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How did you first start sailing?
Did your expectations match the reality?
For many, the experience of learning to sail is both exhilarating and a reality check—it’s not always smooth sailing! Whether your dream is sailing out of your local yacht harbor or chartering abroad, there’s undoubtedly a few surprises along the way.
What was your learn to sail experience like?
americansailing.com
A sailor reflects on a transformative first summer learning the not-so-glamorous realities of sailing — and discovering themselves in the process.
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1 Reply
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For me it was the necessity to have a second bareboat captain so our growing list of friends could join us. The desire started with our first trip to the BVIs. Colors of blue as the shades green is in Ireland. We were hooked and committed to going every other year for a 2-week trip…
… Then came the next planned trip. Due to a medical issue with our captain the year before, we had 7 couple with an eighth that wanted in with only one bareboat captain. Thanks to Captain John Books and his 34′ Catalina in the San Fran Bay, ASA 105 with Spinnaker Sailing in San Fran, ASA 101 with Tradewinds in SF, 103/104 & 114 with Captain Clint at Go Sail AZ around Catalina Island, CA, and of course the Captain that started it all for us Captain Phil, we were weather and ready to go… Nothing better than San Fran to face all of the elements of sailing before lunch on any given day :). First captain trip ended up being only four couple all around St Thomas, St John, and St Croix on a cat that had more issues than any 2 year old boat should have. More fun education and a story for another post.
As far as expectations, I had none but adventure on the first BVI trip, my wife and I got hooked, and ever since, nothing less than the expectation of being thrilled with the good and bad.
Since those days My wife is now a bareboat certified captain and raced in the Full Moon Renegade from Galveston to Port Aransas on the Gulf. I have completed all of the 100 level classes including the ASA 106 with Captain Lucy from South Coast Sailing and the ASA 108 on the Arabella 157′ beast from Bermuda to the Virgin Islands. Will not say every moment has been fun, but every part has been educational. Would not change a moment thus far with some of the best sailors and sail instructors in the business.
Next steps are my coast guard licenses and starting the 200 series to become an instructor.
In for life, in for the fun, in for the transfer of experience and knowledge.
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