1. Dock Talk
29 Days to Take the Leap
T
he old “There’s nothing to do Yes, it is a challenge to teach sail trim had enough caffeine to follow it. That
around here” lament of Februarys on a rainy weekend, in a small classroom he’s enjoying himself in the classroom is
past has expired. Frostbite racing filled with 11 students, one whiteboard, obvious and contagious. He says, “After
participation is expanding up and down the a few magnetic boats for the board, and a every class I figure out ways that I think I
Bay. For those of us who haven’t broken couple of plastic sailboat models. Demon- can improve. I had some new ideas from
out our woolies and joined the fun, there strations start with, “Pretend the wind is the most recent class that I can’t wait to
are more indoor sailing- and Bay-related coming from here,” or “Say you were doing apply.”
seminars and talks listed in this month’s a beam reach and the tell-tales were doing KB isn’t alone, as there are skilled sail-
SpinSheet Calendar than there are days in
t this…” It’s true that a few concepts might ors up and down the Bay who are geared
the month—and it’s a leap year! just slide away from some students’ grasp up to teach this winter. As well as courses
Although on any given day, he’d rather (“It’s Sunday,” they might think, “I can’t for mid-level sailors, there are a number
be on the water, professional sailing coach get into laminar flow”). But it’s also true of seminars for experienced skippers, race
Kristen Berry (“KB”) teaches a one-day that with an energetic instructor with a committee members, and licensed cap-
Understanding Sail Trim and Balance sense of humor, it can be a heck of a lot of tains. On the other end of the spectrum,
course at J/World Annapolis on weekends fun to try. there are many options for new sailors
in the winter. This is not a beginner course, KB is well stocked with lively analo- (see next page for SOS Spring Training).
nor is it for racing experts. It’s for sailors gies—such as comparing sailing in chop Courses are being held at schools such as
who fall in between categories, whether to driving through potholes or thinking J/World and Annapolis School of Sea-
they are racers or cruisers, who have unan- of harnessing breeze much like a catcher’s manship; at yacht clubs such as Eastport
swered questions about effective sail trim mitt (with an apology to engineers). He YC and West River YC (the classes are
and boat balancing in various conditions. even has an M&M-breeze theory if you’ve open to non-members); and at maritime
museums, schools, and churches.
To find a course for you, start with the
J/World Annapolis Late-Winter Tune-Up Seminars SpinSheet Calendar on page 21. Leap into
t
the “off” season. When the breeze is “on”
in spring, you’ll be glad you did.
Photos and story by Molly Winans
Chesapeake Bay Sailing SpinSheet February 2008 11
t