[BarryL]

Hi,

My wife and I (and our three kids) started sailing 5 years ago after we bought a Catalina 22. We were all complete novices. I read a few books, a friend who is a CG Master took me out once, then we were ready to go.

The first year, any time the boat heeled 10 degrees my wife gave me 'the look' and asked me to stop the boat from leaning. I would try, but didn't have enough knowledge or skill to do that much. In our defense we always picked calm days to go out.

The second year we moved up to a 28' Newport. The Newport was 'stiffer' than the Catalina, but still has a reputation as a 'tender' boat. After a year of sailing, my wife became comfortable when the boat heeled 15 degrees.

By the third year, heeling at 20 degrees was fine, but 30 degrees (and the rail in the water) still got me 'the look'. At least by then I knew enough to reduce the heel (most of the time).

Now, I don't get any comments at 20 degrees. If we go past that, I will get asked to reduce the heel because it makes doing anything on the boat difficult. Truth be told, *I* don't like heeling past 20 degrees. I don't really mind the heeling, but I don't like stressing the boat that much, and it makes moving around hard.

Last year I started racing on other boats. Talk about heeling! There are times when a big gust will hit and the boat will really lay over.

Lastly, one of my kids really hates the heeling. The other two don't mind at all. When the boat is at 20 degrees, the one who doesn't like it will go below and lay down on the low settee with music, a book, or some other way to deal with it.

Good for you for giving it another try. I'm sure that if you continue to sail, you will have some scary moments and hopefully, many more fun times.

Good luck,
Barry