Sailing Primer

[ReverendMike]

And i'll second Looking, are we going to duel now?

The OP did ask for feedback, and he did say this was to be for newbies. Just 'cuz we know it all doesn't mean SD's comments were too nitpicky (and don't you wonder about someone who calls a shroud a sidestay and then writes a 'primer'?)

[equitiman]

Huh? I didn't think they were nitpicky at all. They were all good edits that would enhance your guide without adding too much volume or complexity. It would take you less than 15 minutes to make half of those edits and then your guide would be that much better...

Bob

[Looking]

Originally Posted by ReverendMike

(and don't you wonder about someone who calls a shroud a sidestay and then writes a 'primer'?)

Got curious about the 'sidestay' reference... thought I had heard it before. A quick Google revealed this PDF (sorry Neises). Apparently Quantum calls it a sidestay as well. Curious.

[Looking]

Originally Posted by equitiman

Huh? I didn't think they were nitpicky at all. They were all good edits that would enhance your guide without adding too much volume or complexity. It would take you less than 15 minutes to make half of those edits and then your guide would be that much better...

Bob

Hang on... hang on. I didn't say "nitpicky" I said a "bit picky". It is meant to be a 'primer' after all. Does a newbie need to know that you can anchor without the engine? No... let's get them out there and having fun before we freak them out with too much minutia. I'm sure you agree, that once they are hooked, they will have plenty of time for the finer points.

I knew a guy so eager to get his wife sailing that he took her out in 'less than idea conditions'. Should have picked a nice gentle day with sun and very little heeling. Scared the hell out of her and now she won't go back!

[sailingdog]

Originally Posted by Guesser

Sailingdog, maybe you should write your own manual, the first chapter could be titled: "I Think I'm an Expert on Everything".

I never claimed to be an expert... that's an assumption you're making...

He asked for feedback, so while I was at lunch, I took a bit of time to look it over and give him some reasonable feedback. If you have a problem with it... I don't see you contributing any knowledge...and generally see you taking snide potshots at people who are genuinely trying to help—that's your choice and your problem.

Of course, the reality of it is that you probably need the primer and don't know enough to make any insightful or useful comments on it...

Looking-

My point was that some of the smaller sailboats don't have engines, but if you're out daysailing on them... you might want an anchor aboard... and might need to use it. My friend's cat boat doesn't have an engine, and she's out in it quite a bit....anchored out most weekends, and doesn't have to use an engine for anchoring out, then again, she doesn't have a choice.... since she doesn't have an engine.

[equitiman]

Originally Posted by Looking

Hang on... hang on. I didn't say "nitpicky" I said a "bit picky". It is meant to be a 'primer' after all. Does a newbie need to know that you can anchor without the engine? No... let's get them out there and having fun before we freak them out with too much minutia. I'm sure you agree, that once they are hooked, they will have plenty of time for the finer points.

Ooops my bad. Your point is fair enough though...although I still think that some of the feedback was suggestions and some was corrections of outright errors. Oh well, it is the OPs primer...he can do whatever he wants...I'll just read it in conjunction with SDs "supplementary addendum"

[Guesser]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

I never claimed to be an expert... that's an assumption you're making...

He asked for feedback, so while I was at lunch, I took a bit of time to look it over and give him some reasonable feedback. If you have a problem with it... I don't see you contributing any knowledge...and generally see you taking snide potshots at people who are genuinely trying to help—that's your choice and your problem.

Of course, the reality of it is that you probably need the primer and don't know enough to make any insightful or useful comments on it...

It's not really about you being an expert or not; it has more to do with how tired I am already of your 18.5 posts per day. It might be different if you had real boat, instead of little catboat, but I guess some people just don't know their place.

[SeanConnett]

Keeping in mind who the target audience is, guests and new crew, the "Primer" is a nice place to start them. The suggested edits though would help it be better. It's better to start newbies on the right foot, and parts of the boat is that start. Getting more people comfortable and excited about sailing and boating in general is so important for us to keep the industry strong. Anything that we can do to help bring more knowledgable people to our business or past-time, the better.
Thanks Nick.

[camaraderie]

Guesser...if you're tired of reading you can use the ignore feature rather than engaging in sophmoric baiting which does nothing to further civility on the board.

[Looking]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

Looking-

My point was that some of the smaller sailboats don't have engines, but if you're out daysailing on them... you might want an anchor aboard... and might need to use it. My friend's cat boat doesn't have an engine, and she's out in it quite a bit....anchored out most weekends, and doesn't have to use an engine for anchoring out, then again, she doesn't have a choice.... since she doesn't have an engine.

Your right. Point taken. I've actually done it myself a couple of times... backwinding the jib and sailing backwards is a little tricky but a fun exercise.