Sailing

[MarkU]

This week I signed up to take sailing lessons. Something I always wanted to do and I decided this was the time. I'm going to do the ASA 101 basic course which is 12 hours on the water over two days plus a written exam. There will be two of us on a 30' boat with the instructor. Scheduled for the first weekend in April. Can hardly wait!

One more thing I can cross off the list of 'Things I want to do before I die'

btw, the instructor didn't ask me if I was on Coumadin. I wonder if any of his sailing students have ever bled to death? Guess I'll have to make sure the boom doesn't hit me in the head when we tack!

Mark

 

[geebee]

I used to race a Star Class boat which is a 23', 2 person, boat. The only problem I ever had with coumadin was once when the jib line caught a part of my fingertip that was above the glove line. Quite a rub bleed and bruised for a couple of weeks.

So watch those lines - and, of course, the boom. I always managed to stay out of the way.

Have fun. It is certainly a lot of fun and very good exercise. I did not realize how much work it can actually be until I started sailing.

 

[Phyllis]

Have fun, Mark. There is nothing like being on the water to chase all your cares away!

 

[WayneGM]

Sounds like it'll be a great adventure. Have fun, but play safe!

 

[Lynlw]

Justin is a Eagle Scout and when he was 15 (actually worked out it was his bday) he got to sail the Florida keys (we live in NJ)w/ his Scout troop for 5 days. He loved it it was one of the favorite things he ever did. One of the things that still makes him a little sad/mad about his last OHS being postponed 3 times, was he enjoyed his first trip so much, he wanted his dad to do one w/ him, so they signed up to go a couple years later, did fundraisng and lots of meetings for the trip for a year, but then when he finally had surgery there wasn't enough time to heal to go. I think you will have a blast, Lyn

 

[BDMc]

Sailing

Mark, Sailing is a great sport for most folks, and one you can certainly enjoy on Coumadin/warfarin. I think watching out for the boom is always the big concern. There are little mishaps like Gina's, and one I had sailing barefoot, but try to be careful, and be prepared, ( I don't sail barefoot anymore ). Big boats are great, but if you think you might want to go faster, or need more thrills try a beachcat. There's a terrific beachcat community in Florida, and they would certainly welcome you. Be warned it is highly addictive Have fun, and keep us posted on your adventures. Brian

 

[Philip B]

Not as good as sex, but really really good!

Not as good as sex, but really really good!

You'll have to be pretty tall to get your head tagged with the boom on a 30' boat. I got my first certification with a school that used 24' boats and presently have a 21' keel boat. During the summer, I usually skipper boats in the 30' to 36' range on San Francisco Bay with crew members taller than I am (I'm 5'6"). The boom on boats this size is usually high enough to clear everyone's head.

Your instructor will probably emphasize the importance of purchasing and using good sailing gloves. These will save you a lot of wear and tear on your hands. Sheets and halyards can be pretty abrasive.

If the ASA curriculum is the same as USSA, you'll be taught to work sheets with your thumbs away from the boat's winches. You'll see why that's important when you start your lessons.

Sailing can really be addictive. I'm hooked. It's not as good as sex or working with my kids and staff at my high school, but it's really, really good.

I've only been smacked in the head with a boom once. It hurt like heck and bled a lot. It happened when I was crewing on a friend's 26' racing boat.

-Philip