This is the Introduction to my “From Landlubber to Salty Sea Dog” Workshop. I hope you enjoy…
The waves lap rhythmically against the shore, as you walk barefoot along the endless shore line. The air is thick and salty.
You hear the seagulls as they rummage along the coast. The waves, the wind and the rhythm of it all bring you deeply into the present moment.
As you look out to sea, a sail stands out against the wide, even, horizon and you feel something inside.
You feel the desire to take off into the wide unknown and set sail for distant shores.
The land is crowded, chaotic and often confusing…
Sailing is Freedom and is one of the last bastions of true Adventure still left.
That being said, it is also extremely dangerous and you have to know how to get yourself out of any of the multitude of difficulties that you may face out on the water.
(Apart from the occasional, somewhat romantic, day dream of blue lagoons and sailing calm waters to explore empty white beaches) We are going to be tackling the dangers, problems and their remedies.
We are preparing for a life of adventure at sea, but that means everything has to function well and preparations have to be thorough…
This is a guide to accompany you on your journey to becoming a confident and capable Sailor.
There is a kind of freedom that can only really be found out on the water, under sail. Using the elements to move your vessel through the water, chartering a course, using your wits, cunning and sense of courage while taking calculated risks.
The act of sailing binds you physically and spiritually to the elements around you. You sense and feel your place in the world, being constantly reminded of your direct action on your environment.
Your progress is immediately determined by you, your decisions and your actions. This is a wonderful metaphor for life in general and humbles you with a greater perspective.
Here we run through the basics and give you a road map for becoming capable and confident sailor.
While Following the curriculum for a Competent Crew, I hope to give you a good guide on a pathway to take you from “Land-lubber” to actually being useful as a crew member onboard a sailing boat.
In further installations we will be going from Competent Crew to Ocean Yachtmaster, but let’s take one step at a time…
Start Here: How to Sail and Become a Competent Crew
Follow this link to read our Competent Crew 5 Step Checklist. This is a good beginning point that takes you from daydreaming of sailing to actually being useful onboard a sailing vessel:
All Aboard Sailing Tempest Tact, glad to ‘av yer here!
Like this article? Feel free to check out our work here:
Sailing Tempest Tact: An Origin Story
The 12 Best Sailing Youtube Channels