You know, I had a lot of time to think this weekend out sailing.
I used to think that you were either for the status quo, or against it. Against a trend, or against it. Against the winds, or with it.
Until I stopped worrying and learnt to love the close haul!
A Good Sailor Always keeps the wind in his sails. It doesn't matter where you are going, what you are doing - the wind is your power.
Life
1. Direction
I have a strong tendency to just go where the wind blows and enjoy the maximum speed.
This is fun, but you aren't going to get anywhere.The maneuvers are what really matter.
Gearing up
1. Always use gloves.
Slippery rudder extensions, rough ropes, saltwater and flayed wires makes the equipment dangerous to the sailor hands. Wear snug-fit gloves for easier knot tying and untying.
2. Bring your own wetsuit.
Here at the LCSD centers, the wetsuits reek of salty dead fish and human stink.
Don't use them. On my first lesson, I tried them. On my second, I went to sea with only swim pants. On my third, I brought my own.
3. Water shoes.
Make sure they are the kind that have sticky rubber soles. I have seen some pretty terrible ones which leave the user prone to slipping all over hard plastic hulls.
4. Wear a hat under the helmet. (Wear a helmet)
A hat provides extra protection, cushioning from boom strikes and shade. In fact, the hard part in front is good for front strikes.
5. Wear sunglasses or high-vis swim goggles.
Sunglasses filter UV and makes the ocean less bright. Also protects eyes from ocean spray.
Single-Sailing/Helmsman
1. Sailing is a lot like horse-riding. If you are scared, horse gets it, and it becomes scared too. Laser Picos are the same - fear and indecision leads to inaction when action is required.
2. Watch the ropes. Keep them away from you. They can be entanglement hazards.
3. Check rudder is fully lowered and secured. A partially lowered rudder leads to a poor rudder control (heavy rudder)
Wind
1. Watching the wind:
Stick a thin piece of string to the boom to indicate wind. Or just use the nearby windsock.
2. Watch for gusts by watching the water surface.
To be Continued...
