*For those non sailor types, English can be found in parentheses after the sailor jargon.*
USF has several campuses, one of which is on the waterfront in St. Pete, and they have sailboats that students can check out if they know how to sail. So, since I don't have class on Friday, I went to the waterfront to get checked out for the keelboat (big boat) fleet. The checkout was supposed to be comprised of a written "test", a swim "test", and a sailing "test." Okay so the written test was 27 questions about right-of-way rules (how to pass other boats, while waving at them with one hand), reading channel markers (those big red and green triangles on poles that always get in the way in the middle of the bay), using a marine VHF radio (an annoying thing that makes unintelligible sounds when you're trying to relax, and is useless when you need it most), and what to do if you should run aground (where to place the fat people, that you don't have with you, on the boat when you get "stuck in the mud"). It wasn't even a real "test." Basically it's only purpose was to tell the checkout skipper how much I knew about sailing.
Then there was the sailing "test." Seeing as I got to go sailing in the bay I had no complaints, but it was still an interesting test. We began by being informed that we have to wear a PFD at all times while on the boat (a life jacket: of the irritating, chafing, vest variety). We were then taught how to use the outboard motor (the loud, broken, piece of sh!t on the back of the boat that causes more headaches and drag than it does propulsion, until you desperately need it, in which case you worship said P.O.S.). From there we learned how to hoist the sails (pull really hard on a rope as the sail gets caught in the mast: the tall lightning rod attached to the boat). We also learned how to use a roller furler jib (a scary contraption with too many ropes that become entangled with one another while nicely wrapping the front sail around a wire that is attached to the lightning rod). I was actually amazed to find a roller furling jib on a 17 ft. boat. We then proceeded out into the channel where Zac, the checkout skipper, proceeded to show us where the shallow areas were. After we made it out of the channel we headed up (turned into the wind to make raising the sails easier, also so that the wind doesn't fill the sails and cause the boom to swing around. Boom: a big, horizontal, metal pole that is known for knocking people in the head. The name is derived from the sound it makes when it comes in contact with novice sailors).
Finally we got to the long awaited business of sailing (sitting back, relaxing, telling stories, and pulling on ropes that adjust things that have names which most people can't pronounce. The best past-time in the world). There were two of us getting checked out so we each had to tack (turn the front of the boat across the wind to change direction: something that is very frustrating to do in this particular boat). We then discussed jibing (bringing the back of the boat across the wind: sometimes a frightening experience depending on the amount of planning involved and the person at the helm: usually a stick or a wheel that steers the boat and is typically reserved for the owner of the boat, the older passengers, or more lazy crew members, although there are exceptions). By the time that we had each tacked and briefly mentioned jibing, in the name of formalities, Zac was so tired from relaxing that we headed in. Docking went pretty well for the most part (sailing or motoring towards a stationary object at a speed that is hopefully not greater than your monetary resources, and then almost falling overboard while attempting to grab slimy ropes to secure the boat). Zac soon vacated the boat once he realized that we were both relatively experienced sailors and left us to clean up the boat and stow everything (locking wet things up in a humid cabin, an ideal environment for mildew: the only semi-annoying thing about sailing).
Once everything was put away Tiffany, the other girl on the check ride, and I met up with Zac inside. We then, much like with jibing, discussed the swim "test." Zac asked if we could swim, of course we both said "yes." That was it. We signed our lives away and were immediately added to the USF Skippers list. Tiffany and I are both now allowed to take out the Suncat 17 anytime, weather permitting. I am required to take at least one other person with me when I go out, but they don't have to be a student or a sailor. I'm not sure what the point of that is. I guess it's so that if something should happen you're not alone, but if the other person doesn't know how to sail then that isn't very comforting. It's still nice though to know that now I can take people out who have never sailed before and introduce them to something that has significantly enriched my life, and perhaps will do the same for them.
So, that's how I became a salt water sailor. I still have tons to learn, and I'll never know it all, but I have a good start. I've been ASA certified to skipper a 27 ft. boat or smaller for more than a year, but now I'm finally a skipper with a boat, and, regardless of how small that boat may be or who owns it, when I'm out in the bay it's mine and I'm responsible for myself. There's nothing like that feeling of independence or sense of accomplishment in the world (American Sailing Association: an organization for sailors that offers certifications that really don't get you anywhere because everyone wants their own certification, but it is a good way to learn new things). I've been working on this sailing dream for a while now, I've been reading sailing books for close to seven years, but now it's coming true. I will say this much, that chasing dreams is hard work, especially chasing dreams that have already been broken, but if you're determined and you have a big enough imagination anything is possible. And if you should be like me, one of the lucky few who manage to find a life you love, take a chance and live it; it will be better than anything you've ever dreamed of.
A Suncat 17, the boat I'm certified for. I'm also going to get my J 24 certification next week. The J 24 is more like what I've been sailing all summer at PPYC.
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