Wednesday Night on the Water

Even under the grey skies that seemed to point to an imminent storm, high school sailing practice was a success on Wednesday: the breeze was up and the sailors were ready to hike hard and sail fast despite the overcast weather. The team practiced starts and general racing, and as the breeze continued to kick up the competition got fierce! Though the storm skipped over Oyster Bay, the breeze remained, making for a great afternoon of racing.

{The most enthusiastic boat on the race course!}

{The breeze picked up and the sailors hiked out!}

{Coach Patrick gives some pointers as the sailors race towards the finish line!}

Just as soon as the high school sailors had packed up, wet and tired after a breezy day on the bay, an enthusiastic group of women arrived for their first session of Ladies Sailing, held every Wednesday night from 6 – 8. The group headed out to learn the fundamentals of rigging, safety, and basic sail trim – luckily, the breeze had died down a bit!

{the ladies of the Mirth heading out on the Launch}

I tagged along with Tricia, Donna, and Andi, who climbed aboard the Mirth with instructor Alicia. It was a fun-filled evening of sailing under the setting sun, and the ladies quickly picked up on the differences between sheets and halyards, how to tack smoothly, and of course, safety position! Donna, who is returning to sailing for the first time after a frightening experience on the water, took the helm tentatively but was sailing like a pro by the end of the lesson. Despite their nerves, the three ladies each took the tiller and got a feel for the boat. I helped out the crew, sharing nautical knowledge whenever I could, and watched as the ladies of the Mirth strengthened their sea legs!

{Donna takes the tiller}

It looks like it’s going to be a fun and successful season of Ladies Sailing, and the group is excited to get back on the water next week!

{L to R: Andi, instructor Alicia, Tricia, and Donna learned how to rig a Sonar}