Last week, I took Blue Pacific?s 5-day Confidence Sailing Course and it changed my life. Initially, I signed up for this particular course for a self-imposed ?stay cation? break from the Los Angeles white collar grind. I hoped that a full week out on the ocean, learning something entirely new, might recharge my batteries.
I spent the week off with a group of six people (a doctor, physical therapist, MBA student, TV producer, etc) and a highly experienced instructor on one of Blue Pacific?s beautiful yachts. Each day, we practiced navigating around the marina and then on out to the Santa Monica Bay for hours. Everybody had to participate at all times as either the helmsman or the crew. The day we sailed to Redondo Beach we saw barking sea lions, jumping seals, and one very lost massive whale. The days were not easy or stress-free, but still insanely fun.
Their patient instructor covered everything we needed to know in order to pass the 101 and 103 ASA certifications. (Note: You must read the recommended book too!) Several people had flown in from faraway land-locked states (i.e. North Dakota) and were also planning on doing the 104 sail to Catalina that weekend. Getting the required certifications was serious business for them.
Honestly, I had little intention of ever chartering a yacht. But by day three, I got all swooped up in my crew mates? conviction in passing these exams. Plus, the people who run Blue Pacific seriously want everybody to pass too. I was not let off the hook, until I passed both.
So now I get it... Learning to sail is indeed the key to a world of fun and adventure. I am forever grateful to Blue Pacific for gently exposing me to my new found escape away from the glare of my computer screen...
Pros: Learning a ton about sailing, got certified
Cons: Got Sunburnt ;?
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