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experiencelifemag.com
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Sail Away
Whether you want to learn the ropes or just feel the wind in your hair, sailing
is an exhilarating - and affordable - getaway for the whole family.
No Experience Necessary
Life at Sea
Sailing Dos & Don'ts
Resources
I’m standing at the helm of a 51-foot sailboat in the
Caribbean Sea, approaching the island of St. Lucia, where my companions and I
will anchor for the evening. As I spin the wheel slightly, the sails flutter and
snap to attention. With the water beneath my feet and the wind at my back, I’ve
never felt such an intoxicating blend of power, possibility and relaxation. I
also feel extraordinarily lucky to have been invited on this monthlong sailing
trip, an experience that’s becoming more popular — and affordable — than you
might think. Community boating centers and inexpensive sailing opportunities
abound. Deckhands of every age are learning the ropes (known on a boat as lines
or sheets). And according to The Sailing Company, in Middletown, R.I., 1.6
million sailboats were used in 2006, many of them filled with first-timers on
brand-new adventures. “The reasons for sailing are as varied as the
individuals and boats out there,” says Susan Peterson Gateley, who teaches
sailing on Lake Ontario. “One big draw is the sense of freedom.” And once
you’re hooked, it can become a lifelong passion. “Sailing is something that gets
in your blood,” says Dave McGinnis, manager and senior captain of Michigan’s
Traverse Tall Ship Company. “Flying along with everything set in a perfect
breeze, when the vessel comes alive in a balance of power and grace — it touches
something deep in the core of your being.” Sure, sailing takes skill, quick
thinking and physical prowess. But thanks to hundreds of sailing schools and
outfitters around the country, just about anyone can set sail, whether it’s for
a three-hour tour — or a three-week voyage.
No Experience Necessary
Though you don’t need lessons to participate in many sailing
adventures, learning to sail can be one of the most rewarding ways to get on the
water. The American Sailing Association certifies more than 270 facilities
around the world to teach sailing basics. Classes range from two-hour primers to
longer courses in racing, cruising, navigation, and more. (Some experienced
sailors enroll in refresher classes so they can “bareboat,” or charter a vessel
without a crew or provisions.) “You can learn the basics in a couple of
hours,” says Steve Mink, co-owner of the Liberty Sailing School of Philadelphia
and a U.S. Coast Guard–licensed captain. “And then spend the rest of your life
developing those skills.” In Liberty’s two-day “Basic Keelboat” class,
students split their time between the classroom and the water. They learn key
sailing knots, names of boat parts (including tiller, boom and mast), how to rig
and hoist sails, terms such as “beam reach” and “close hauled,” how to turn the
boat by tacking or jibing, and much more. When Laurie Davis of Indianapolis
signed up for a sailing class in Florida last June, she had no experience on a
boat. All the new terminology was confusing at first, says the 60-year-old
retiree, but she soon gained the confidence to steer the 26-foot sailboat on
her own. “It was so exciting to take the tiller and try to find that perfect
point on a beam reach where you’re just hanging over the water and going so
fast.” Typically, the only gear you need to bring to class is
weather-appropriate clothing, boat shoes and personal refreshments. Handling the
sheets and pushing the tiller take minimal strength, and unlike many sports,
sailing has virtually no restrictions on gender, age or abilities. Most marinas,
including the Geneva Lake Sailing School in Fontana, Wis., even have special
programs for kids. Rhode Island’s nonprofit Shake-A-Leg organization promotes
its Adaptive Sailing Program with specialized boats. Many community boating
centers — on ocean bays, lakes and rivers — offer deeply discounted programs. In
Boston, for example, children pay $1 for membership in ˙ the Junior Program at
Community Boating, Inc., while the adult 30-day intro to sailing and kayaking is
just $90. Many instructors are thrilled to donate extra hours to teaching. “When
I see people enjoying that experience for the first time, it charges my
batteries,” says Mink.
Life at Sea
Don’t want to hit the classroom before hitting the water? No
problem. There are plenty of other sailors who are happy to steer while you sit
back, relax and enjoy the ride. Sailing adventures offer a wide range of
activities: from short, relaxing cruises on a river to multiday excursions on
the high seas. While the crew sails the boat, you can learn to paint, watch for
whales, fish, cook, study a new language or simply kick back. Or, if you want to
feel like part of the crew, they’ll let you help hoist the anchor, trim the
sails and even steer. Most companies also allow on-shore time. Maine
Adventure Sails, based in Rockland, Maine, offers three- to six-day trips on its
schooners Timberwind and J. & E. Riggin that include beach lobster bakes and
island hiking (the eco-friendly sailors even pick up litter along the trail).
“I love feeling the wind in my face, the fog — out of which appear islands,
birds and seals — the stars at night, and hearing the crew sing,” says Louisa
Enright of Camden, Maine, a regular passenger on the J. & E.
Riggin. Maureen Riley has also sailed on the J. & E. Riggin — 34 times.
Onboard, the 54-year-old nurse anesthetist from Royal Oak, Mich., has taken a
photography seminar, seen the Northern Lights, raised the anchor, heard
steel-drum bands and met friends for life, all while blissfully cut off from
cell-phone calls, television and radios. “Most weeks,” she says, “you just
forget that the world is out there.” Sarah Tuff is the coauthor of 101 Best
Outdoor Towns: Unspoiled Places to Visit, Live & Play (Countryman Press,
2007); she writes from Burlington, Vt.
Sailing Dos & Don'ts
Do wear sunscreen, since rays reflected off the water can increase the risk
of sunburn and sun damage.
Don’t risk dehydration. There may be “water,
water everywhere,” but it’s best to bring your own potable liquid in a
reusable, unbreakable bottle. Do leave the flip-flops at home. Many sailing
schools recommend nonskid boat shoes and frown upon black soles, which leave
marks on the sailboat decks. Don’t ignore the captain or instructor. “You can
capsize and drown even on a tiny lake,” says Susan Peterson Gateley, who
teaches sailing on Lake Ontario. Tuning in will help prevent you from getting
tossed out. Do avoid seasickness by trying ginger, Sea-Bands and
MotionEaze, alternative remedies suggested by Sailing magazine. Or, ask your
doctor about prescription treatments. Do know where life jackets are
stowed in case of rough waters or an emergency. Nonswimmers and children under
12 should always wear a life jacket (check your local boating regulations for
requirements).
Resources
Sailing Schools
Explore these sailing resources for classes and getaways
that suit your schedule and budget. Most sailing lessons cost from $75 for a
two-hour class to more than $4,000 for a weeklong class; trips can range
anywhere from $40 for a one-hour cruise to thousands of dollars for a multiday
adventure. U.S. Sailing: The national governing body for the sport maintains
an online database of nationwide sailing schools and community sailing programs.
800-877-2451; www.ussailing.org American Sailing
Association: This association has accredited more than 270 sailing schools
around the world. 310-822-7171; www.american-sailing.com Offshore
Sailing School: More than 100,000 sailors have graduated since 1964; choose from
10 locations and more than a dozen different courses for all sailing levels.
800-221-4326; www.offshore-sailing.com OCSC
Sailing: With a fleet of more than 50 boats on San Francisco Bay, this school
arranges lessons and trips around the world. 800-223-2984; www.ocscsailing.com Sailing Adventure Outfitters
Maine Adventure Sails: Full crews steer up
to 24 passengers on three- to six-day trips on the schooners Timberwind and J.
& E. Riggin; rates of $495 to $939 include bunks, meals and more.
877-300-3377; www.maineadventuresails.com
Lakeshore Sail Charters: Board a 36-foot sloop ($140 to $165 per hour for up
to six guests) or a 77-foot schooner ($550 to $675 per hour for up to 49
passengers) to see Chicago from Lake Michigan during happy hour; night or day
sails. 708-769-4220; www.lakeshoresail.com Seneca Sailing
Adventures: Relax on a three-hour cruise ($160 per couple) aboard the 38-foot
Lee Sea Anne around Seneca Lake in New York’s wine country; trips are at 10
a.m. and 2 p.m. each day. 607-742-5100; www.senecasailingadventures.com Monterey
Bay Sailing: Choose from nature excursions, corporate team-building yacht races
and three-day cruises on the bio-diverse Monterey Bay. 831-372-7245; www.montereysailing.com Sailing
Ship Adventures: Book a trip to Denmark, Italy or beyond; this company works
with a fleet of more than 100 tall ships, some longer than 400 feet, that can
accommodate as many as 225 passengers. 877-882-4395; www.sailingshipadventures.com Traverse
Tall Ship Company: Chill on the 114-foot-long Manitou, a “floating bed &
breakfast” that accommodates up to 24 guests in 12 private cabins; two-hour to
four-day sails on Lake Michigan and its bays. 800-678-0383; www.tallshipsailing.com The
Moorings: This yacht charter company allows you to sail a boat yourself or hire
a captain, crew and cook; destinations range from the islands of the Caribbean
to the Mediterranean to the Kingdom of Tonga. 888-952-8420; www.moorings.com
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Sail Away
Whether you want to learn the ropes or just feel the wind in your hair, sailing
is an exhilarating - and affordable - getaway for the whole family.
By Sarah Tuff | Head Out Department,
May 2008 |
No Experience Necessary
Life at Sea
Sailing Dos & Don'ts
Resources
I’m standing at the helm of a 51-foot sailboat in the
Caribbean Sea, approaching the island of St. Lucia, where my companions and I
will anchor for the evening. As I spin the wheel slightly, the sails flutter and
snap to attention. With the water beneath my feet and the wind at my back, I’ve
never felt such an intoxicating blend of power, possibility and relaxation. I
also feel extraordinarily lucky to have been invited on this monthlong sailing
trip, an experience that’s becoming more popular — and affordable — than you
might think. Community boating centers and inexpensive sailing opportunities
abound. Deckhands of every age are learning the ropes (known on a boat as lines
or sheets). And according to The Sailing Company, in Middletown, R.I., 1.6
million sailboats were used in 2006, many of them filled with first-timers on
brand-new adventures. “The reasons for sailing are as varied as the
individuals and boats out there,” says Susan Peterson Gateley, who teaches
sailing on Lake Ontario. “One big draw is the sense of freedom.” And once
you’re hooked, it can become a lifelong passion. “Sailing is something that gets
in your blood,” says Dave McGinnis, manager and senior captain of Michigan’s
Traverse Tall Ship Company. “Flying along with everything set in a perfect
breeze, when the vessel comes alive in a balance of power and grace — it touches
something deep in the core of your being.” Sure, sailing takes skill, quick
thinking and physical prowess. But thanks to hundreds of sailing schools and
outfitters around the country, just about anyone can set sail, whether it’s for
a three-hour tour — or a three-week voyage.
No Experience Necessary (Back to Top)
Though you don’t need lessons to participate in many sailing
adventures, learning to sail can be one of the most rewarding ways to get on the
water. The American Sailing Association certifies more than 270 facilities
around the world to teach sailing basics. Classes range from two-hour primers to
longer courses in racing, cruising, navigation, and more. (Some experienced
sailors enroll in refresher classes so they can “bareboat,” or charter a vessel
without a crew or provisions.) “You can learn the basics in a couple of
hours,” says Steve Mink, co-owner of the Liberty Sailing School of Philadelphia
and a U.S. Coast Guard–licensed captain. “And then spend the rest of your life
developing those skills.” In Liberty’s two-day “Basic Keelboat” class,
students split their time between the classroom and the water. They learn key
sailing knots, names of boat parts (including tiller, boom and mast), how to rig
and hoist sails, terms such as “beam reach” and “close hauled,” how to turn the
boat by tacking or jibing, and much more. When Laurie Davis of Indianapolis
signed up for a sailing class in Florida last June, she had no experience on a
boat. All the new terminology was confusing at first, says the 60-year-old
retiree, but she soon gained the confidence to steer the 26-foot sailboat on
her own. “It was so exciting to take the tiller and try to find that perfect
point on a beam reach where you’re just hanging over the water and going so
fast.” Typically, the only gear you need to bring to class is
weather-appropriate clothing, boat shoes and personal refreshments. Handling the
sheets and pushing the tiller take minimal strength, and unlike many sports,
sailing has virtually no restrictions on gender, age or abilities. Most marinas,
including the Geneva Lake Sailing School in Fontana, Wis., even have special
programs for kids. Rhode Island’s nonprofit Shake-A-Leg organization promotes
its Adaptive Sailing Program with specialized boats. Many community boating
centers — on ocean bays, lakes and rivers — offer deeply discounted programs. In
Boston, for example, children pay $1 for membership in ˙ the Junior Program at
Community Boating, Inc., while the adult 30-day intro to sailing and kayaking is
just $90. Many instructors are thrilled to donate extra hours to teaching. “When
I see people enjoying that experience for the first time, it charges my
batteries,” says Mink.
Life at Sea (Back to Top)
Don’t want to hit the classroom before hitting the water? No
problem. There are plenty of other sailors who are happy to steer while you sit
back, relax and enjoy the ride. Sailing adventures offer a wide range of
activities: from short, relaxing cruises on a river to multiday excursions on
the high seas. While the crew sails the boat, you can learn to paint, watch for
whales, fish, cook, study a new language or simply kick back. Or, if you want to
feel like part of the crew, they’ll let you help hoist the anchor, trim the
sails and even steer. Most companies also allow on-shore time. Maine
Adventure Sails, based in Rockland, Maine, offers three- to six-day trips on its
schooners Timberwind and J. & E. Riggin that include beach lobster bakes and
island hiking (the eco-friendly sailors even pick up litter along the trail).
“I love feeling the wind in my face, the fog — out of which appear islands,
birds and seals — the stars at night, and hearing the crew sing,” says Louisa
Enright of Camden, Maine, a regular passenger on the J. & E.
Riggin. Maureen Riley has also sailed on the J. & E. Riggin — 34 times.
Onboard, the 54-year-old nurse anesthetist from Royal Oak, Mich., has taken a
photography seminar, seen the Northern Lights, raised the anchor, heard
steel-drum bands and met friends for life, all while blissfully cut off from
cell-phone calls, television and radios. “Most weeks,” she says, “you just
forget that the world is out there.” Sarah Tuff is the coauthor of 101 Best
Outdoor Towns: Unspoiled Places to Visit, Live & Play (Countryman Press,
2007); she writes from Burlington, Vt.
Sailing Dos & Don'ts (Back to Top)
Do wear sunscreen, since rays reflected off the water can increase the risk
of sunburn and sun damage.
Don’t risk dehydration. There may be “water,
water everywhere,” but it’s best to bring your own potable liquid in a
reusable, unbreakable bottle. Do leave the flip-flops at home. Many sailing
schools recommend nonskid boat shoes and frown upon black soles, which leave
marks on the sailboat decks. Don’t ignore the captain or instructor. “You can
capsize and drown even on a tiny lake,” says Susan Peterson Gateley, who
teaches sailing on Lake Ontario. Tuning in will help prevent you from getting
tossed out. Do avoid seasickness by trying ginger, Sea-Bands and
MotionEaze, alternative remedies suggested by Sailing magazine. Or, ask your
doctor about prescription treatments. Do know where life jackets are
stowed in case of rough waters or an emergency. Nonswimmers and children under
12 should always wear a life jacket (check your local boating regulations for
requirements).
Resources (Back to Top)
Sailing Schools
Explore these sailing resources for classes and getaways
that suit your schedule and budget. Most sailing lessons cost from $75 for a
two-hour class to more than $4,000 for a weeklong class; trips can range
anywhere from $40 for a one-hour cruise to thousands of dollars for a multiday
adventure. U.S. Sailing: The national governing body for the sport maintains
an online database of nationwide sailing schools and community sailing programs.
800-877-2451; www.ussailing.org American Sailing
Association: This association has accredited more than 270 sailing schools
around the world. 310-822-7171; www.american-sailing.com Offshore
Sailing School: More than 100,000 sailors have graduated since 1964; choose from
10 locations and more than a dozen different courses for all sailing levels.
800-221-4326; www.offshore-sailing.com OCSC
Sailing: With a fleet of more than 50 boats on San Francisco Bay, this school
arranges lessons and trips around the world. 800-223-2984; www.ocscsailing.com Sailing Adventure Outfitters
Maine Adventure Sails: Full crews steer up
to 24 passengers on three- to six-day trips on the schooners Timberwind and J.
& E. Riggin; rates of $495 to $939 include bunks, meals and more.
877-300-3377; www.maineadventuresails.com
Lakeshore Sail Charters: Board a 36-foot sloop ($140 to $165 per hour for up
to six guests) or a 77-foot schooner ($550 to $675 per hour for up to 49
passengers) to see Chicago from Lake Michigan during happy hour; night or day
sails. 708-769-4220; www.lakeshoresail.com Seneca Sailing
Adventures: Relax on a three-hour cruise ($160 per couple) aboard the 38-foot
Lee Sea Anne around Seneca Lake in New York’s wine country; trips are at 10
a.m. and 2 p.m. each day. 607-742-5100; www.senecasailingadventures.com Monterey
Bay Sailing: Choose from nature excursions, corporate team-building yacht races
and three-day cruises on the bio-diverse Monterey Bay. 831-372-7245; www.montereysailing.com Sailing
Ship Adventures: Book a trip to Denmark, Italy or beyond; this company works
with a fleet of more than 100 tall ships, some longer than 400 feet, that can
accommodate as many as 225 passengers. 877-882-4395; www.sailingshipadventures.com Traverse
Tall Ship Company: Chill on the 114-foot-long Manitou, a “floating bed &
breakfast” that accommodates up to 24 guests in 12 private cabins; two-hour to
four-day sails on Lake Michigan and its bays. 800-678-0383; www.tallshipsailing.com The
Moorings: This yacht charter company allows you to sail a boat yourself or hire
a captain, crew and cook; destinations range from the islands of the Caribbean
to the Mediterranean to the Kingdom of Tonga. 888-952-8420; www.moorings.com
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