Defying Charybdis

I first learned sailing from my Uncle Jim. A veteran sailor who had sailed the world several times during his youth, he was the one who thought me the basics of sailing and gave me valuable advice on how to survive the sea. That was why when I decided to purchase my own sailboat and go on my first expedition alone, a close friend of mine asked me to think twice and get basic sailing lessons first.

Of course, my initial reaction was to ignore his suggestion. But while mingling with other sailors, I would often find myself at a lost in the jungle of sailing terminologies and getting advice that I do not understand. That was when I decided that maybe its not bad if I do take formal sailing lessons.

There are three lessons offered based on your skill level: basic, intermediate, and advanced. Basic lessons are for beginners who are just learning the ropes. Classes are held on-board a sailboat in local waters and moderate winds. Besides learning how to handle a boat, students also learn how to navigate and anchor their boat.

More detailed lessons are given to those in the Intermediate Level. Besides moving on to moderately difficult waters, students get to experience lessons on emergency procedures, passage planning, boat maintenance and more. Most of the lessons focus on practical, on-the-water skills which are required when you go bareboat chartering.

Those who managed to pass through the basic and intermediate levels are now well-equipped to take the Advanced lessons. Here, students learn how to handle difficult waters in all types of weather and tough water conditions. I still don't know much what this course contains as I'm still at the Intermediate level, but I heard that one has the opportunity to study about night sailing and experiencing this first hand.

Even if I do know some things about sailing, I can say that I do not regret enrolling for a beginners course in my sailing class. Much of the skills and techniques I know now had come from the lessons that were taught to us during classes. Not only that, I also earned a lot of new friends along the way. So if you were thinking of going into sailing yourself, why not get sailing lessons?