Do you have a sailing mentor? Is there a more experienced old salt you go to for solutions to your sailing, repair, and maintenance problems? How well does that work? Is the advice freely given or do you have a way of paying them back? Or paying it forward? Are you a mentor to someone else who is less experienced than you? If so, when did you make the transition from "ment-ee" to mentor? Share your thoughts on sailing mentors and be sure to vote in the quiz on the bottom of the home page. (Quiz by Gary Wyngarden)
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How could it happen?!
My sailing mentor is my brother in-law. He, at the time, sailed a Cherubini Hunter 25 and introduced me to what I now consider a way of life. He moved up from the Hunter and purchased a full keeled and cutter rigged Gozzard desgined Bayfield 32. He and my sister began doing some moderate cruising going north on several occasions to Block Island, Martha's Vineyard and several other cruising destinations. Most frequently, they would do so, by going 35+ miles offshore to bypass New York, which speaks of their abilities and how committed they were to sailing. And now comes the strange part. They have not sailed in the last 3 years. The Bayfield sits dormant and has not been moved. They don't even talk about sailing anymore. Hey, I don't get it either. I have no idea what could change or take away your desire to sail. At any rate she is a shop-aholic and he thinks he is the next coming of Lance Armstrong. When I invite them out sailing they make all kind of excuses not to go. However, when I question him about things I need to know he will share his expansive sailing knowledge. But, he will not bring it up own his own. So, in a way, I guess he is still a resource to me. Shelton
My sailing mentor is my brother in-law. He, at the time, sailed a Cherubini Hunter 25 and introduced me to what I now consider a way of life. He moved up from the Hunter and purchased a full keeled and cutter rigged Gozzard desgined Bayfield 32. He and my sister began doing some moderate cruising going north on several occasions to Block Island, Martha's Vineyard and several other cruising destinations. Most frequently, they would do so, by going 35+ miles offshore to bypass New York, which speaks of their abilities and how committed they were to sailing. And now comes the strange part. They have not sailed in the last 3 years. The Bayfield sits dormant and has not been moved. They don't even talk about sailing anymore. Hey, I don't get it either. I have no idea what could change or take away your desire to sail. At any rate she is a shop-aholic and he thinks he is the next coming of Lance Armstrong. When I invite them out sailing they make all kind of excuses not to go. However, when I question him about things I need to know he will share his expansive sailing knowledge. But, he will not bring it up own his own. So, in a way, I guess he is still a resource to me. Shelton
Everyone Can Be A Mentor
I use everyone as a mentor. In 35 years of sailing I've learned valuable lessons from rank beginners to old Salts. Conrad Metcalf, Cdr, USN ret. was a particularly important mentor to me. While I was stationed and racing with the Great Lakes Naval Training Center's Electronics "A" School as an instructor I volunteered for the NROTC SAILTRAMID program. Connie, A "Maine-e-ac" with 50+ years of experience, taught me a lot about managing a larger boat. We trained on and raced Bay Bear (formerly Bay Bea) a Palmer Johnson 42, custom aluminum, Sparkman and Stevens designed sloop. Later some ROTC people who did not appreciate Connie's excellent mentoring, grounded her at the Michigan City, Ind. inlet (see Fall 1989, Yachting Mag double spread picture entitled, "Whoops!") sending her to the recyclers. Residents of Lake County, IL may be drinking a soda made from Bay Bear at this very moment! Sailing and sailboats can help immensely in reminding we humans that we are, in fact, only human. I find sailing helps keep my ego in check and teaches me that everyone can be a mentor if one takes the time and humility to look for the lessons being offered. I think due to my acceptance of other's inputs, I too am regarded as a valued resource in return. I get quite a few people asking me how to repair, maintain, sail and tune their boats. Sharing, also makes the whole sailing experience much more rewarding. Eric
I use everyone as a mentor. In 35 years of sailing I've learned valuable lessons from rank beginners to old Salts. Conrad Metcalf, Cdr, USN ret. was a particularly important mentor to me. While I was stationed and racing with the Great Lakes Naval Training Center's Electronics "A" School as an instructor I volunteered for the NROTC SAILTRAMID program. Connie, A "Maine-e-ac" with 50+ years of experience, taught me a lot about managing a larger boat. We trained on and raced Bay Bear (formerly Bay Bea) a Palmer Johnson 42, custom aluminum, Sparkman and Stevens designed sloop. Later some ROTC people who did not appreciate Connie's excellent mentoring, grounded her at the Michigan City, Ind. inlet (see Fall 1989, Yachting Mag double spread picture entitled, "Whoops!") sending her to the recyclers. Residents of Lake County, IL may be drinking a soda made from Bay Bear at this very moment! Sailing and sailboats can help immensely in reminding we humans that we are, in fact, only human. I find sailing helps keep my ego in check and teaches me that everyone can be a mentor if one takes the time and humility to look for the lessons being offered. I think due to my acceptance of other's inputs, I too am regarded as a valued resource in return. I get quite a few people asking me how to repair, maintain, sail and tune their boats. Sharing, also makes the whole sailing experience much more rewarding. Eric
My mentor
My mentor is my father in law; he is still sailing at 82 years old, and has been sailing for the last 75 years. He may not be as quick as he once was, but he can still tune the sails better than I can. Whenever I come across situations that are new to me, chances are he has faced them himself before, and can provide advice. I take out people who have not sailed much, so I pass on "the knowledge" - where we sail, "the knowledge" (what London taxi drivers have to acquire before they can drive a cab) is vital, as the sands and mud are constantly changing.
My mentor is my father in law; he is still sailing at 82 years old, and has been sailing for the last 75 years. He may not be as quick as he once was, but he can still tune the sails better than I can. Whenever I come across situations that are new to me, chances are he has faced them himself before, and can provide advice. I take out people who have not sailed much, so I pass on "the knowledge" - where we sail, "the knowledge" (what London taxi drivers have to acquire before they can drive a cab) is vital, as the sands and mud are constantly changing.
Mentor's via internet
I have actually had very little personal contact with experienced sailors. I've just 'learned' by doing, and have made many errors and mistakes. BUT, thru my contact with others via internet forums and lists, I've 'come in contact' with some very experienced sailors, who have been very generous in sharing experiences and instructions! I must admit that nothing compares with actual 'hands on' instructions, but when that isn't available, I appreciate any suggestions from others even if limited to internet correspondence or articles provided by this web page and others. Thanks everyone for helping a novice who may one day know enough to share with someone else.
I have actually had very little personal contact with experienced sailors. I've just 'learned' by doing, and have made many errors and mistakes. BUT, thru my contact with others via internet forums and lists, I've 'come in contact' with some very experienced sailors, who have been very generous in sharing experiences and instructions! I must admit that nothing compares with actual 'hands on' instructions, but when that isn't available, I appreciate any suggestions from others even if limited to internet correspondence or articles provided by this web page and others. Thanks everyone for helping a novice who may one day know enough to share with someone else.
I've transitioned to being a mentor, but...
I'm still not as experienced as many sailors out there and am always looking to leverage their knowledge. I find one of the most rewarding activities is to introduce others to sailing and to help newbies build their skills. It's great to see the hidden "sailing gene" activated!
I'm still not as experienced as many sailors out there and am always looking to leverage their knowledge. I find one of the most rewarding activities is to introduce others to sailing and to help newbies build their skills. It's great to see the hidden "sailing gene" activated!
A wealth of experience
From the numbers in the survey I wonder how many respondents keep their boat in a marina vs. a boat club. When I started sailing 3 years ago, I joined a boat club (it was far cheaper than a marina) and I found a wealth of experience in the membership. In that way I have many mentors, and a couple good friends to sail with--either on my boat or theirs. I have learned something new everytime I have gone out with a more experienced sailor.
From the numbers in the survey I wonder how many respondents keep their boat in a marina vs. a boat club. When I started sailing 3 years ago, I joined a boat club (it was far cheaper than a marina) and I found a wealth of experience in the membership. In that way I have many mentors, and a couple good friends to sail with--either on my boat or theirs. I have learned something new everytime I have gone out with a more experienced sailor.
Sailing Club
As mentioned by someone else, I've gained a lot more knowledge after joining a sailing club. Our clud doesn't include a slip, but most of the members keep their boats (if they are owners) at the same marina. I learned more in 6 months after joining the club than I had in the previous 2 years of "doing it on my own."
As mentioned by someone else, I've gained a lot more knowledge after joining a sailing club. Our clud doesn't include a slip, but most of the members keep their boats (if they are owners) at the same marina. I learned more in 6 months after joining the club than I had in the previous 2 years of "doing it on my own."
Sailing relearned
I learned to sail entirely on my own, using books, along with trial and error. I had taken many people sailing through the years, especially as race crew. But few people seemed to catch the bug. Then a couple of years ago, a younger fellow who worked at the same place as I did, emailed that he had heard that I was always looking for racing crew. He had just finished taking lessons at the Wooden Boat Center and was looking for more opportunities to sail. He ended up sailing regularly with me as he "learned the ropes". After a couple of years he bought a small trailerable. The point is, I got as much out of the deal as he did! I got to re-experience the excitement of discovery, through his eyes, that had faded for me. He even let me helm his new boat. What a treat! There's nothing like feeling the responsiveness of a small boat to put a smile on your face. Quite unlike the "boat bus" I have now.
I learned to sail entirely on my own, using books, along with trial and error. I had taken many people sailing through the years, especially as race crew. But few people seemed to catch the bug. Then a couple of years ago, a younger fellow who worked at the same place as I did, emailed that he had heard that I was always looking for racing crew. He had just finished taking lessons at the Wooden Boat Center and was looking for more opportunities to sail. He ended up sailing regularly with me as he "learned the ropes". After a couple of years he bought a small trailerable. The point is, I got as much out of the deal as he did! I got to re-experience the excitement of discovery, through his eyes, that had faded for me. He even let me helm his new boat. What a treat! There's nothing like feeling the responsiveness of a small boat to put a smile on your face. Quite unlike the "boat bus" I have now.
my luck
hAVE SAILED SMALL BOATS ALL MY LIFE EVEN WAS CONCIDERED RAIL MEAT FOR A COUPLE OF RACING UNCLE'S. rEALLY GOT NOTHING OUT OF IT BUT THE DESIRE TO BE ON THE WATER WHEN EVER POSSIBLE. sTARTED TO SAIL HOBIES CATS CAUSE I COULD GO BY MYSELF,FAST AS I PLEASED AND WHEREVER I WANTED. MET A FELLOW ABOUT 18 YEAS AGO WITH A 47' IRWIN AND CREW WITH HIM UP AND DOWN LONG ISLAND SOUND.gOD DOES HE KNOW A LOT AND IS HAPPY TO INPART it WITH PLEASURE. nOW HAS COME THE DAY WHEN I PURCHASED A 30' IRWIN SLOOP AND IM LOVIN IT LETS ME SPEND LOTS OF TIME ON THE WATER AND CANT GET ENOUGH OF IT. mY MENTOR IS 80 YEARS OLD NOW AND HAS TROUBLE GETTING ON THE BOAT WITH ME, BUT WHEN I COME BACK FROM SAILING I CAN SEE HIM LIVING VICARIOUSLY THRU MY EVERY EXPERIENCE. SO DO SOMETHING GOOD FOR AN OLD SALT SOMETIME.... TAKE HIM SAILING!!!
hAVE SAILED SMALL BOATS ALL MY LIFE EVEN WAS CONCIDERED RAIL MEAT FOR A COUPLE OF RACING UNCLE'S. rEALLY GOT NOTHING OUT OF IT BUT THE DESIRE TO BE ON THE WATER WHEN EVER POSSIBLE. sTARTED TO SAIL HOBIES CATS CAUSE I COULD GO BY MYSELF,FAST AS I PLEASED AND WHEREVER I WANTED. MET A FELLOW ABOUT 18 YEAS AGO WITH A 47' IRWIN AND CREW WITH HIM UP AND DOWN LONG ISLAND SOUND.gOD DOES HE KNOW A LOT AND IS HAPPY TO INPART it WITH PLEASURE. nOW HAS COME THE DAY WHEN I PURCHASED A 30' IRWIN SLOOP AND IM LOVIN IT LETS ME SPEND LOTS OF TIME ON THE WATER AND CANT GET ENOUGH OF IT. mY MENTOR IS 80 YEARS OLD NOW AND HAS TROUBLE GETTING ON THE BOAT WITH ME, BUT WHEN I COME BACK FROM SAILING I CAN SEE HIM LIVING VICARIOUSLY THRU MY EVERY EXPERIENCE. SO DO SOMETHING GOOD FOR AN OLD SALT SOMETIME.... TAKE HIM SAILING!!!
as time goes by
When I started my mentor took me for the first time and every time for the next year. O'Day 25. then through the building of his 35' tri-hull, next two years. A move south ended that sailing mentorship but not the friendship. Several years on my own and teaching son in a O'Day22.That son is now mentoring MY grandsons on a 5.8 cat. That covers the last almost 30 years pretty nicely don't you think?
When I started my mentor took me for the first time and every time for the next year. O'Day 25. then through the building of his 35' tri-hull, next two years. A move south ended that sailing mentorship but not the friendship. Several years on my own and teaching son in a O'Day22.That son is now mentoring MY grandsons on a 5.8 cat. That covers the last almost 30 years pretty nicely don't you think?
MANY MENTORS
Joining a sailing club where many others sail the same kind of boat has provided me with many mentors and plenty of help. We trailer our boats to many areas as a group and sail as a fleet. Everyone helps everyone. it's great!
Joining a sailing club where many others sail the same kind of boat has provided me with many mentors and plenty of help. We trailer our boats to many areas as a group and sail as a fleet. Everyone helps everyone. it's great!
Sailing clubs are a good place to meet
people who will help you learn about sailing. I met my wife at the Seattle Singles Sailing Club. Also met a few other couples there who met there and later married. I had a friend who taught me a lot who I met in the first marina where I put my first boat. He was a great guy. Kind of an iconoclastic loner at times though. He died a few years ago from a heart attack which he had in the parking lot at Shilshole. I did not even know about it until a few months later. He put the little Buddha in the northern part of Tenidos Bay and helped build the little bridge there. I still miss him...
people who will help you learn about sailing. I met my wife at the Seattle Singles Sailing Club. Also met a few other couples there who met there and later married. I had a friend who taught me a lot who I met in the first marina where I put my first boat. He was a great guy. Kind of an iconoclastic loner at times though. He died a few years ago from a heart attack which he had in the parking lot at Shilshole. I did not even know about it until a few months later. He put the little Buddha in the northern part of Tenidos Bay and helped build the little bridge there. I still miss him...
Lucky to have my step-father.
Mother married a yachtmaster Ocean a little over a year ago, and while I had sailed for a few years before meeting him i have learned volumes more in the last year sailing with him than I ever would have otherwise. If he didnt sail he would still be a great guy to go sailing with. I crossed the English channel with him two weeks ago and after a week of gales in the solent and 2 channel crossings I am convinced "Yachtmaster Ocean" is more than just an empty title. I have included a photo of him from the recent trip, looking the quintessential Yachtmaster.
Mother married a yachtmaster Ocean a little over a year ago, and while I had sailed for a few years before meeting him i have learned volumes more in the last year sailing with him than I ever would have otherwise. If he didnt sail he would still be a great guy to go sailing with. I crossed the English channel with him two weeks ago and after a week of gales in the solent and 2 channel crossings I am convinced "Yachtmaster Ocean" is more than just an empty title. I have included a photo of him from the recent trip, looking the quintessential Yachtmaster.
Old friends
I sail primarily with my best friend from high school (we attended our 30th reunion a couple years ago). She is a 'book-learned' sailor, having conceived an intellectual passion before ever setting foot on a sailboat, where I was taught sailing and seamanship at my father's knee (and helm) since I was old enough to walk. In the intervening years, I have crewed for cruisers and racers, chartered yachts in the Pacific, Atlantic, Mediterranean and Caribbean, with and without hired captains, learning from each experience and mentored my children and others just for the joy of seeing someone else discover the wonder of wind power. I will cheerfully sail anywhere, with anyone, as captain or crew, but I have learned through (sometimes hard...) experience that there is always something new to learn and local knowledge is never to be underestimated. Sharing experiences, tips and 'boat bits' with other sailors is just one facet of sailing that makes it more than a hobby, but a philosophy and a way of life.
I sail primarily with my best friend from high school (we attended our 30th reunion a couple years ago). She is a 'book-learned' sailor, having conceived an intellectual passion before ever setting foot on a sailboat, where I was taught sailing and seamanship at my father's knee (and helm) since I was old enough to walk. In the intervening years, I have crewed for cruisers and racers, chartered yachts in the Pacific, Atlantic, Mediterranean and Caribbean, with and without hired captains, learning from each experience and mentored my children and others just for the joy of seeing someone else discover the wonder of wind power. I will cheerfully sail anywhere, with anyone, as captain or crew, but I have learned through (sometimes hard...) experience that there is always something new to learn and local knowledge is never to be underestimated. Sharing experiences, tips and 'boat bits' with other sailors is just one facet of sailing that makes it more than a hobby, but a philosophy and a way of life.
Why you should be a mentor
I took up sailing just a few seasons ago in my middle age because, living in Connecticut, I spent enough time visiting places in coastal New England that the sailing bug bit me. I come from an inland family that did no boating, though my spinster aunt owned a small power boat in New Haven harbor for a season in the 60's. Though she took me out in the boat for a few afternoons in those days, it was more frightening than fun and soon forgotten. For a lifetime I lived with the assumptions most inlanders live with about boating; that boating is a private fraternity made up of people who find out how to operate the machinery from friends and family and get special deals that allow them to have places to keep their boats. The idea that a person outside the fraternity could buy a boat, learn how to use it, and find an affordable place to keep it all seemed improbable. It doesn't matter whether you think these feelings are justified, it's the real impression that non-boaters have about what you (now we) do. Not once in my pre-boating days did I ever see an ad for a sailing school or boating certificate courses at the local high school; no boating magazines in the supermarket; no friends who owned a boat; no point of contact whatever between the boats we see on that water and the rest of the world, so it all seemed like a conspiracy of the privileged. Though I now know how the world of boating works, and know what I need to find out, I still had to fight each step of the way to get in. The sailing school I took my first weekend lesson from didn't explain that there were different types of sailboats and that things we were doing on their dinghy didn't work that way in larger cruising boats. The yacht dealer I bought my first boat from didn't make much of an effort to hook me up with their affiliated ASA instructor, even though I was clearly unfit to handle the boat myself at the outset. I only found a marina to put her in by dumb luck, as I drove by a place on the coast I liked the look of and popped in to their office. Had I had not been a voracious reader of sailing books I would likely have suffered some bad experiences on the water and perhaps given up. I think you get the idea here; almost everyone answering this question is coming from vast experience and nothing has really disproved my lifetime of impressions of boating as a closed society, though I now know a determined person can at least break in. You may find yourself the only point of contact between the sport you enjoy and the person who lives outside it, so the willingness to be a mentor is a vital link in the chain. I still don't have one and probably never will, but I'm at least in now, with no regret.
I took up sailing just a few seasons ago in my middle age because, living in Connecticut, I spent enough time visiting places in coastal New England that the sailing bug bit me. I come from an inland family that did no boating, though my spinster aunt owned a small power boat in New Haven harbor for a season in the 60's. Though she took me out in the boat for a few afternoons in those days, it was more frightening than fun and soon forgotten. For a lifetime I lived with the assumptions most inlanders live with about boating; that boating is a private fraternity made up of people who find out how to operate the machinery from friends and family and get special deals that allow them to have places to keep their boats. The idea that a person outside the fraternity could buy a boat, learn how to use it, and find an affordable place to keep it all seemed improbable. It doesn't matter whether you think these feelings are justified, it's the real impression that non-boaters have about what you (now we) do. Not once in my pre-boating days did I ever see an ad for a sailing school or boating certificate courses at the local high school; no boating magazines in the supermarket; no friends who owned a boat; no point of contact whatever between the boats we see on that water and the rest of the world, so it all seemed like a conspiracy of the privileged. Though I now know how the world of boating works, and know what I need to find out, I still had to fight each step of the way to get in. The sailing school I took my first weekend lesson from didn't explain that there were different types of sailboats and that things we were doing on their dinghy didn't work that way in larger cruising boats. The yacht dealer I bought my first boat from didn't make much of an effort to hook me up with their affiliated ASA instructor, even though I was clearly unfit to handle the boat myself at the outset. I only found a marina to put her in by dumb luck, as I drove by a place on the coast I liked the look of and popped in to their office. Had I had not been a voracious reader of sailing books I would likely have suffered some bad experiences on the water and perhaps given up. I think you get the idea here; almost everyone answering this question is coming from vast experience and nothing has really disproved my lifetime of impressions of boating as a closed society, though I now know a determined person can at least break in. You may find yourself the only point of contact between the sport you enjoy and the person who lives outside it, so the willingness to be a mentor is a vital link in the chain. I still don't have one and probably never will, but I'm at least in now, with no regret.
Master Mentor
Well said Rich. I signed up at a sailing club in Boston because I wanted to break into what I percieved as an exclusive sport. My friend had told me about his father-in-laws sailing adventures on the vineyard, nantucket, and newport, it sounded like a good take. My brother had a 19' motor boat, we used with little to no knowledge of boating etiquette or navigation. I thought the sailors to be a snob club. Meeting real sailors I found just the opposite true. I left the dark side to learn the art of sailing. My instructors were top notch down to earth old salts. I boat a very used Cal 33 and restored it, learning my boat inside and out. When I finally met up with my friends father-in-law, I had a floating mooring dock secured in Newport for both of our vessels for the weekend., a few friends to entertain, beer and potato chips. He sailed in with a gleaming 46' sail boat, his girlfriend working the docking lines. After introductions, he used his dinghy to pull next to a lobster boat, bought several fresh ones- creating a feast of lobster, clams casino, and shrimp scampi all prepared fresh on his boat. He had champagne for the ladies, surround sound stereo music, candles, and a fully stocked kitchen and bar. ---I was a sponge, spending most of the night absorbing good living tips, sailing tips, cooking, ect. Spent the next day pushing his boat to top speeds, taking notes of riding currents, finding maximum sail trim, reading weather, charting for passages, and racing strategies. I found out in my mentor that we all share the same love of the wind and sea. From the dinghy racer to the cruising sailor. My good wishes to all my sailing brothers and sisters out in cyberspace, the seasons winding down for me- I have many winter projects/improvements, I look forward to hearing all your sailing tips and stories!
Well said Rich. I signed up at a sailing club in Boston because I wanted to break into what I percieved as an exclusive sport. My friend had told me about his father-in-laws sailing adventures on the vineyard, nantucket, and newport, it sounded like a good take. My brother had a 19' motor boat, we used with little to no knowledge of boating etiquette or navigation. I thought the sailors to be a snob club. Meeting real sailors I found just the opposite true. I left the dark side to learn the art of sailing. My instructors were top notch down to earth old salts. I boat a very used Cal 33 and restored it, learning my boat inside and out. When I finally met up with my friends father-in-law, I had a floating mooring dock secured in Newport for both of our vessels for the weekend., a few friends to entertain, beer and potato chips. He sailed in with a gleaming 46' sail boat, his girlfriend working the docking lines. After introductions, he used his dinghy to pull next to a lobster boat, bought several fresh ones- creating a feast of lobster, clams casino, and shrimp scampi all prepared fresh on his boat. He had champagne for the ladies, surround sound stereo music, candles, and a fully stocked kitchen and bar. ---I was a sponge, spending most of the night absorbing good living tips, sailing tips, cooking, ect. Spent the next day pushing his boat to top speeds, taking notes of riding currents, finding maximum sail trim, reading weather, charting for passages, and racing strategies. I found out in my mentor that we all share the same love of the wind and sea. From the dinghy racer to the cruising sailor. My good wishes to all my sailing brothers and sisters out in cyberspace, the seasons winding down for me- I have many winter projects/improvements, I look forward to hearing all your sailing tips and stories!
Experienced Mentor
My main mentor is a boat rigger. She has seen and rigged plenty of boats in her day. She has also worked as a trouble shooter and sales woman for various manufacturers. She is a fountain of knowledge for equipment as well as the boats themselves. She and her husband have lived aboard year round for 15 yrs. The 2 of them have stories to tell about almost every boat I have mentioned to them. What to watch out for and what is important. Where to look for trouble and how to correct it if it can be done. Many boats are too light in the wrong places and this is what you need to be aware of. From experience and networking, they have a good idea of which boat & year is a blue water sailer & which should stay inshore. I'd be a fool not to pay attention to their advice.
My main mentor is a boat rigger. She has seen and rigged plenty of boats in her day. She has also worked as a trouble shooter and sales woman for various manufacturers. She is a fountain of knowledge for equipment as well as the boats themselves. She and her husband have lived aboard year round for 15 yrs. The 2 of them have stories to tell about almost every boat I have mentioned to them. What to watch out for and what is important. Where to look for trouble and how to correct it if it can be done. Many boats are too light in the wrong places and this is what you need to be aware of. From experience and networking, they have a good idea of which boat & year is a blue water sailer & which should stay inshore. I'd be a fool not to pay attention to their advice.
Ted Capt Outrageous Turner
Ted donated serveral of his old daysailors to his a boarding school that he attended ti start a sailing club. I was fortunate to come along several years later and get to use one of those boats as part of the school's outdoor program for boarding students. One outrageous (and very unprofessional) race in a Highlander and I was hooked for life. I hadn't a "clew" what I was doing but something must have "cleated" me. So if you have an old boat laying around, donate it to a high school or scout troop and be a mentor! Thank you Ted! Andy McCallie '75 Go Blue
Ted donated serveral of his old daysailors to his a boarding school that he attended ti start a sailing club. I was fortunate to come along several years later and get to use one of those boats as part of the school's outdoor program for boarding students. One outrageous (and very unprofessional) race in a Highlander and I was hooked for life. I hadn't a "clew" what I was doing but something must have "cleated" me. So if you have an old boat laying around, donate it to a high school or scout troop and be a mentor! Thank you Ted! Andy McCallie '75 Go Blue
It all depends
Concerning mentoring, it's for sailors like me a matter of relative perception of your limited/relative knowledge. How can I be a mentor when I need to learn so much more? I have been amazed ( and frustrated ) many times by how much I still have to learn about sailing - and I am an old fellow. I have more and more admiration for sailors like Paul Cayard, I. Autissier, J. Slocum and R. Coutts. But if you ask me to choose a mentor I will take N. Calder as my mentor/hero in a New-York second. Can I be a mentor ? Maybe, the problem is defining the "students" level, I am still learning and I have been sailing South of the Horn and across the Southern Ocean and also in small lakes and bays for the better part of the last 44 years. Excuse my ramblings but I thought to give you my insight about this issue.
Concerning mentoring, it's for sailors like me a matter of relative perception of your limited/relative knowledge. How can I be a mentor when I need to learn so much more? I have been amazed ( and frustrated ) many times by how much I still have to learn about sailing - and I am an old fellow. I have more and more admiration for sailors like Paul Cayard, I. Autissier, J. Slocum and R. Coutts. But if you ask me to choose a mentor I will take N. Calder as my mentor/hero in a New-York second. Can I be a mentor ? Maybe, the problem is defining the "students" level, I am still learning and I have been sailing South of the Horn and across the Southern Ocean and also in small lakes and bays for the better part of the last 44 years. Excuse my ramblings but I thought to give you my insight about this issue.
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