Sailing Today... WINDY & ROUGH !!!

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We have not had good luck with the weather, so far it has not allowed us to have a real sailing session this semester. Today was forecast to have strong but manageable winds, and as we travelled to Bridgeton Harbor and rigged up the boats, it seemed like we should be 'All Systems Go.' However the wind got stronger and stronger, the waves built up too.

 As 1/2 the class rigged the Javelins, the other half practiced knots. Our 'Basic Ropes & Knots Lesson' (link)






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 Our required knots: the 'bowline' (link), the 'stopper' or 'figure-8' (link), the 'cleat hitch' (link), and the 'clove hitch' (link). Knots come easily to some people, or with great difficulty to others, but it's an important skill. Each knots serves a different function and we need them all!

Here we see a successful Cleat Hitch and the satisfaction of doing it correctly. Where on the boat do we use this knot?







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Anyone could guess that we use the 'Cleat Hitch' to tie the boat to the dock. Yes, true, good... but there is one OTHER important (very important) place we use this knot.

Also, when we are handling the boats at the dock, there are several safety practices you must keep in mind. This cadet is doing well.

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Looks like a scene of chaos & confusion, but actually this is a GREAT PHOTO because everyone is working at their tasks.   Rigging and unrigging the boats calls for many hands, knowledge of each part of the boats, teamwork, and leadership.

We have had classes of cadets who learned to rig up the boats very quickly and efficiently. Their reward? More sailing time!






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What's up there? Lots of important stuff! It's never a bad idea to check what's happening with the mast & rigging.

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Some cadets did go sailing today. A great opportunity, and we all got to see Coach Rezab (our Fearless Leader) demonstrate some great sailing skills.


...posted by Assistant Coach Douglas King




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