13 Comments
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Dale Gamble's avatar

A very nicely written piece that should be required reading for beginning boaters!

Ron Hoddinott's avatar

Well written and thoughtful!

Chris Noto's avatar

Yes! I learned to sail, mostly self taught, except for some reading, in rented board boats and beach cats, on balmy summer days off the beach at Fort Lauderdale, during my teen years. In my thirties, after some time away from sailing, I built a little Phil Bolger designed skiff, and learned a hard lesson on a cold February day, on a lake outside of Atlanta, going for a very brief, and unintended, swim in 45 degree water. My sailing, after that, though it continued to bring great joy, has always involved a more thoughtful and considered approach! Thanks for sharing your experience. I enjoyed your article tremendously.

Dale Whitmore's avatar

Excellent article. As a long time boat person I appreciate the practical wisdom.

As a long time military pilot, I attended maybe hundreds of flight briefings. When I was the briefer, I finished briefings, "Regardless of the mission, remember our primary individual mission is bring your self and your crew home tonight." We all knew that may not always be feasible in attack helicopters, but for sure that was my priority in training.

Len Anderson's avatar

Words of wisdom for novice and experienced shore sailors. Thank you.

Jonathan Lewis's avatar

Sense and sensibility. Well said.

Susan Jewett's avatar

I've been reading Lin Pardey's books and her philosophy is much like yours ... plan well, be cautious and keep it small and simple.

Carolyn & Kees's avatar

Bravo, well written!

Rob Kunzig 57's avatar

Oh So well said! Thank you Cathay.

It would be so nice to see/meet you both at one of the many Chesapeake TSCA Chapter cruises.

Old Bay Club, Delaware River and the new Chesapeake Eastern Shore chapter.

Congrats on your Journey or Journeys... R

Holly Bird's avatar

Very well said. Thank you!

Skip Johnson's avatar

So well said. Likely a gift honed over the years along with the experience it chronicles.

PETER BUCK's avatar

"Am I cautious because I’m inexperienced? Or experienced enough to be cautious?" Finding that balance is a life well lived.

Paul Bargren's avatar

Very, very nicely done.