Will I get comfortable over time?

[davidpm]

Originally Posted by MMR

I know how hard it is to shed anxiety from work, etc, and how that impacts one's coping ability. I've noticed since our friend died while sailing, the level of anxiety not only with hubby and me on our boat, but other couples in our sailing group, is pretty high. We all are being VERY conservative in our sailing and boat handling. We'll just have to beat through it and get past it.

There still seems to be culture of not wearing life jackets at all times when on deck. Is your sailing group now wearing pfd's all the time. I sort of remember someone saying you were.

[MMR]

Been a marked increase in the purchase and wearing of automatic inflatables, which is a good thing.

[stu9000]

I remember the day i got over my fear of capsize, mucking around in my grandparents bog standard grp rowing/sail dinghy.

I was still learning and seeing the water come close to the gunwales was alarming. A bug gust pushed it right under and water poured in, until i luffed up and upright.

Its funny. From then on I was fine. Its like i knew where the tipping point was (and that i wasnt that close to it).

Some v good advice in these posts...
Trust, both of the boat and people.
If youre up for doing the dinghy training thats fantastic. Some of the best sailors in the world learned in dinghys.
The right clothing can make an AMAZING difference. Nudge to hubby. Make a present on some cozy fleece lined off shore gear.

Its great youre pushing your boundaries. It'll be so worth it when it all comes together and youre out on the sparkling sea.

[Stillraining]

Originally Posted by MMR

I disagree! Fear of heeling is NOT fear of water. I swim, I snorkle, I kayak, I have no problem with water, but heeling was disconcerting because I FELT OUT OF CONTROL. I didn't trust the boat, I didn't know what to do to feel safe, I was afraid of CRASHING.

The solution is not to jump in the water. The solution is to learn, learn, learn! Learn to take the helm, learn how to adjust the sails, learn how to anticipate the wind's effect on the boat, to develop a sense of trust about WHAT the boat can do and what I can do to control my situation, my environment.

It's like learning to drive, way WAY back when...learning all the things you had to pay attention to, what was important to attend to, and what needed only periodic attention, and what the signs of danger were. Same on a boat..Same, same. Just different (and in many ways MUCH more complex) environment.

Did you read the rest of my post ..or just stop at the first thing you disagreed with...

Good Sailboats are made to tip over and right themselves back again...It's in there design..What you are afraid of is drowning or getting hurt because of the boat sinking or rolling over on you or leaving you to the sharks....or....______________you fill in the blank...

[Lucy54]

Well, we did it! Sabre 362. She arrived home last weekend. This holiday weekend will be spent cleaning, organizing, and making her our own.....!

Thanks again everyone!
Lucy

[camaraderie]

Hey...that's great and excellent choice! Good luck with her!

[max-on]

Congrats Lucy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[sailhog]

Lucy and her hubby know what they're doing...

[sailingdog]

congrats lucy. post photos when you can.

[seabreeze_97]

Congrats. Now, get out there and roll that sucker over!
Just kidding. I was skimming over, an in addressing your primary concern, no, there's nowhere to go to read something that'll convince you the boat will not turn over. If you are convinced, you're sailing while blindfolde. Any boat will turn over if pushed (intentionally or accidentally) beyond its limits. Your best bet is to know those limits, avoid exceeding them when possible, and be prepared for when they are exceeded.