on being a small-ship line, its vessels carrying about 100 passengers. The company is best known for sailing in ... |
Travel Tips when Cruising to Bermuda - Corsavoo.com
Travel Tips when Cruising to BermudaCorsavoo.com, France -14 hours agoCruising to Bermuda may cause you to experience rougher seas than cruising the Caribbean. Because you are sailing out in the Atlantic Ocean, ... |
When Should I Book a Cruise for the Best Value? - SmarterTravel.com
World cruise options - Telegraph.co.uk
Telegraph.co.uk |
World cruise optionsTelegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom -Aug 22, 2008Enjoy 12 nights of luxury on Crystal Serenity (Crystal Cruises) sailing between Auckland and Sydney: from £4208 per person, cruise only. ... |
Sunreef Yachts Launched their First 70 Feet Long Motor Catamaran - Newswire Today (press release)
CLIA Lines meet the growing demand for World Cruises - Travel Daily News International
CLIA Lines meet the growing demand for World CruisesTravel Daily News International, Greece -Aug 25, 2008More and more people want to sail around the world, or at least a sizable portion of it. That’s the message from seven cruise lines belonging to Cruise... |
Panama Canal cruise discounts up to 51 percent - MSNBC
Carnival to resume seven-day Caribbean cruises in 2009 - The Times-Picayune - NOLA.com
|
|
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Whos Looking Out For Your Boat When Your Not There?
Over 72 million Americans participated in recreational boating in 2003 on the estimated 17 million recreational boats in the United States. For many Americans, the investment in their vessel ranks along with their homes and automobiles. However, unlike homes and automobiles, most boat owners only spend a fraction of their time on their vessel which creates a few areas of serious concern; burglary and damage reporting.
Luxury Cruise Expert Guide
What could be more enjoyable than relaxing by a pool
and being served with chilled champagne and caviar
while soaking up the sun under deep azure skies? It's
a dream that many people have, but on a luxury cruise
this dream is a reality. If you want high-class
pampering, attentive service that is second to none
and spacious accommodation with all those 'little
extras' added in, you'll simply love luxury cruising.
Back to Nature: Observing Marine Life When Boating
"Whether you boat on fresh water or on the ocean, there is a lot of marine life to observe and appreciate. We boat in the Pacific Northwest off the west coast around the islands and straits of the Pacific Ocean. The sea life here is exceptional. Following are some of our wonderful experiences."
Sailing Hints & Tips
I spend almost all my summers sailing around the Greek islands. With this small article I would like to share some sailing hints with you that will help you enjoy the most out of your sailing holidays.
Cruising---What Everyone Should Know
August 7, 2005 -- Taking a cruise is now one of the hottest vacations around. Why- because it has great vacation value. You pay for your cabin and all the food you can eat for 7, 10, or 14 days of luxurious pampering. That alone should put your mind at ease. Think about it. Not only don't you have to worry about keeping enough money for lunch or dinner on your fourth or fifth day of the vacation but you don't have to worry about trying to find a place to dine. There are a multitude of choices when you are cruising. On most of the large ships there are many restaurants to choose from. You can go casual, formal or just have pizza or hot dogs. And don't forget that there is always room service ? 24 hours a day. Picture having your breakfast brought to your room, sitting on your balcony and dining alfresco while you arrive in a new port.
Cruising with the Mouse ? Disney Cruise Line
There's magic in everything that team Disney touches and their cruise line is no exception. Michael Eisner himself commissioned a talented group of ship designers, cruise experts and Disney creators to produce cruise ships that would appeal to adults and children of all ages. The result was two nearly-identical ships, Disney Wonder and Disney Magic.
The History of Water Sports
Swimming is noted in many of the classics as relating to heroism and religion. Nicolas Wynman's Dialogue Concerning the Art of Swimming (1538) is the first recorded written document on swimming methods. Swimming first appeared in the Olympics in 1896, paralleled to the development of the swimming pool. Swimming the English Channel is the most publicized non-Olympic event. It proves excellence in strength and endurance. Matthew Webb from England was the first man to cross the English Channel in 1875, and later Gertrude Ederle of the Unites States of America became the first woman to cross in 1926.
The Absolute Best Romantic Gift Idea!
We all want to please and impress that special someone in our lives with a romantic gift. Millions are spent every year trying to accomplish this feat. We may peruse the jewelry store and spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on beautiful trinkets. Perhaps a night over at an elegant resort is a consideration for your romantic gift idea. But consider this...
Mediterranean Cruise Expert Guide
A Mediterranean cruise is without doubt the most
varied type of cruise available. There are more than
120 seaports around the Mediterranean coastline,
offering numerous combinations of cruise vacations
over one-week, two-week or longer trips.
Tropical Cruise Expert Guide
A tropical cruise in the Caribbean or in the Gulf of
Mexico is an ideal choice of vacation for couples of
all ages. Whether you're looking for a short romantic
break or if you'd like a longer voyage with more time
to explore tropical islands and soak up the Caribbean
sunshine, then a tropical cruise is for you.
Celebrity Cruises for All-Inclusive Vacations
Why Take a Cruise Vacation? Well, with all the cruise lines available, all the cruise destinations,and the range of prices, there exists a cruise to please even the most jaded traveller.
School for Sails, by Capt. Cary Hanna
Gorgeous, acrobatic, and lit-up, Sailfish rank as the # 1 sporty catch of south Florida. But there is a lot involved in the catch and release of these sought after game fish, after all their not the best table fare. How much vacuum packed smoked Sailfish can you eat? So what's involved in catching the Sailfish? What kind of bait? What is the best rod and reel set-up? What are some of the techniques to use on the water? Let's start out and learn from the end result and work our way to the beginning.
Places to See On Your Alaska Cruise, Welcome To Juneau!!
Well my sister in law is in town this week and we're playing tourist here in Juneau. Very funny how folks react to us because we're locals.
Atlantic Ocean at Great Depths
The Atlantic Ocean is Earth's second-largest ocean. It covers approximately a fifth of the earth's surface. The name Atlantic Ocean came from Greek mythology; it means the "Sea of Atlas".
Why Take a Cruise Vacation?
Have you considered taking a cruise vacation but just aren't sure if it would be right for you? With all the cruise lines available, all the cruise destinations, the range of prices, there is a cruise for just about everyone.
Defeating the Drug Smugglers in Ultra Fast Boats, Skimmer Craft and Hydrofoils
The drug smugglers have ultra fast boats, skimmer craft and hydrofoils, which makes it difficult to give pursuit by conventional marine craft. The problem is getting worse as drug smugglers ratchet up the game stakes using ultra fast water craft, submarines and aircraft. They have the money to buy the best of everything, radar, sonar, communication, weapons, etc. to insure that their drugs get thru as the payoffs are quite high since the street value of these illegal drugs are in high demand and command a huge price point.
What You Need to Know About Cruise Holidays
Are you tired of the hustle and bustle of driving, sitting erect in a plane etc., go for a voyage through water- a cruise which provides you the best comfort and sight seeing. Sea journey has its own charm and charisma. The world seems a live paradise when you get the chance to gaze the Sky kissing on the forehead of Earth. Such is the unprecedented experience of the scenic splendor exclusively through a cruise. Planes and jets can make you reach your destination instantly but if you are in no hurry and in a mood to relax then a cruise is the most appropriate and a perfect idea.
Norwegian Cruise Line - American Style!
It's not just the size and opulence of their sleek and stylish fleet that attracts passengers to Norwegian Cruise Line. Norwegian Cruise Line boasts the largest ratio of staff to passengers of any cruise company and this extra service shows from stem to stern. Every inch of every ship gleams and on any trip through the corridors you always meet friendly and courteous staff in perfectly appointed uniforms.
Bermuda Cruise Expert Guide
At just twenty-one square miles in size, the island of
Bermuda in the Western Atlantic is one of the smaller
destinations in the world to visit on a cruise ship. Only
a day and a half sailing from the U.S. East Coast, a
Bermuda cruise will introduce you to a tropical gem of
an island that is a world away from The Bahamas and
other Caribbean island communities. If you want to
experience the quintessential English lifestyle set to a
calypso beat, Bermuda is the place to go!
Boat and Yacht Detailing - Teak Reconditioning and Care, Detailing the Deck
If you find your boat with gray and weathered teak, you may use any of the variety of products that are recommended from Nauticaleze. You may also wish to clean it with Snappy-Teak-Nu.
|
