Well, after months of crewing for others, I finally got out on the water for myself, by myself, and given the chance (quite literally) to "
sink or swim".
According to all those I respect & trust at the sailing club, I did well for my first time out. I was out for about six hours single-handing a small boat, no cap-sizing or dangerous heeling, and I went through the points of sail in the race (with varying degrees of competency). Given this was the second time I've taken the tiller, I felt pretty chuffed and enjoyed myself thoroughly.
I learnt two main things whilst out on the water by myself...
Firstly, it is harder to sail a boat by oneself than it looks (both physically and in knowing what to do when). I had some good runs and some nice clean tacks/gybes... I also had a few times where I didn't know whether to pull the sails in or let them out and at least four times where I sat in irons cursing myself for being too slow/cautious when tacking.
Secondly, and most importantly, I now know without a doubt that sailing is "
my thing". It rained twice while I was out there and, to be honest, I didn't care. I was enjoying the feeling of being under sail, powering slowly across the lake, watching the water for the tell-tale signs of a gust coming my way, and just being at peace with myself & (mostly) the boat. It was bloody wonderful
I learnt alot from the day out. I'm discussing some of the theory later this week with the president of the club (a wise & knowledgable sailor from which I've learnt alot). And I plan to learn just as much again this weekend when I do it all again.
Just thought I'd share a damned good (if unexciting to some) moment in my journey towards the cruising dream.
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