Sailing Lessons

my sailing instructor on Hobie Catamaran

Are you interested in learning how to sail? Then come to the The Bitter End Yacht Club. I recently took my first sailing lesson at The Bitter End Yacht Club in Virgin Gorda.  Since sailing is such a huge part of the charm of The Bitter End, and the entire BVI, I thought it was time to see what this “sailing thing” is all about. At bitter end they offer a free Learn To Sail 101  class under the Admiral’s Package. The lesson begins in the classroom.  First we learned about the “anatomy of a sail boat”; then, the “points of sail”. Do you know the difference between a “broad-reach” and a “close-halved”? I do! How about “tacking” and “gybing”? Do you know what that is? We also learned about the “right of way rules”. Important if you ever find yourself playing chicken with another boat. Well its all very interesting and I love to learn new things (who doesn’t).  I also learned how to tie a square knot, stopper knot, and bowline knot. Well, I thought, if anything, that will come in handy next time I go camping with my husband (he’ll be so impressed).  The lesson was very low key and personal. I felt right at home, and asked lots of questions.

Sailboat in North Sound near BEYC

After being in the classroom for a couple hours, I was ready to try actual sailing. Once out on the hobie catamaran, my instructor had me holding the rudder and line. I have to say, as a beginner it was a little intimidating–yet truly thrilling–to be at the helm (if you will) of this tiny ship. My instructor startled a bit when I exclaimed “Im actually sailing this boat”. My instructor, bless his heart, was very patient with me. “Let go of the line, let go of the line, please ma’am LET GO OF THE LINE!” Oh, you mean you don’t want me to ram right into that other sail boat? Right-of-way rules….check.  Probably the most important thing I learned is that sailing is mostly intuitive. You have to feel the wind and how it pushes your sail. You have to know what direction the wind coming from and understand how that changes your trajectory. Once you get the hang of it, it’s very liberating. Just you, and the wind, and the water–not to mention the handsome young instructor by your side. To know that YOU are controlling this little boat in this big blue ocean. Off to destinations unknown, islands untamed, and adventures not yet realized. The possibilities are endless!