Ideal 18

[severnmd]

An Ideal 18 is what I used this morning to go flying across the Harbor area between Ft McHenry and Baltimore's Inner HArbor this morning. The wind was really good for just some good ole fashioned speed. ( from my perspective)

THoughts on my sail today - that Harbor is disgusting and full of trash. I can't wait until I gain some experience and can sail to a nice clean place like the lake in my hometown in Alabama. (or the Bahamas!!)

--Aside from the garbage, it was great.....only saw one other boat out the whole 2 hours we were there. Not even a water taxi to avoid this morning!!

--I need to learn to read the wind better....I definitely "jibe" too much as opposed to "tack". I am careful to control my boom coming across, but too much jibing seems like a bad habit to get into.

--My approach to the pier this morning was better....I actually stalled about 10 feet away and was being blown backwards. Adjusted, caught the wind a bit, and made a decent "landing". Going out again tomorrow (weather permitting) and may try a couple of approaches just to get some reps.

--Joining this "sailing club" here in Canton has been a wise decision for me. I don't want to buy a boat yet and they have a bunch of boats I can use whenever I want. I am only using the Ideals and SOnars now, but look forward to when I can grab a cruiser and stay out overnight.

Anyway, just thought I would share my experience as a new sailor for anyone new who, like me a few weeks ago, has absolutely no clue at all about sailing.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!
BKS

[arknoah]

I appreciate reading your posts, and in fact have been chronicling what I'm learning in my own blog. I’m quite new as well, and I can be reminded of important things by reading about your experiences like tacking instead of jibing. Today was my first day singlehanding my MacGregor 25, and it was a blast.

I hope I never lose my enthusiasm for sailing.