School of Hard Knocks

[paydirt]

I ventured out on Labor Day though I knew it was a risk with the usual storms in our area in the summer (SW FL). The red tide outbreak made me go to lake Manatee and try sailing in fresh water for a change.
couple of lessons learned (I am kinda new to sailing but had a sunfish before; now I have a compac 16)
1. engine before you leave - wouldnt start so I ventured without since I only had a couple of hours before weather was going to get rough. I ended up getting pushed around by the wind as it had picked up into the bushes (glad no one was around to see this). used paddle to push off the bottom and eventually got out

2. get everything ready before you launch - step the mast, set up the sails, get lines properly placed, have ties ready to wrap sails, etc. I cant seem to learn this lesson as I always forget something.

3. learn how to reef the main before the wind gets bad - it got real gusty real fast
4. the compac 16 is a sturdy boat and can handle well in high winds.
5. the compac 16 is not very fast
6. getting pushed up into a narrow channel makes you learn how to tack like a pro in no time (I had a strong wind coming NE and that is where I needed to go to get out of the channel.
7. figure out how to set up the boat/rigging at home before you launch...know where everything should go
I finished the morning pretty beat up. the winds were still picking up and the clouds didnt look too good so I decided I had enough. It cost me $8 to launch from the park but I learned alot.
I guess it was just several rookie mistakes and I am sure I will be better prepared next time. I am sure many of you will have things to add a few lessons/tips to the list

[PJ]

Experience is the best teacher in that you won't forget what you learned via that method.  Not necessarily the most pleasant at times, but hey it's sailing so what could be better?

[Bob23]

Ahhh..student Paydirt. You have successfully complete course #101. Very well done!!! Now on to 102, 103 ,104...and so on!!

[kahpho]

All that for $8 ??

A bargain I'd say! You did OK.

[crazycarl]

Sounds like typical day sail to me, and I've been sailing for years!

[Gerry]

Lots of lessens learned. The most important in unfamiliar waters is to have a motor.  Redundancy is the best lesson of all.

[PalmettoSailor]

It happens, even when you do check everything. Each outing gets you more prepared for the next one. Happy "sails" to you.