Cat,
congrats on the new boat and to sailing. Its a great . . . Sport, hobbie, affliction, as you will. What type of certified are you going for? If its ASA 101 or something, that's great but don't let the lack of keep you from sailing. Many of us old salts are self taught but ASA courses can keep you from learning some things the hard way, paying for it at the gelcoat exchange. But if a Seamanship course, it's a must. Knowing the rules of the road are what will keep you out of trouble. But, when you do something really dumb, and you will, please post it because we want to laugh at you. Not with you! There are actually three kinds of sailors. The kind that have run aground. The kind that are going to run aground and the kind the have run aground but don't have the kahunahs to admit it. We've all made the mistakes. We all need to learn from them.
Stiff Winds And Choppy Seas
Don