Charts, camera and test results

We’ve talked about sailing a lot the past year and we’ve mentioned our love of the water even more frequently. I was finally able to fulfill a life-long dream and go to sailing school. I prepared for those lessons for months; I studied a lot and took my test preparation more seriously than my years in college. I photocopied the review sheets in the back of the book and filled them out again and again.

The eight-day sailing trip kept me busy. I brought books to read and my computer to do some writing and didn’t get the chance to do any of that. I usually take a thousand pictures on an eight-day vacation. I only had the chance to pick up the camera a handful of times. I hauled up the sails, tacked and jibed, plotted courses and even made more than a few meals.

We took four 100-question tests for our ASA classes. I managed to get the high score on two of the four tests and demonstrated my practical skills were more than competent. I completed the training and was awarded a stamp in my book for Bareboat Certification.

That means I am “able to skipper a sloop-rigged, auxiliary powered keelboat of approximately 30 to 45 feet in length during a multi-day cruise upon inland or coastal waters in moderate to heavy winds (up to 30 knots) and sea conditions. Knowledge of provisioning, galley operations, boat systems, auxiliary engine operation, routine maintenance procedures, advanced sail trim, coastal navigation including basic chart plotting and GPS operation, multiple-anchor mooring, docking, health and safety, emergency operations, weather interpretation and dinghy/tender operation.”

I know that there is still a lot for me to learn.  I’m already looking at more classes (and Amanda is looking forward to more time on and in the water). The trip was a lot of work and at times stressful but it was a very different kind of stress than regular work or life. I enjoyed it immensely and can’t wait to get back on the water again.

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