2022 - Year in Review

2022 - In a Few Words

2022 was a great learning year for me on the water. I completed the US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification Course at Columbia Yacht Club, got into sailboat racing on Truant/Rat Race, became a member at Columbia yacht Club, bought my first big sailboat (Kraken) and made a lot of great friends.

Lessons Learned

Looking back at my 2022 experience, here are a few of my key takeaways (in no particular order):

• Trust is one of the most import things to have on a sailboat.

• What you do outside of sailing isn't important, meaning your work status does not matter (everyone is on an even playing field).

• Showing up and being consistent is half the battle.

• Know how to tie bowline, clove hitch, and cleat hitch knots.

• There is A LOT of terminology you will need to know, but it will take time for you to learn it. I was told it takes 3 years to have a grasp understanding of sailing.

• The best way to learn is to just do it.

• One hand for the boat, the other hand for yourself.

• Trust yourself and your crew.

• Sailing is a very nice luxury, I realized this when I stopped traffic to get my toy out on Lake Michigan.

•  When removing a mast from a boat: call it un-stepping, not de-masting.

• If you find it odd to pee in a sink, racing might not be for you.

• Keep your distance from an active sheet and winch, the load on the sheet can take your finger off.

  • Sailing gloves are important.

• Time on a boat is different than time on land (same goes for drinking rules)

• Learn how to flack a Jib and Main sail.

• Ballast plays a big part in a sailboat's efficiency/speed.

Notable Quotes:

• [When setting up the Spinnaker] "The guy goes on the sheet because it's not a toga party" - Gretchen H.

• "Ships don’t sink because of the water around them. Ships sink because of the water that gets in them. Don’t let what’s happening around you get inside you and weigh you down." -Unknown

• "Preventive maintenance: either you mess with it or it will mess with you" -Tim D.

Things to Improve On:

• Take US Sailing Safety at Sea course (in-person or online)

• Work on being more comfortable tying bowline knot

• Get a better understanding of foredeck and pit positions

• Build a sailing winter workout plan

• Have a better understanding of reading weather patterns

• Identify what makes a good captain; how can I be a better captain/crewmate?

Cheers to many more years of sailing!