| Thinking of sailing, a quote by Richard Henry Dana | | | | significant part in maneuvering the craft. |
| Jr. always tends to come to mind: "Then, with all | | | | - Do your research. If you go in knowing the |
| her sails, light and heavy, and studding-sails, on | | | | difference between starboard and port than |
| each side, alow and aloft, she is the most glorious | | | | you're better off than if you knew zilch (if only |
| moving object in the world." | | | | slightly.) If sailing becomes a regular hobby than |
| A sailboat is, to me, a living monument to another | | | | nautical terminology is an important consideration. |
| time - distinctly Hemingwayian in nature, when | | | | Other topics to look into are weather forecasts, |
| things were much simpler. I've always had grand | | | | wind patterns, the various times and when they |
| notions of trans-Atlantic voyages and | | | | occur, and how all these elements interact. Know |
| Mediterranean odysseys, and yet even growing | | | | what the common mistakes made by beginners |
| up as I did in Florida with water on three sides I | | | | are and ready yourself for them. |
| have to date never set foot on so much as a | | | | - Safety is essential. Be sure to tell people where |
| snark. Alas, will the dream ever be reconciled with | | | | you're going and what you're doing, in the event |
| reality? | | | | that something bad does happen. Pack all of the |
| The truth is people learn to sail every day. It's like | | | | required safety equipment such as floatation |
| anything else: all you have to do is take the first | | | | devices, extra clothing and gear according to the |
| step. Popular beaches in any part of the world will | | | | weather. Always respect your vessel, small as it |
| offer sailboat rentals and one on one instruction | | | | may be, and the good graces of the ocean, to |
| for beginners. Florida is definitely a great place to | | | | whom you are less than an insect. Keep an eye |
| learn - many of my childhood friends are | | | | on the boom which can swing around |
| themselves accomplished sailors. All that you need | | | | unexpectedly and cause injury, or knock you |
| are smooth, uncrowned waters and clear skies. | | | | overboard. Another good--though seemingly |
| As I myself ready to embark on my first | | | | odd--practice is to stage a capsize in a controlled |
| excursion I've read thoroughly on the subject and | | | | environment so you have a better understanding |
| compiled a list of considerations. | | | | of how to react should one actually occur. |
| Basics Tips to Keep in Mind | | | | Much of the fun of sailing lies in the many hours |
| - It's always best to start off slowly. There are | | | | spent practicing on the open ocean, learning of its |
| many small, lightweight one or two man boats | | | | ways and mastering its basic principles. Equip |
| with simple rigging and a single sail that are | | | | yourself with all the knowledge you can and the |
| perfectly suited to learning. It's all about becoming | | | | right mental attitude, and the realization of the |
| familiar with sail control, how it responds to certain | | | | dream will be within your grasp before you know |
| motions and interacts with the wind. Note - on | | | | it. |
| such a small vessel, your weight will always play a | | | | |