Wind gusts - Part 2

[KathyL]

Thanks for the feedback...

Thanks to everyone for your feedback. I like to see a good conversation! Question for Moody.. you say "How is any of this a problem? It is not my intention to be harsh on an inexperienced sailor. What is any of us doing sailing in conditions where we are not controlling the boat? This isn't a carnival ride, we are supposed to be in control, not the other way around. Do you walk the dog or does the dog walk you?"Perhaps to someone who has more experience than me, it's not a problem... but how exactly did you learn what you are and are not capable of doing? Reading a book? Watching TLC on cable? Reading posts on the internet? I think not. If it wasn't your intention to be harsh on an inexperienced sailor, what was your intention? As for me... I'll be back out there trying new things and having more exhilarating experiences. A whole lot more fun than watching TV.

 

[Franklin]

Word!!!!!

"A whole lot more fun than watching TV. "Unless it's the Broncos kicking Colts butt

 

[KathyL]

Yeah well...

I've given up on the Redskins, as I do every year! :{

 

[higgs]

Kathy

You hit the nail on the head! Get out there and sail your boat! Sometimes us oid timers like to make things harder thn they really are. Your boat will take more than you. Take it out!

 

[Moody Buccaneer]

Seamanship ...

"Question for Moody.. you say "How is any of this a problem? It is not my intention to be harsh on an inexperienced sailor. What is any of us doing sailing in conditions where we are not controlling the boat? This isn't a carnival ride, we are supposed to be in control, not the other way around. Do you walk the dog or does the dog walk you?"Perhaps to someone who has more experience than me, it's not a problem... but how exactly did you learn what you are and are not capable of doing? Reading a book? Watching TLC on cable? Reading posts on the internet? I think not. If it wasn't your intention to be harsh on an inexperienced sailor, what was your intention?"My comment was harsh, reality is harsh. My post was not aimed at you personally, or at inexperienced sailors, but rather at sailors in general that have never learned good seamanship. I include sailors with decades of experience.I suppose it is possible to learn to drive a car by trial and error too. I don't recommend it, but I suppose it is possible. How many fenders would be dented before the driver stopped smacking into things? How many people are we willing to put at risk while we find out what we are and are not capable of doing?I submit that sailing a boat requires more knowledge, training, and practice than driving a car. Driving requires a license, and in many/most places some sort of training and or a "learner's permit". Sailing requires only a bucket of cash and some brave pills. If you don't know what to do in a car, you can pull over, call the auto club and wait for help. You don't have that option in a boat. The sea is not very tolerant of people that don't take her seriously.What would have happened if someone had fallen overboard? What is any of us doing sailing in conditions and with sail configurations that do not allow a prompt crew recovery under sail? Sailing DDW with the boom vanged and prevented and jib poled out wing and wing in 25+ knots what are the chances of a single-handed sailor being able to recover their partner or child? A good sailor could do it, they have rigged the boat so it is possible and they have practiced. Can we all say the same?There is a difference between taking unnecessary risks and accepting (and preparing for) unavoidable risk.I learned to sail from my father and from crewing on other boats. I had a pretty good idea of *what* to do before I ever tried to do it.There are any number of sail training programs available to new sailors. Learning boat handling skills while there is a experienced sailor on board should go far to reduce the pucker factor and increase self confidence.Randy