Hey Everyone,
The last few years, I have had folks referred to me to learn to sail. This year I have a few family members and a couple more folks through other people that want to learn. A guy I was talking to had taken a course at CSA which is a small boat launch and storage spot located in Hazlett State Park up the road from where I live in Carlyle, Illinois.
As most of you know, I have nearly 20 years experience at West Access Marina, doing rigging, Fiberglass, hardware installation and modification, Paint (topside, sides, bottom) and Keel/Rudder work. I own a completely reworked 1989 CP19 that I purchased in bad shape from a single owner, and did this work in my own home shop, making her look like brand new. I got to keep her in the divorce ;)
That being said, the guy from work listened to me on several occasions at work discuss sail balance, principals and the like, which I thoroughly enjoy discussing anytime I am able. Dustin was his name, he was a sponge taking it all in. Dustin took the class at CSA and called me one day and asked if I could discuss more in depth some of the things he had learned as he was pondering if he was ready to get into sailing or not..... I let him speak and I can honestly say I was upset as to his experience.
One of the things they pushed seem to be what I used to call "lazy-junk sailing" and is a way to sail I do not suggest to anyone starting out. The way he was taught, among other things, is that you can use the headsail by itself, or the Main, and can use both. I teach to start with the MAIN first, learn it and then once you have that down, is to move to adding the foresail, starting small (like don't run a 155 straight off, start with 80-110 and go from there.) but also understand Reefing the Main. Primary is to explain why it works and why balance is important. This to me is the engine to the machine and should be treated with respect as not doing so can easily injure folks.
This being said, I take a cautious approach so one is not scared off the boat like I have seen so many folks do to their wives over all those years....... sailing isn't for everyone but boy it sure is one of the best experiences I have had and continue to have in my life. I have had some "Oh My" moments but none that I couldn't come out stronger from since I understood what was actually happening or sometimes what actually happened when having to look back at it.
So I ask, as I compile some notes as to what I think a program should teach before getting on a boat, and even when on the boat, What would you feel like a newbie sailor should understand before sailing, and what should one understand after sailing? In essence, What would you wish you would have known or been taught before you actually put up the sails to give it a try?
Thanks for your input, hopefully I and all of you can help others to get into this experience, and keep folks like Dustin from being what was in my opinion, mislead, as they try to get into this adventure. Dustin is going to try to sail with me this year if we can make it work since we are now on opposing schedules.
Thanks all,
Mac
hope to see you at CLR 2026. i better practice a lot this spring and hone my "racing skills"
Docking.
Many boating mishaps happen when attempting to dock.
Anchoring.
There's more to this than just dropping it overboard.
MOB Drills.
How many boaters really know what to do when crew go over the side?
Reefing.
When and how to reduce sail.
RULES OF THE "ROAD".
I have seen too many seasoned boaters who have no clue on the correct procedures when overtaking another vessel or who has the right of way when a collision is eminent.
Proper Radio Etiquette.
EVERY vessel should be equipped with a VHF radio. What is the correct way to hail another boat, marina, bridge, or lock tender.
How to announce a Mayday. What info and in what order will the coast guard require.
Some members here may think they won't need some of this information given they only day sail small lakes. However several years ago at CLR my wife and I had to give aid to a motor vessel in distress. We utilized the radio and a smoke flare to summon help.
I love this thread you've started Mac -- I am going to give this some thought before I reply in full. If you ever read my posts much on this forum -- you know what I mean about me "replying in full"😆 -- where sailing is concerned, I'm never at a loss for words. 😁 More soon!