Jibe Ho!

There is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth
doing as simply messing about in boats.
- Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows-

Living and working so close to the coast, it is incredibly easy to become enchanted by the sea, and in Mike's case in particular (and certainly my own, as well), the prospect of sailing. And so, Mike and I both signed up for sailing lessons at the Kittery Point Yacht Club in New Castle, NH, minutes away from City Hall where Mike works. Sailing lessons are Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5:30-8:30 p.m. for 2 consecutive weeks. Last week was the first week and already now, tonight is our last lesson! Though scared to risk bringing the camera the first night, we brought the camera along the second night to snap some pictures while out on the water. We started the lessons with a very brief introduction to the parts of a boat, tacking and jibing, points of sail, weight distribution, and boat design, and then quickly headed out on the water to our boats. We take out dinghys (which Mike and I have both been given a chance to drive) to a dock where the sailboats are moored, in a small bay.


The first two classes, we sailed on Turnabouts, small ~10' sailboats with one sail. Though the wind on the first night was fairly quiet, it was perfect for learning how to make the sails catch any small amount of wind that there was. The second night picked up, and our newly acquired skills were tested, with surprising success! We even won the first sailing race that was set up during our lessons!

The instructors are two younger people; the girl just graduated from highschool and the boy is at UNH for undergrad. We have also met several others who have helped us during our lessons. Most notably is Bruno, a member of the KPYC who has sailed for over 30 years. Mike can likely do a better job describing Bruno, so perhaps I shall leave that to him. Suffice to say, Bruno is a character. In addition, a friend of Bruno's named Tim has been incredibly helpful in giving pointers to us while we learn to sail, coaching us on proper balance, positioning, knot-tying, and more. Tim has lived on a sailboat, and now the boat pictured below, for years. After speaking to him, we learned that he designed and built the boat below, on which he now lives with his wife, from an old lobster boat hull. Getting to meet Tim and learn from him has been invaluable and a wonderfully rewarding experience.


Three hours seems to fly by way too fast each evening, but hopes are that sailing can continue in our futures.





Lessons have been great and we couldn't be in a more beautiful place. Each evening has been strikingly gorgeous and the sunsets are incredible. Tonight we practice capsizing and although I was hoping to bring along the camera, I think I may forego that thought this evening! Nevertheless, we will let you know how it goes! So long for now!