Some sailing basics for first-timers
Most seasoned sailors will be quick to get poetic and tell you that what’s special about sailing is the connection you make with nature. When you’re in that perfect moment, it can feel spiritual: The entire world seems to go all quiet, and all you can hear is the passing breeze and the hull moving across the water. But before we get too sentimental, you need to first find yourself at sea and get going (or cruising). Below are some tips for beginners, courtesy of seasoned sailing enthusiast James Feldkamp. Image source: popularmechanics.com Image source: asa.com First, if it’s within your capacity, go join a sailing workshop. The top two certifying bodies in the U.S. are U.S. Sailing and the American Sailing Association. There are, of course, hundreds more spread across the country, with beginner courses usually conducted during the weekends at an average rate of $500 per student. One common question that first-time sailors ask is, “What should one do when there’s a ...