Training Wheels Are Off!

NewportNewbie · #1 (**permalink**) 10-13-2011

A few of you may know of my trials and tribulations with me learning to sail, and now getting out of the harbor and into the open water of the Pacific Ocean. I thank all of you for your advice and words of wisdom. Today it hit me...Its all in my mind...and its just like when I was young and my brother took off my training wheels. I was TERRIFIED at first, but once I knew I could do it alone, I was ecstatic! Well today was the day! Went out for an AMAZING sail with the previous owner who is a friend of the family. We went into open water and caught some GREAT wind and had the boat powered up to 6.5 knots. We probably could have squeezed another half a knot had we been trying, but we were just getting out there and enjoying the AMAZING weather....I am not quite ready for the Ocean singlehanded sailing yet, maybe after another trip or two supervised. Here are a few pics of the sail...oh and we had whale sightings! What an amazing sail! Full story and video will be here and my blog.

Cuajota | The chronicles of a sailboat in Newport Beach named Cuajota.

AdamLein · #2 (**permalink**) 10-13-2011

Congrats, and great pics! I would love to get out into open water like that someday... you're lucky to have it so close by.

NewportNewbie · #3 (**permalink**) 10-13-2011

Thx! It was an awesome sail. Got a touch of motion sickness which was the first time that has happened...will keep an eye on that.

BubbleheadMd · #4 (**permalink**) 10-13-2011

You go, dude. Those are awesome photos. It's good to see your confidence building up.

Motion sickness:

1. Avoid heavy, greasy foods prior to departure.
2. If you take motion sickness meds, take them prior to departure.
3. Candied ginger chews are an excellent non-drug remedy.
4. It'll go against your instincts when you're feeling sick, but drink water.
5. Keep your eyes on the horizon.

SailKing1 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-13-2011

Good job NN, first the port then the ocean, sailing is addictive. The next challenge will be an over night on the hook. Do we see the horizon is in your future?

Excellent photos by the way.

emoney · #6 (**permalink**) 10-13-2011

Good for you!

PBzeer · #7 (**permalink**) 10-13-2011

Well done!

Captainmeme · #8 (**permalink**) 10-13-2011

The boat didn't spontaneously decompose, the water molecules still held together and the sea monsters were fast asleep deep in the ocean.

Congrats and nice pics.

cb32863 · #9 (**permalink**) 10-13-2011

Very nice, you will get there real soon now....

Faster · #10 (**permalink**) 10-13-2011

Great pics of a great day... congrats.