The Y-Factor with Christian McLean

Ketch 22

I was eight-years-old and in charge of controlling the sail. It was my first day on the water. Another boy sat at the stern, tiller in hand, skippering the small Sunfish. He'd been sailing since the summer before (clearly an expert in my book) so he was given the responsibility of commanding where we went and how fast we got there. He told me to haul in the line, so I did. We picked up speed. I was ecstatic, we were actually sailing. The small boat cut through the water and the wind blew through my hair, then suddenly we slammed into the portside of another Sunfish and tore her sail in two. Beside my skipper's pride, no one was injured, the school covered the repairs, and we all learned a valuable lesson: Don't hit anything!

Clearly, we weren't prepared to man the small sailboat alone. I have no idea why they thought we were, but many years later, I still see countless people who aren't suitably prepared to man their thirty-foot sailboats, yet alone a Sunfish. Generally they can be seen stuck on a sandbar waiting for high tide or using their feet as makeshift bumpers when docking.

The pleasure of sailing is directly proportional to the skill of the crew and skipper of the vessel. If you are planning on crewing or skippering, it is imperative that you take lessons before you do anything. You're welcome to go aboard as a passenger, but before you pick up a line or stand at the helm lessons are in order.

Sailing can be as painstakingly detailed as fly-fishing, but don't let that frighten you. It's not crucial you sound like an old salt the moment you step foot in the cockpit of a sailboat. Don't get bogged down with nautical terminology. Learning to sail is sometimes difficult enough without having to memorize an entirely new language at the same time. Get acquainted with a few general terms that have no common language alternatives. The mainsail, jib, centerboard, and rudder should be memorized, but referring to starboard and port instead of right and left is not crucial on your first day.

Proper training is the key to proper sailing. Training doesn't end at learning the fundamentals of sailing, though. Safety, boating regulations and navigation are equally important facets of a seafaring adventure. To ensure you learn all essential aspects of water safety and sport, you should enroll at a respected educational facility. Contact the American Sailing Association to find reputable ones.

If you've never been sailing and are looking to get into the sport, it makes a lot more sense to take lessons or spend time with someone who knows how to sail well, before you purchase a boat. Another option is to hire a fully crewed charter boat and get the feel for sailing. It is a great way to study well-trained professionals at work, as well as enjoy a beautiful day on the water.

When you are ready (after speaking to friends and professionals and taking lessons) to buy your first sailboat, remember your boat should reflect your skill not your bankbook. Don't buy the biggest sloop you see. Most sailboats are designed for specific types of sailing from day sailing, to racing, to transatlantic travel. The Sunfish as well as the Hunter 140 are great beginner boats. Smaller boats are usually easy to handle, perfect for one or two people and comparatively inexpensive. Used boats are also an option, but like anything, do your research, make sure it floats and it isn't going to end up costing you more than a new one in the long run.

Sailing is an amazing experience - a perfect balance of technology, knowledge and nature. But it isn't for everyone, although too many people find that out after the fact. So before you run out and buy a boat please take the proper steps to ensure your sailing experience is as pleasant and flawless as possible. Do your research, become educated in all aspects of sailing and for goodness sakes don't hit anything.

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