I grew up on the Maine coast, watched the lobster fishermen on very early cold mornings, and fell in love with the ocean. In the warmer ‘months’ (about three weeks long), I would see an occasional sailboat. The beauty of a watercraft cutting so smoothly through the ocean captivated me, and from then on, I was fascinated by sailing, without any engines, to the sounds of nature.
In 1986, my job assignment took me to Hawaii where I dove into the sailing world with both feet, quickly becoming a ‘wind-jockey.’ The relaxing control of the boat when you work with the elements to power yourself quietly through the water really takes you to another dimension.
Perceived obstacles to newcomers might simply be the newness of the art and a lack of confidence. This can be quickly overcome with a good sailing instructor and a moderate amount of patience. Passion for sailing grows as confidence builds. The appreciation of working so closely with nature does carry you into a different plane, sometimes making it difficult to return to shore.
Each sailing day often provides a new experience; very few days are the same. Some can be calm and totally relaxing with very light winds. (You have to admit that the ability to still see the dock you left an hour ago has a certain charm.) The next day can be an interesting adventure with heavier winds from another direction, a challenge that makes you a more competent sailor. It gets you into the action of controlling the vessel, using muscles you rarely use, and making quick decisions. You’re left with a real sense of physical and mental accomplishment. Very satisfying.
Should you find yourself with any interest in the art of sailing, life is too short to pass it up. Give it a try, and I believe you'll never regret the experience. You will have another unique skill that you will enjoy for life. As you try sailing, here are three things that I would like all new sailors to keep in mind:
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Every day is a different day. If you get spooked, get back on that horse and learn from it. The worst thing you can do is to hesitate to sail again by yourself because of one rough day. You must get past that hump, and your confidence and knowledge will double. You will smile about it later. This confidence does transcend into all areas of life and helps you to become a more confident person.
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Continue to learn from other sailors. Don’t let your ego stifle your intake of new knowledge. It’s not who’s the best sailor; it’s how we can all improve and share our skills. Unless you’re racing, it is not a competition. It is a shared experience.
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You command the boat. You have to respect and stay in harmony with nature. Keep in mind that nature does not care about your sailing skills. Play with it, and enjoy every new day on the water.
The finest reasons for sailing are relaxation, adventure, experiencing a different dimension away from land, and meeting a lot of interesting people who want the same experience.
About the Author: Ray LaPlante has been sailing seriously since the late 1980s, has raced in Hawaii and California and on the Chesapeake and in the Caribbean. He teaches at the Belle Haven Mariner Sailing School, saildc.com.
