No, not sailing lessons -- sailing's lessons. It seems to me that sailing is not only a whole lot of fun, it's a great teacher as well. What has sailing taught you that's changed your life off the water? In our land-based lives, if the kitchen sink stops up, we call the plumber. If we have a fire, we dial 911 and call the fire department. If we want to know how to get somewhere, we look for the big green exit signs on the interstates. Out on the water, we're our own masters, but also responsible for ourselves. If an electrical problem crops up, we better know how to fix it. If we want to go somewhere in particular, we better know how to navigate to get there. We're not going to go 60 miles and hour, so we'd better learn to be happy doing 6 knots. So what has sailing taught you that's carried over to your life on the hard? Self-reliance? Self-confidence? How to enjoy living at a slow pace? How to be an electrician (carpenter, plumber, painter, etc.)? Share your thoughts on sailing's lessons and be sure to vote in the quiz on the home page. - Quiz by Gary Wyngarden
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I'll pay for this one.....
As a master plumber working around the "sailing capitol of the world" for over twenty years I can tell you some of my worst customers are sailboaters. They always seem to have some strange floor plan that involves jamming the plumbing fixtures on top of each other so they can use every last inch of space. Nevermind that it will never pass inspection, "on my boat I have half that space and I've sailed around the world in her!". I spend alot of time argueing that the code requires more space but the independent spirit that sailing nurtures somehow makes them feel that the code doesn't apply to them.They also have learned to do alot of things themselves but I've yet to see a repair that is much more than a quick fix. They invariably involve hoses and clamps which may be fine on a low pressure system but in a house where the overnight pressure can sometimes build to over 100 psi these quick fixes ofton fail. Please understand I'm not knocking sailors personally, I'm becoming one and actually I'm starting to understand where they're coming from but as pertaining to the question, I feel that many times the things we learn on our boats does not cross over too well to life on the hard.
As a master plumber working around the "sailing capitol of the world" for over twenty years I can tell you some of my worst customers are sailboaters. They always seem to have some strange floor plan that involves jamming the plumbing fixtures on top of each other so they can use every last inch of space. Nevermind that it will never pass inspection, "on my boat I have half that space and I've sailed around the world in her!". I spend alot of time argueing that the code requires more space but the independent spirit that sailing nurtures somehow makes them feel that the code doesn't apply to them.They also have learned to do alot of things themselves but I've yet to see a repair that is much more than a quick fix. They invariably involve hoses and clamps which may be fine on a low pressure system but in a house where the overnight pressure can sometimes build to over 100 psi these quick fixes ofton fail. Please understand I'm not knocking sailors personally, I'm becoming one and actually I'm starting to understand where they're coming from but as pertaining to the question, I feel that many times the things we learn on our boats does not cross over too well to life on the hard.
Lesson learned
On Saturday, I had to take my dinner jacket to the boat to go directly to a black-tie function that evening. Alas, I had forgotten cuff links. Without hesitation, I went to the ship's store and bought two panhead bolts and nuts. Sailing teaches one to think... gracefully.
On Saturday, I had to take my dinner jacket to the boat to go directly to a black-tie function that evening. Alas, I had forgotten cuff links. Without hesitation, I went to the ship's store and bought two panhead bolts and nuts. Sailing teaches one to think... gracefully.
It has taught me humility....
Having owned a powerboat for many years, my husband and I took up sailing... Figured it can't be that hard, after all it's a boat...well you know what happened, we got spanked! I believe that before one can learn self confidence and self reliance, a person has to start with humility. We have come a long way, and have learned to be confident and enjoy our boat, but don't ever, ever get too cocky... It's all about harmony and balance, a totally different mentality (than when powerboating). Just Chillin Mary
Having owned a powerboat for many years, my husband and I took up sailing... Figured it can't be that hard, after all it's a boat...well you know what happened, we got spanked! I believe that before one can learn self confidence and self reliance, a person has to start with humility. We have come a long way, and have learned to be confident and enjoy our boat, but don't ever, ever get too cocky... It's all about harmony and balance, a totally different mentality (than when powerboating). Just Chillin Mary
A slower pace and greater awareness
In the real world I live with computer systems and computer networks. Everything is measured in nano seconds. Its nice to be able to go slow and see the natural world. To hear the wind and water, to appreciate the earth. It's the difference bewteen driving to the top of a mountain and hiking to the top. You see more, experience more and appreciate it more. It's also nice to get away from a technology intensive way of live - yes I still have a VHF radio, depth finder and cell phone. I built and still sail a 12 foot dingy. I sail it on a small lake. It's neat just to close your eyes and re-act to the wind with the tiller and main halyard (get in tune with the wind). I can't do that with the 25 footer we just got. The other lesson is to lessen the "stuff" load - there is only a limited amount of space on a sailboat. anything brought aboard must be needed/required or for emergency.
In the real world I live with computer systems and computer networks. Everything is measured in nano seconds. Its nice to be able to go slow and see the natural world. To hear the wind and water, to appreciate the earth. It's the difference bewteen driving to the top of a mountain and hiking to the top. You see more, experience more and appreciate it more. It's also nice to get away from a technology intensive way of live - yes I still have a VHF radio, depth finder and cell phone. I built and still sail a 12 foot dingy. I sail it on a small lake. It's neat just to close your eyes and re-act to the wind with the tiller and main halyard (get in tune with the wind). I can't do that with the 25 footer we just got. The other lesson is to lessen the "stuff" load - there is only a limited amount of space on a sailboat. anything brought aboard must be needed/required or for emergency.
Getting to know you, getting to know all .....
If you really, really want to know what makes a person tick, take them sailing or go with them sailing. I suppose the same might hold true for going fishing with someone, or taking a trip with a person: the key is to learn what makes a person who he/she is. In COOKIE'S FORTUNE, sheriff knew a character was not the murderer: he had gone fishing with him. The thin veneer of civilization vaporizes with the storm clouds of crisis. Conversely, some people know how to have a good time and share it with friends. Cockpit chatter is totally unique because there is no engine noise, nowhere else to go. Start a thread of conversation and carry it on. Or put it down while you adjust something or listen to a weather bulletin, then pick it up minutes or hours later. The opinions that are distilled, having mulled them over, can be wisdom you never realized your cockpit mate posssessed. Pity the soul who hasn't dinghied over to another boat on the hook for a visit! Author John Barth, to me, is the master craftman of recorded cockpit conversation. 'nuff said. Joe
If you really, really want to know what makes a person tick, take them sailing or go with them sailing. I suppose the same might hold true for going fishing with someone, or taking a trip with a person: the key is to learn what makes a person who he/she is. In COOKIE'S FORTUNE, sheriff knew a character was not the murderer: he had gone fishing with him. The thin veneer of civilization vaporizes with the storm clouds of crisis. Conversely, some people know how to have a good time and share it with friends. Cockpit chatter is totally unique because there is no engine noise, nowhere else to go. Start a thread of conversation and carry it on. Or put it down while you adjust something or listen to a weather bulletin, then pick it up minutes or hours later. The opinions that are distilled, having mulled them over, can be wisdom you never realized your cockpit mate posssessed. Pity the soul who hasn't dinghied over to another boat on the hook for a visit! Author John Barth, to me, is the master craftman of recorded cockpit conversation. 'nuff said. Joe
What I've learned-----
That there are hot-air blow hards in both worlds. I have been sailing 14 years now and wish I had a dime for every unwelcomed comment, suggestion, thought that sailors have so freely offered. Seems the less one sails the more he/she knows about it. Some weekends I feel hostage on my boat while dockside, I have to stay below so the blow hards can dispense their useless comments to someone who looks like they give a damn. So, using patience is what crosses from sail to hard.
That there are hot-air blow hards in both worlds. I have been sailing 14 years now and wish I had a dime for every unwelcomed comment, suggestion, thought that sailors have so freely offered. Seems the less one sails the more he/she knows about it. Some weekends I feel hostage on my boat while dockside, I have to stay below so the blow hards can dispense their useless comments to someone who looks like they give a damn. So, using patience is what crosses from sail to hard.
PATIENCE
Well, I guess one thing I have learned is to be tolerant, because I realize that illiterate and annoying people can show up anywhere. They even show up from time to time on this website! I guess PATIENCE is what it is all about! Unless you have some PATIENTS to row your boat.
Well, I guess one thing I have learned is to be tolerant, because I realize that illiterate and annoying people can show up anywhere. They even show up from time to time on this website! I guess PATIENCE is what it is all about! Unless you have some PATIENTS to row your boat.
Planning
I've done a lot of things that involve a well thought out plan in my life - for instance bringing a submarine to periscope depth, or setting up a fleet exercise, or even planning a family vacation - but none of these has taught me as much forethought or foresightedness as as sailing. Whether getting underway for an afternoon or a year, you'd better have a plan, and a backup plan. Be ready for contingencies and emergencies. I could provide lots of examples of why planning is important to sailing. I'll give just one example of a "planning test" that I used to do for fun. I used to live-aboard in the "middle of the pack" of boats at the docks on Harbor Island, San Diego. Given the right conditions, every once in a while, I'd single-hand sail my CT 42 all the way in to her slip. (I say that the momentum of a nice heavy boat makes this evolution easier rather than harder. And before I get flamed (and to demonstrate what I mean about planning), yes, I started the motor in neutral in case I got myself in trouble - but never had to use it.) Never bumbed a thing, but to do it right, everything had to be in place: I'd start positioning dock lines, fenders, boat pole, making the halyards and sheets ready, etc. rounding Point Loma. Even this exercise in planning ahead was itself practice for no motor landings, when and wherever I might have actually needed to try one. So, that's my vote for what sailing taught me: how to visualize what might happen in the future, and to prepare for it by planning ahead.
I've done a lot of things that involve a well thought out plan in my life - for instance bringing a submarine to periscope depth, or setting up a fleet exercise, or even planning a family vacation - but none of these has taught me as much forethought or foresightedness as as sailing. Whether getting underway for an afternoon or a year, you'd better have a plan, and a backup plan. Be ready for contingencies and emergencies. I could provide lots of examples of why planning is important to sailing. I'll give just one example of a "planning test" that I used to do for fun. I used to live-aboard in the "middle of the pack" of boats at the docks on Harbor Island, San Diego. Given the right conditions, every once in a while, I'd single-hand sail my CT 42 all the way in to her slip. (I say that the momentum of a nice heavy boat makes this evolution easier rather than harder. And before I get flamed (and to demonstrate what I mean about planning), yes, I started the motor in neutral in case I got myself in trouble - but never had to use it.) Never bumbed a thing, but to do it right, everything had to be in place: I'd start positioning dock lines, fenders, boat pole, making the halyards and sheets ready, etc. rounding Point Loma. Even this exercise in planning ahead was itself practice for no motor landings, when and wherever I might have actually needed to try one. So, that's my vote for what sailing taught me: how to visualize what might happen in the future, and to prepare for it by planning ahead.
Flying the wing......
Perhaps only another flyer can understand this line of thinking: For me, there isn't much of a challenge in sailing, as it relates to pre-planning. Pre-planning is second nature to me and any other pilot. I've had to pre-plan for over 40 years to fly safely. I've enjoyed flying anything with wings: airplanes and sailplanes. For me, the sailboat has been a curiousity satisfied. Flying that vertical wing (the sails) and making the boat perform to it's maximum ability has transformed my curiousity into pleasure. I truly didn't expect the enjoyment I have while sailing now. And to think that all this pleasure began with just wanting to experiment with sails. Yup, back then I had absolutely no desire to sail a boat. The hull was only the support system for that "Wing." Of course, that thinking has changed as time passed.
Perhaps only another flyer can understand this line of thinking: For me, there isn't much of a challenge in sailing, as it relates to pre-planning. Pre-planning is second nature to me and any other pilot. I've had to pre-plan for over 40 years to fly safely. I've enjoyed flying anything with wings: airplanes and sailplanes. For me, the sailboat has been a curiousity satisfied. Flying that vertical wing (the sails) and making the boat perform to it's maximum ability has transformed my curiousity into pleasure. I truly didn't expect the enjoyment I have while sailing now. And to think that all this pleasure began with just wanting to experiment with sails. Yup, back then I had absolutely no desire to sail a boat. The hull was only the support system for that "Wing." Of course, that thinking has changed as time passed.
Tolerance and Consideration
You become more aware of the people in the boats around you. On a recent cruise, as the members of our sailing club gathered in the cockpit of the anchor boat of our raftup for happy hour, we were aware of a dinghy with an outboard headed for shore from a powerboat moored nearby. When the sound of the motor abruptly cut out, all eyes were immediately drawn to the craft. One person was trying to restart the engine, the other two were just sitting. We all came to the immediate conclusion that they didn't have a paddle and would need help if the motor didn't start soon. We had all assessed the situation and, without discussion, were preparing to cast off the closest of our dinghys when the engine coughed to life again. They waved, we waved back and then broke into a rousing chorus of "Michael, Row the Boat Ashore" as they zipped away. One of the most appealing things about sailing, to me, is knowing that another sailor will always lend a hand when needed, because they've either been there or will be there someday.
You become more aware of the people in the boats around you. On a recent cruise, as the members of our sailing club gathered in the cockpit of the anchor boat of our raftup for happy hour, we were aware of a dinghy with an outboard headed for shore from a powerboat moored nearby. When the sound of the motor abruptly cut out, all eyes were immediately drawn to the craft. One person was trying to restart the engine, the other two were just sitting. We all came to the immediate conclusion that they didn't have a paddle and would need help if the motor didn't start soon. We had all assessed the situation and, without discussion, were preparing to cast off the closest of our dinghys when the engine coughed to life again. They waved, we waved back and then broke into a rousing chorus of "Michael, Row the Boat Ashore" as they zipped away. One of the most appealing things about sailing, to me, is knowing that another sailor will always lend a hand when needed, because they've either been there or will be there someday.
Attachments
patience
I started out as a hard core sailer. Any propulsion other than a sail was cheating!!!! When you sit all afternoon in sight of the dock and refuse to start the motor you learn patience. Unfortunately my family didn't learn the lesson so I have also learned to be patient with the family and indulge them when they insist that I start the ***** motor. Now I am becoming what I hate the most. A powerboater that owns a sailboat!!! It's reasonable and logical to start the motor but in my heart I know it's cheating. Then after a few days of powerboating around the lake in my sailboat the houseboats start to look reasonable!!!! Bigger, more stable , without that stick that catches in the trees when I try to anchor in a small cove!!!! A satelite dish and a real couch. Then the breeze comes up and I remember why a sailboat is the only boat for me. But you need patience to wait for the wind to return.
I started out as a hard core sailer. Any propulsion other than a sail was cheating!!!! When you sit all afternoon in sight of the dock and refuse to start the motor you learn patience. Unfortunately my family didn't learn the lesson so I have also learned to be patient with the family and indulge them when they insist that I start the ***** motor. Now I am becoming what I hate the most. A powerboater that owns a sailboat!!! It's reasonable and logical to start the motor but in my heart I know it's cheating. Then after a few days of powerboating around the lake in my sailboat the houseboats start to look reasonable!!!! Bigger, more stable , without that stick that catches in the trees when I try to anchor in a small cove!!!! A satelite dish and a real couch. Then the breeze comes up and I remember why a sailboat is the only boat for me. But you need patience to wait for the wind to return.
Working with nature
In our modern life, we are so tuned in to overcoming the forces of nature. We heat our homes to escape the cold, we have modern clothing to protect from the rain. I could go on and on. In short we constantly seek to be masters of nature. In sailing, WE FIND THAT WE HAVE TO WORK WITH NATURE AND TAKE WHAT NATURE WILL GIVE US. A very humbling experience. If we would like to do 225 degress M to get to our destination, and that just happens to be dead to windward, we usually have to settle for 180 M or 270 M or something like that. Very humbling for the usual Masters of Nature. If the winds pipe up, WE HAVE TO ADAPT, and reef our sails. In short we have to take what nature will allow. May it always be that way. Amen
In our modern life, we are so tuned in to overcoming the forces of nature. We heat our homes to escape the cold, we have modern clothing to protect from the rain. I could go on and on. In short we constantly seek to be masters of nature. In sailing, WE FIND THAT WE HAVE TO WORK WITH NATURE AND TAKE WHAT NATURE WILL GIVE US. A very humbling experience. If we would like to do 225 degress M to get to our destination, and that just happens to be dead to windward, we usually have to settle for 180 M or 270 M or something like that. Very humbling for the usual Masters of Nature. If the winds pipe up, WE HAVE TO ADAPT, and reef our sails. In short we have to take what nature will allow. May it always be that way. Amen
How to relax and to dream.
I don't really think sailing has taught me how to relax, but it certainly affords my that condition. On those "perfect days" I can really get lost in myself and that feeling can last long after I've tied the old girl up to the dock. I just have to remember to snap out of it before the trip home. I either have to buy a place on a lake or find a driver.
I don't really think sailing has taught me how to relax, but it certainly affords my that condition. On those "perfect days" I can really get lost in myself and that feeling can last long after I've tied the old girl up to the dock. I just have to remember to snap out of it before the trip home. I either have to buy a place on a lake or find a driver.
Love the solitude
I can identify with most of what's already been said. I like the quietness of sailing and the relaxing feeling it generally gives. It is not without active situations, such as when a squall comes up or a close call with another boater, but overall it is great. It's a great feeling to be able to get where you want to go and know that it is pretty much your skill and learned ability that will get you there. I learn something new just about every time I go out; been at it for a cou0le of years now.
I can identify with most of what's already been said. I like the quietness of sailing and the relaxing feeling it generally gives. It is not without active situations, such as when a squall comes up or a close call with another boater, but overall it is great. It's a great feeling to be able to get where you want to go and know that it is pretty much your skill and learned ability that will get you there. I learn something new just about every time I go out; been at it for a cou0le of years now.
No sailing lessons no more
With my Macgregor 26X LADY Vi. The time has come to hang up my sails and get back on my other hobby being a Story Teller of all my events sailing the good ship "LADY Vi" and little "FREDDIE" the Nutshell Tender. I still may get in a few more sails if the wind would only blow.
With my Macgregor 26X LADY Vi. The time has come to hang up my sails and get back on my other hobby being a Story Teller of all my events sailing the good ship "LADY Vi" and little "FREDDIE" the Nutshell Tender. I still may get in a few more sails if the wind would only blow.
Exhilarating and Humbling!!
Sailing has becoe a lifelong quest for me. I started by using scuba gear to clean bottoms before races in the late 60's and one day, a boat needed crew for the next day's race. I went along, and began what has become a lifelong endeavor. Now, looking back, I have sailed 10,000 miles in a squarerigger, particpated in the filming of a major movie aboard ship, raced many thousands of miles, and met an incredible number of people in remote and exotic locations. Now, looking forward, my wife and I have purchased a Cabo Rico 38, and are preparing to leave for a 4-5 year circumnavigation. What has sailing taught me? That, truly, all dreams are attainable, and all challenges met at sea make us more complete as an individual. Life on the sea can be tremendously exhilirating and humbling in the very same instant, and all could with a bit of each!
Sailing has becoe a lifelong quest for me. I started by using scuba gear to clean bottoms before races in the late 60's and one day, a boat needed crew for the next day's race. I went along, and began what has become a lifelong endeavor. Now, looking back, I have sailed 10,000 miles in a squarerigger, particpated in the filming of a major movie aboard ship, raced many thousands of miles, and met an incredible number of people in remote and exotic locations. Now, looking forward, my wife and I have purchased a Cabo Rico 38, and are preparing to leave for a 4-5 year circumnavigation. What has sailing taught me? That, truly, all dreams are attainable, and all challenges met at sea make us more complete as an individual. Life on the sea can be tremendously exhilirating and humbling in the very same instant, and all could with a bit of each!
Heavy weather solo sailing
Most remembered moments in my life, sailing alone on Lake Michigan, two red warning flags up, know the sailboat, handle the main, jib and tiller many miles off shore at night, very high winds and waves. It was the wind, waves, sailboat, myself and some of God. Never been higher in all my life.
Most remembered moments in my life, sailing alone on Lake Michigan, two red warning flags up, know the sailboat, handle the main, jib and tiller many miles off shore at night, very high winds and waves. It was the wind, waves, sailboat, myself and some of God. Never been higher in all my life.
R'n'R
I grew up around power boats. I got into sailing after not having a power boat available for several years. My wife and I had two young children, had done some camping, canoeing, etc. We were both working 40+ hrs/wk & I was working in a band 4-6 nights/wk. We needed to slow down! Sailing reared it's 'ugly head' so to speak....we tried it and never looked back. We've been sailing now for 28 years and have decided that beyond a doubt that ... The only place in life you really have to be...is where you are right now!
I grew up around power boats. I got into sailing after not having a power boat available for several years. My wife and I had two young children, had done some camping, canoeing, etc. We were both working 40+ hrs/wk & I was working in a band 4-6 nights/wk. We needed to slow down! Sailing reared it's 'ugly head' so to speak....we tried it and never looked back. We've been sailing now for 28 years and have decided that beyond a doubt that ... The only place in life you really have to be...is where you are right now!
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