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One of the most fascinating things about sailing is the mystique that surrounds it. At one stage in my life, I actually made a living from sailing – those were crazy times. For a while, whenever someone asked me what I did for work, I’d simply say,"I’m a captain."
That answer instantly created an image. To others, it conveyed a sense of adventure, skill, or luxury. And it certainly earned a certain level of respect or aspiration.
I think that’s part of the problem with sailing today. There’s a perception that sailing is either extremely expensive or reserved only for a select few with exceptional skill and bravery. It’s seen as inaccessible to the average person.
But from my perspective, sailing isn’t that difficult. Sure, becoming the world's best captain or sailor might take a lifetime. But that’s different from just learning to sail confidently. It’s like driving a car – some people commute safely every day, while others are NASCAR racers. There are levels to it.
Learning to sail is easy! And once you start, the fun follows: improving your skills, handling bigger boats, and sailing safely offshore or on multi-day trips.
Don’t get me wrong, mastering sailing does take effort. But humans have been navigating the seas since before recorded history. It’s not an inaccessible skill – it just needs the right approach.
Before I dive into what it actually takes to become a competent sailor, let me share my own story.
I didn’t grow up sailing. I started in my 20s. Before that, I’d never set foot on a sailboat. I didn’t take a course – I just read every book I could find and followed the instructions. Even though someone offered me discounted in-person lessons, even the discounted price was beyond my law school budget. So I took the next best option: I found people who knew how to sail and forced myself to go out on the water. My naivety led me to sail in some extreme conditions.
Based on my experience, if you want to become a competent sailor, you need to learn three things:
1.Theoretical Knowledge
This is the"why" behind sailing. You need to understand how the boat interacts with wind and water. Since you can’t see the wind, sailing requires you to visualize forces and motion. This is where reading, watching videos, or systematic learning comes in. You need to understand the fundamentals: sail trim, balance, hull dynamics, weather, and navigation.
2.Practical Skills
This is putting what you’ve learned into action. Ideally, you’d go out on the water with experienced people – learning how to handle lines, trim sails, steer, tack, anchor, and dock. Since sailors' skills vary widely, the best way is through a professional school that offers structured instruction.
3.Experience
This is the repetition. It’s also what makes everything click. Experience means applying your theory and practice in different conditions. The wind shifts. Currents change. Storms roll in. Boats perform differently. The only way to truly become proficient is through repeated practice and exposure.