Taking a sailboat helm for the first time is a feeling like no other.
“They let me have the helm!!! It was amazing.”
This text was from my mentee, Mindy, a new member of Singles On Sailboats (SOS). She sent it along with a picture of herself at the helm.
Mindy learned about our club when we scheduled a winter educational seminar at her worksite. She asked some of the attendees for more information, and she joined the club!
Mindy learned that you didn’t have to be an experienced sailor to join our club. We have a Basic Skills program to build familiarity with sailing and nautical terms, and we have veteran members who are happy to guide new sailors. Mindy was “in!”
I met Mindy at an SOS winter Fireside Chat—when we bring club members together during the off-season at members’ homes for food, conversation, and a guest speaker presentation. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and it was a no-brainer to offer to be her mentor as she learns more about the club and how to get involved.
Mindy’s first couple of scheduled sails were cancelled due to weather, and her first daysail was overwhelmed by a sudden squall (and a safe return to the slip). The elements finally came together in a “brochure worthy” day of sailing on one of our skipper’s boats with three other veteran crew onboard.
Mindy says, “I can’t describe what a joyful experience it was. One of the veteran members did a great job of making sure everyone had various opportunities, and the crew let me do so much. I ran the winch and took the helm. It was intense! I was nervous, but they said I did great. Everyone helped me learn, and I’m very grateful for them.”
Mindy has signed up for more day sails and for our shore party in late June, at which we will celebrate the club’s 46th anniversary.
To learn more about SOS, visit singlesonsailboats.org and check out our newsletter, which provides a great overview of what we are all about.
By Janet Gonski
