[artbyjody]

I am scared of heights - so heeling when I first experienced it was nearly almost panic attack. In fact when I bought "Hello Gorgeous", the test sail - I almost withdrew purchasing her because it is as much of a racer as she is cruiser and honestly didn't think that I could handle the sensation.

But, with proper trim of the sails and a respect for the vessel - you eventually trust what the boat does and more importantly why it does.

I highly recommend if you have not already - check out GUI's (otherwise known as GIU) sailing videos. The more you know why something happens - psychologically, the less you worry about the effects because you know that you do this, that, or the other and sail in a manner you are comfortable with.

It all comes with time as well - probably the most stupidest comfort statement ever given to me was when I bought my first boat - the Catalina, the owners told when they saw the fear of death in my eyes - "Oh don't worry - rails in the water just looks fast and the keel will never let the boat tip over." I know a bit better now - but oddly enough it was just enough to psych myself out and push a bit when in other circumstance I never would...