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Turns out my private lessons are getting discontinued. The young man who was running the sailing center died suddenly, and Erin is now tasked with taking over his job, and will no longer be able to offer lessons on the side.
Just as well - too busy on Mondays with work, so...
She encouraged me to sign up for the intermediate class with the center, which I'll do. That means I won't get back on the water for lessons until Jan. Might see if Ed wants to enroll in the class so that it won't get cancelled due to low enrollment.
Hmm.
***
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Leaning out!
Second lesson today alone with Erin. It was both fun and scary!
The fun part - noticed some improvement since last time out, smoother shifting my weight, a little better with my hands / coordination with sheet and tiller.
Today we basically ran broad reaches between a couple bouys, and I spent the time tacking back and forth. Was able to start getting my eyes on exit points and get the boat pointing out of the tack onto the planned trajectory with less correction than I previously had to make. I still had my moments of getting tangled in the main sheet (at one point I think I had it wrapped around my neck!), and stil had a few moments where the tiller got away from me, but I'll forgive myself and say that there was, at least, improvement.
Reaching between the marks was good fun. Erin finally got through to me with the idea that falling off helps to flatten the boat, and the practice has become a LITTLE more intuitive. After a few reaches back and forth, I got a couple good runs in; it felt really "great" during those moments when the boat was hustling forward, and my body was a balanced tension between leaning out and feeling the tension of the water against the rudder, pulling on my arm through the tiller extension. For lack of a better term, it felt "solid" at times, and maybe even, when all was right, "natural."
I still struggle once in a while with the tiller. For some reason, on random occassions, I seem to forget which way to move the tiller to point in the direction I'd like to point in, but I'm trying.
More than that, I have difficulty trimming the main - at times she was luffing so annoyingly, but I was a bit nervous about trimming her because the wind was pretty strong; Erin said it was about 10-15 knots, with gusts up to 20 (she mentioned that it's got to get to between 15-20 knots before the sand starts blowing off the beach, which it was doing). Anyhow, hiking out and getting a feel for balancing the boat was a real treat, if not a consistant one, but I'll work on it. A few sketchy moments, enough for Erin to remind me about how to handle a capsize. I thought that was pretty telling, and figured we might want to take it easy.
Came into the dock pretty hard - Erin let me know that when it's really windy, it's good to let the sails out before turning up into irons toward the dock, just to scrub off some speed. I didn't hit the dock or anything like that, but the approach was a little more dramatic that it needed to be.
After we docked and talked a little, the wind really started kicking up (that's when the sand started blowing). I didn't feel comfortable going back out, being as novice as I am, and Erin thought it was a good conservative call. She said she would not have let classes go out in that wind, but would have gone out with me since she would have been on hand to jump in if things got too ugly. Anyhow, I'm glad I didn't push it.
What else... For next time, I want to work on my jibes (stuck with tacks today - with the wind as it was, I just felt more comfortable), coordination, and steering. I have a feeling that I'll be working on all three (as well as tacking!) for years before I really feel 100% at home. I don't think Erin thinks it will take as long, but we'll see!
One question I had but forgot to ask... Assume you're on a beam reach and your sails are timmed nicely for a set wind speed.If the wind speed increases, without changing direction, should one ease the sails? The boat will heel more, I'd think, with the increased wind power, but wouldn't easing only cause them to luff?
I guess what I'm trying to figure out is whether sail trim is a function of wind speed, wind direction, or both, and how. I will try to think it through for next class before talking with Erin about it, too.
Today was fun AND scary. I can't wait till it's just fun...
***
The fun part - noticed some improvement since last time out, smoother shifting my weight, a little better with my hands / coordination with sheet and tiller.
Today we basically ran broad reaches between a couple bouys, and I spent the time tacking back and forth. Was able to start getting my eyes on exit points and get the boat pointing out of the tack onto the planned trajectory with less correction than I previously had to make. I still had my moments of getting tangled in the main sheet (at one point I think I had it wrapped around my neck!), and stil had a few moments where the tiller got away from me, but I'll forgive myself and say that there was, at least, improvement.
Reaching between the marks was good fun. Erin finally got through to me with the idea that falling off helps to flatten the boat, and the practice has become a LITTLE more intuitive. After a few reaches back and forth, I got a couple good runs in; it felt really "great" during those moments when the boat was hustling forward, and my body was a balanced tension between leaning out and feeling the tension of the water against the rudder, pulling on my arm through the tiller extension. For lack of a better term, it felt "solid" at times, and maybe even, when all was right, "natural."
I still struggle once in a while with the tiller. For some reason, on random occassions, I seem to forget which way to move the tiller to point in the direction I'd like to point in, but I'm trying.
More than that, I have difficulty trimming the main - at times she was luffing so annoyingly, but I was a bit nervous about trimming her because the wind was pretty strong; Erin said it was about 10-15 knots, with gusts up to 20 (she mentioned that it's got to get to between 15-20 knots before the sand starts blowing off the beach, which it was doing). Anyhow, hiking out and getting a feel for balancing the boat was a real treat, if not a consistant one, but I'll work on it. A few sketchy moments, enough for Erin to remind me about how to handle a capsize. I thought that was pretty telling, and figured we might want to take it easy.
Came into the dock pretty hard - Erin let me know that when it's really windy, it's good to let the sails out before turning up into irons toward the dock, just to scrub off some speed. I didn't hit the dock or anything like that, but the approach was a little more dramatic that it needed to be.
After we docked and talked a little, the wind really started kicking up (that's when the sand started blowing). I didn't feel comfortable going back out, being as novice as I am, and Erin thought it was a good conservative call. She said she would not have let classes go out in that wind, but would have gone out with me since she would have been on hand to jump in if things got too ugly. Anyhow, I'm glad I didn't push it.
What else... For next time, I want to work on my jibes (stuck with tacks today - with the wind as it was, I just felt more comfortable), coordination, and steering. I have a feeling that I'll be working on all three (as well as tacking!) for years before I really feel 100% at home. I don't think Erin thinks it will take as long, but we'll see!
One question I had but forgot to ask... Assume you're on a beam reach and your sails are timmed nicely for a set wind speed.If the wind speed increases, without changing direction, should one ease the sails? The boat will heel more, I'd think, with the increased wind power, but wouldn't easing only cause them to luff?
I guess what I'm trying to figure out is whether sail trim is a function of wind speed, wind direction, or both, and how. I will try to think it through for next class before talking with Erin about it, too.
Today was fun AND scary. I can't wait till it's just fun...
***
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
My Butt Hurts!
Just realized today that my bum hurts! Eric noted that when I would switch sides of the boat, I'd sort of slam down on the bench rather than move fluidly / smoothly from side to side.
Today I could feel the consequence - the bones in my butt are tender from all the tacking / jibing exercies, like when one rides on a hard, race-oriented bike seat after not riding for years.
Note to self - be SMOOTH!
***
Today I could feel the consequence - the bones in my butt are tender from all the tacking / jibing exercies, like when one rides on a hard, race-oriented bike seat after not riding for years.
Note to self - be SMOOTH!
***
Monday, November 15, 2010
First sailing class with private instruction
Today I met Erin at the sailing center for our first lesson. I realized two things - 1. It's hard for me to identify wind direction, and 2. I need to lose some weight if I want to sail dinghies!
The majority of the "work" for me was trying to develop some muscle memory and dexterity when it comes to handling the tiller and main sheet during tacks and jibes. My movements were extremely clumsy and lacked any coordination. The tiller would get stuck behind my back, the extension sometimes caught on my life jacket, it was a real mess. On top of that, I'd get frustrated and sometimes turn the tiller the wrong way in the middle of a turn... ugh.
I decided to go back to the docks and just work out some movements in the boat - trying to figure out how to move most efficiently during each type of turn, what to do with my hands, where to hold the extension, tiller sheet. I basically did stationary tacks and jibes for a good 30-40 minutes, before going out again.
I think this helped a lot. The more that it can become muscle memory based, the less I have to think about it and the more attention I can pay to keeping sights on where I want to go, being sensitive to wind direction, and trim.
I also had some nerves when it came to the heeling of the boat. I think I'll get over that pretty quick. I wish, though, I had started saiing as a kid - without any fear, it woudl be a lot more fun to learn. you would just sort of "be" good at sailing, without having to "try" to learn how to do it.
Anyhow, after the lesson, I still feel very alientated from the boat, but maybe just a little less so. Will be doing more of the same next week...
***
The majority of the "work" for me was trying to develop some muscle memory and dexterity when it comes to handling the tiller and main sheet during tacks and jibes. My movements were extremely clumsy and lacked any coordination. The tiller would get stuck behind my back, the extension sometimes caught on my life jacket, it was a real mess. On top of that, I'd get frustrated and sometimes turn the tiller the wrong way in the middle of a turn... ugh.
I decided to go back to the docks and just work out some movements in the boat - trying to figure out how to move most efficiently during each type of turn, what to do with my hands, where to hold the extension, tiller sheet. I basically did stationary tacks and jibes for a good 30-40 minutes, before going out again.
I think this helped a lot. The more that it can become muscle memory based, the less I have to think about it and the more attention I can pay to keeping sights on where I want to go, being sensitive to wind direction, and trim.
I also had some nerves when it came to the heeling of the boat. I think I'll get over that pretty quick. I wish, though, I had started saiing as a kid - without any fear, it woudl be a lot more fun to learn. you would just sort of "be" good at sailing, without having to "try" to learn how to do it.
Anyhow, after the lesson, I still feel very alientated from the boat, but maybe just a little less so. Will be doing more of the same next week...
***
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Capsize Drills
Today was our last class. We took a written test followed by a knot quiz. It was really straightforward and easy. I'm glad I'll be getting one-on-one time with an instructor going forward.
Ed and I were the first to run through the capsize drill. We had decided before doing it who would be doing what, and we were criticized afterwards, but a new guy at the center, for the way we divided up the labor. Oh well. I slipped while getting in the boat, which was a little embarassing, but more than that, when I was pulling Ed in, after we righted it, I slipped again. This time, I fell flat on my back, with the small of it landing right on the tower where the main sail gets cleated. Had it not been for my life-jacket, it would have hurt like hell. I wince at the thought of it, and am thankful I didn't hurt myself. The experience gave me an idea of how quickly things can go wrong and how careful one has to be while on a boat! I could have broken my back!!
Talked with Erin on the phone afterwards and we're scheduled to have our first class on Monday, November 15. Really looking forward to it.
***
Ed and I were the first to run through the capsize drill. We had decided before doing it who would be doing what, and we were criticized afterwards, but a new guy at the center, for the way we divided up the labor. Oh well. I slipped while getting in the boat, which was a little embarassing, but more than that, when I was pulling Ed in, after we righted it, I slipped again. This time, I fell flat on my back, with the small of it landing right on the tower where the main sail gets cleated. Had it not been for my life-jacket, it would have hurt like hell. I wince at the thought of it, and am thankful I didn't hurt myself. The experience gave me an idea of how quickly things can go wrong and how careful one has to be while on a boat! I could have broken my back!!
Talked with Erin on the phone afterwards and we're scheduled to have our first class on Monday, November 15. Really looking forward to it.
***
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Private Lessons with Erin
Heard back from Erin - Private lessons are a go!
I'm excited. Will work out details later, once she knows her class schedule and when she'll be free. most likely will sail once a week (probably on Mondays or Tuesdays) for 3 hours at a time. I told her my short-term goal was to learn enough to allow me to sail confidently and comfortably from Leeway Sailing Center to Shoreline Harbor and back. She said it was a good goal. I'm stoked.
Sunday is our last beginner class. We will be doing capsize drills as well as taking our "test" to graduate from the beginner class. Afraid the water is going to be cold...
***
I'm excited. Will work out details later, once she knows her class schedule and when she'll be free. most likely will sail once a week (probably on Mondays or Tuesdays) for 3 hours at a time. I told her my short-term goal was to learn enough to allow me to sail confidently and comfortably from Leeway Sailing Center to Shoreline Harbor and back. She said it was a good goal. I'm stoked.
Sunday is our last beginner class. We will be doing capsize drills as well as taking our "test" to graduate from the beginner class. Afraid the water is going to be cold...
***
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Jibe Ho!
Today is Halloween, and Erin came dressed up as a mime. I didn't recognize her.
We got to practice our jibes today. No one actually said "jibe ho," but it was fun nonetheless. Ed went first, and by the time it was my turn to practice, the wind had died to nothing. To complicate things, there was a stand up paddleboard race in the harbor, and the announcers were yelling over their PA system for us to get out of the course. Unfortunately, without any wind, it's a bit hard to move the sailboat.
Next week is our last class. I inquired about private lessons, as, while very affordable, I feel like the group classes don't offer as efficient a learning experience as I'd like. One teacher for 15 students is a thin spread, and I'd like to get more detailed feedback on what I'm doing.
In particular... SAIL TRIM. I have a hard time reading the wind and trimming the sails accordingly. I'm afraid maybe I lack the required natural ability here, and hope that's not the case. Regardless, I got Erin's contact information and will try to work something out so that I can get more time with an experienced instructor...
***
We got to practice our jibes today. No one actually said "jibe ho," but it was fun nonetheless. Ed went first, and by the time it was my turn to practice, the wind had died to nothing. To complicate things, there was a stand up paddleboard race in the harbor, and the announcers were yelling over their PA system for us to get out of the course. Unfortunately, without any wind, it's a bit hard to move the sailboat.
Next week is our last class. I inquired about private lessons, as, while very affordable, I feel like the group classes don't offer as efficient a learning experience as I'd like. One teacher for 15 students is a thin spread, and I'd like to get more detailed feedback on what I'm doing.
In particular... SAIL TRIM. I have a hard time reading the wind and trimming the sails accordingly. I'm afraid maybe I lack the required natural ability here, and hope that's not the case. Regardless, I got Erin's contact information and will try to work something out so that I can get more time with an experienced instructor...
***
Sunday, October 24, 2010
More Tacking
In class today we rigged the boats and spent our time learning to tack. Another gal who missed her class yesterday (it was raining) was put in our boat for a make-up session. It was pretty fun - we ran figure eights around two bouys, tacking back and forth a few times each.
Erin also went over points of sail and such in the classroom - again, not much new material here outside the books, but good to go over it.
I was a little embarassed today - I pronounced bowline as "bowlin," and while I believe that's the proper way to pronounce it, I felt like a poseur. Same thing when I referred to "blocks" and "sheets." I suppose I won't think twice about this sort of stuff later on.
I did find that tacking without the tiller extension was a little hard. My arms aren't long enough to push the tiller away from me without shifting my weight to the leeward side of the boat. With Ed already on that side, it's a lot of weight going to leeward while turning to windward, and sometimes feels a bit uncomfortable, as if we're going to tip over. So I use the tiller extension, even though I'm told we shouldn't. Not sure the reasoning behind this.
***
Erin also went over points of sail and such in the classroom - again, not much new material here outside the books, but good to go over it.
I was a little embarassed today - I pronounced bowline as "bowlin," and while I believe that's the proper way to pronounce it, I felt like a poseur. Same thing when I referred to "blocks" and "sheets." I suppose I won't think twice about this sort of stuff later on.
I did find that tacking without the tiller extension was a little hard. My arms aren't long enough to push the tiller away from me without shifting my weight to the leeward side of the boat. With Ed already on that side, it's a lot of weight going to leeward while turning to windward, and sometimes feels a bit uncomfortable, as if we're going to tip over. So I use the tiller extension, even though I'm told we shouldn't. Not sure the reasoning behind this.
***
Sunday, October 17, 2010
First Class - Lots of Fun!
Today was first class on the Capri 14.2 at Leeway Sailing Center. My teacher's name is Erin, and the class seems like it will be a good time - laid back, but still plenty to learn.
Most the class was spent indoors, orientation to terminology and knots. There was nothing new covered so far that wasn't covered in the books I've been reading, but was nice to get it in person rather than from the page.
Most students are older - I think I'm one of the younger ones there, and the class is split pretty evenly between guys and gals. I'm not sure what everyone's motivations for learning are, but everyone seems nice.
My partner's name is Ed. He's the tallest guy in the class, I'm the shortest. Between the two of us, we did okay in the boat while rigging and practicing our first tacks in the harbor.
I've gotta say that I feel quite alientaed from the boat. I'm a long way from embodying it like one embodies a car, to the point where one's consciousness is distributed through the mechanics being operated. I look forward to a future where I can do without thinking so procedurally. Guessing it will be a while!
***
Most the class was spent indoors, orientation to terminology and knots. There was nothing new covered so far that wasn't covered in the books I've been reading, but was nice to get it in person rather than from the page.
Most students are older - I think I'm one of the younger ones there, and the class is split pretty evenly between guys and gals. I'm not sure what everyone's motivations for learning are, but everyone seems nice.
My partner's name is Ed. He's the tallest guy in the class, I'm the shortest. Between the two of us, we did okay in the boat while rigging and practicing our first tacks in the harbor.
I've gotta say that I feel quite alientaed from the boat. I'm a long way from embodying it like one embodies a car, to the point where one's consciousness is distributed through the mechanics being operated. I look forward to a future where I can do without thinking so procedurally. Guessing it will be a while!
***
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Class Registration
Figured out my schedule and will start sailing classes at Leeway on October 17. Class description says it's for students 13 years and older. I just hope I'm not the only one that's over 30!
Very happy to have found a place that teaches sailing on small boats!
***
Very happy to have found a place that teaches sailing on small boats!
***
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Leeway Sailing Center
Stumbled across some dinghy classes today. The Long Beach Parks / Recreation District offers classes on Capri 14.2's through the Leeway Sailing Center.
Costs are very reasonable - little over $100 for 4 weeks of instruction, 3 hours per week.
Will try to register for classes soon...
***
Costs are very reasonable - little over $100 for 4 weeks of instruction, 3 hours per week.
Will try to register for classes soon...
***
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Learning to sail in a Dinghy
Lots of links out there speak about the value of learning to sail on a dinghy, but I'm finding less information on the type of dinghy that might be best.
I see a number of single-sail dinghies, but I don't know if I should persue one of them, or look for something that has a jib. I assume the latter would offer more opportunity to learn, and perhaps better prepare me for stepping up to a larger boat with more than a single sail, but not sure if a single-sail dinghy is the best first step and if one with a jib is something that I need to graduate to.
I don' see a lot about "best dinghy for single-handed sailing" that doesn't point to a laser or something that seems more purpose-oriented for racing, etc.
Likewise, most the classes I'm finding are basic keelboat classes. Still trying to find a good class that teaches dinghy sailing locally.
***
I see a number of single-sail dinghies, but I don't know if I should persue one of them, or look for something that has a jib. I assume the latter would offer more opportunity to learn, and perhaps better prepare me for stepping up to a larger boat with more than a single sail, but not sure if a single-sail dinghy is the best first step and if one with a jib is something that I need to graduate to.
I don' see a lot about "best dinghy for single-handed sailing" that doesn't point to a laser or something that seems more purpose-oriented for racing, etc.
Likewise, most the classes I'm finding are basic keelboat classes. Still trying to find a good class that teaches dinghy sailing locally.
***
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Getting Started
Dug up old textbook from sailing classes I took at UCSB: Start Sailing Right. Will be studying it as much as possible before starting with some sailing classes (I still have to visit the schools to check them out).
Also bought Learn Sailing Right, branded as a better, more streamlined version of the book I have. Would like to have as much basic info as possible.
Plan to take sailing classes, and looking at schools in the Long Beach, CA area. Primarily looking at ASA classes, but am a little unsure if learning on large boats is the best path. Seems a little cart-before-the-horse to me.
***
Also bought Learn Sailing Right, branded as a better, more streamlined version of the book I have. Would like to have as much basic info as possible.
Plan to take sailing classes, and looking at schools in the Long Beach, CA area. Primarily looking at ASA classes, but am a little unsure if learning on large boats is the best path. Seems a little cart-before-the-horse to me.
***
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Forthcoming
I think I'd like to go sailing.
Why?
I'm not sure.
I was, for better or worse, inspired by media coverage of Abby Sunderland. A young girl like that - or like Jessica Watson, or any other young sailor - challenging herself, her skills, her will, in such a way... Juxtaposed to my own teenage years, and to the likely experiences of her peers (getting drunk in the park, posting naked pictures on facebook, driving recklessly on Friday nights)... her goals struck me as impressive. I admire her ambition.
Anyhow, when considering her voyage, I wondered if I might develop the skills to someday sail the world as well. I fell into a waking dream, of solitude and the strains it can bring, of ability and skill, and one's resolve to test them against the elements, of the ineffible, on the deep sea, there for only few to experience. I romanticized the effect of cruising the oceans, and wondered if it would make me different in any way, stronger, wiser... if there was indeed any unique enlightenment to be gained. In my heart, I feel it would, and that there is, even if more subtly so that one might imagine in their idealizations of life at sea.
Moreover, I thought of my daughters.
I want to improve myself for them. I want to be a more able, confident, capable person. I want to be a more well-rounded role-model for them, and I want to provide them with more varied opportunities to build and earn their own self-confidence and self-reliance as they grow from these early years. I think that if we could sail together, it might be yet another way, a fun and challenging way, to help foster this.
When they are 18 years old (15 years from now!), I want to equip them with choices. I'd love it, that is, if I could give them the self confidence and ability to choose sailing to Hawaii for the summer over getting drunk and posting naked pictures of themselves on facebook. I'm not imagining that "sailing" will ensure my kids success in life, but I do think that sailing, like many other activities, could become a valuable tool at a good parent's disposal.
So yeah, I guess that's why. I want to sail because I look forward to the challenge of something new, because doing so provides me with a long term goal to work toward (everyone needs goals), and because I think it will be a source for dynamism and will provide a platform for family development. Basically, I think it seems like it could be fun and rewarding.
So, what's the problem?
I don't know how to sail.
So, what's the plan?
Step one - learn to sail. Step two - figure out if it's fun and worth persuing. Step three - if it is, gain as much skill as I can, and maybe in 10-15 years time, buy a keelboat and take it from there. Ideally, set sail for a world voyage by 2030, and have a boat big enough to host my daughters and (dare I say!) their friends when they fly out to meet me in distant parts of the world, OR have them (if they desire) aboard to share the helm along the way.
From where I am now, that sounds pretty good. We'll see!
***
Why?
I'm not sure.
I was, for better or worse, inspired by media coverage of Abby Sunderland. A young girl like that - or like Jessica Watson, or any other young sailor - challenging herself, her skills, her will, in such a way... Juxtaposed to my own teenage years, and to the likely experiences of her peers (getting drunk in the park, posting naked pictures on facebook, driving recklessly on Friday nights)... her goals struck me as impressive. I admire her ambition.
Anyhow, when considering her voyage, I wondered if I might develop the skills to someday sail the world as well. I fell into a waking dream, of solitude and the strains it can bring, of ability and skill, and one's resolve to test them against the elements, of the ineffible, on the deep sea, there for only few to experience. I romanticized the effect of cruising the oceans, and wondered if it would make me different in any way, stronger, wiser... if there was indeed any unique enlightenment to be gained. In my heart, I feel it would, and that there is, even if more subtly so that one might imagine in their idealizations of life at sea.
Moreover, I thought of my daughters.
I want to improve myself for them. I want to be a more able, confident, capable person. I want to be a more well-rounded role-model for them, and I want to provide them with more varied opportunities to build and earn their own self-confidence and self-reliance as they grow from these early years. I think that if we could sail together, it might be yet another way, a fun and challenging way, to help foster this.
When they are 18 years old (15 years from now!), I want to equip them with choices. I'd love it, that is, if I could give them the self confidence and ability to choose sailing to Hawaii for the summer over getting drunk and posting naked pictures of themselves on facebook. I'm not imagining that "sailing" will ensure my kids success in life, but I do think that sailing, like many other activities, could become a valuable tool at a good parent's disposal.
So yeah, I guess that's why. I want to sail because I look forward to the challenge of something new, because doing so provides me with a long term goal to work toward (everyone needs goals), and because I think it will be a source for dynamism and will provide a platform for family development. Basically, I think it seems like it could be fun and rewarding.
So, what's the problem?
I don't know how to sail.
So, what's the plan?
Step one - learn to sail. Step two - figure out if it's fun and worth persuing. Step three - if it is, gain as much skill as I can, and maybe in 10-15 years time, buy a keelboat and take it from there. Ideally, set sail for a world voyage by 2030, and have a boat big enough to host my daughters and (dare I say!) their friends when they fly out to meet me in distant parts of the world, OR have them (if they desire) aboard to share the helm along the way.
From where I am now, that sounds pretty good. We'll see!
***
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