Part two of Jen’s sailing diary

Jun 8 2012 by Jennifer Buchanan, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

THIS week’s sailing lesson was more successful – and by that I mean I didn’t capsize.

But more than that I also completed a few successful(ish) tacks, or to the non-sailors out there, turns into the wind.

The wind was a lot calmer this time out so it was a lot easier to learn in and I was able to get a feel for steering the boat with the sail and rudder.

It was a little counter-intuitive turning the tiller, which controls the rudder, the opposite way you were aiming, but once I got into the swing of it, it was fine.

My lesson didn’t start out very calm however. I was a little late in leaving the office and when I arrived at Prestwick Sailing Club I had to race to get my wet suit on.

When I flew out the changing room, suit half zipped up and in a bit of a flap, I grabbed the first lifejacket (or buoyancy aid as they are also known) I found hanging on the railings.

Little did I know it was from the after-school club which had just finished. Cue a rather embarrassing incident of me trying to pull it on over my head and getting slightly stuck.

Rather than pull it back off calmly and sensibly as I should have done, in my fluster I used brute force and sheer ignorance to get it on. I eventually managed although I’ll admit it was a little snug. But my instructor Mike told me that was probably a good thing.

I was actually feeling a wee bit nervous going out after my salty swimming lesson last week, but once I was in control of the Bahia I felt a lot better. That probably says more about me than the sailing though.

I also received my theory books this week so it’s time to get my head down and get studying.

It’s a complicated business this sailing malarkey but the way I see it is it’s a bit like driving, all a bit clunky at the start and it will all come together in the end.