Monday, October 10, 2011

Sailing School in the San Juan Islands WA/Jun 2011






We learned how to be:
Skipper, Navigator, Mechanic, Deckhand, and Cook.  We practiced docking, anchoring, tacking, jibing, MOB training (Man OverBoard), using charts, current and tide tables, taking a bearing, learning navigational aids, proper winch and handle usage, how to use the dingy, and how to attach the outboard, as well as checking the diesel engine everyday for potential issues.  We learned how to drain the waste tanks, fill the water tanks, and fuel up.  "Salus" had a roller furling jib, forward sail) which means it winds itself up, but it also had a roller furling main (large main sail), which would wind itself up into the mast.  This was VERY cool, and easy to use.  I insist any large boat we may get have this feature.              


We cooked, cleaned, and learned that it was good to keep the "head" (bathroom) operational.  We had two onboard, and one decided to malfunction.  Luckily we were on our way to Friday Harbor, and we had a repair guy come onboard to fix it there.




We had warm days, and cold days, windy days, and days without, and I guess we wore our instructor out.




















 By the end of the seven days onboard, we were operating like a well-trained crew.  The other gals onboard all had good sailing backgrounds, and they helped me learn quickly.  It was great to have such fun and knowledgeable crew-mates.

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