We are all aware that in sailing there are special terms that describe the parts of the boat and many of the actions we need to accomplish to make the boat go.  Do not fear; these words have a purpose and more importantly, they make you sound salty and cool in the bar.  Below are some examples courtesy of  "Sailing, a Lubber's Dictionary."

Weather Helm - Marked tendency of a sailboat to turn into the wind, even when the rudder is centered.  This is easily countered by wedging a heavy object against the tiller. See Crew.

Crew - Heavy, stationary objects used on boats to hold down corners of charts, anchor cushions in place and dampen sudden movements of the boom.

Latitude and Longitude - A series of imaginary lines on the earth's surface which are used as an aid to navigation.  Since they are invisible, many mariners find them of limited usefulness.

Heeling - A basic process affecting all sailboats which begins with the boat leaning over as the wind presses on one side of its sails and ends as the sailboat exhibits its natural tendency to come to a state of rest on the sea bottom.

Spar -  1.  Any pole on a boat used to carry or shape sails.  2.  To exchange blows with such a pole, particularly horizontal booms, in an effort to restrain or adjust them, a process that usually results in the crew member involved getting "decked," "kissing the canvas," or  "taking a dive."

Ahoy - The first in series of four-letter words exchanged by skippers as their boats approach one another.

Yawl come on out to lake, Hal is right, there is plenty of water and the wind this time of year is great. The lake has some neat new islands (complete with beautiful red clay beaches) to be discovered and named. Leggett Land is taken as is Schlengerville and Bubbas Bayou.  Get your claim in soon; the Red Clay Keys are not going to be here forever.  See you on the lake, and don't forget to say Ahoy. 

in Pensacola, Florida !!

Sunday, Feb. 17 thru Friday, Feb. 22    $1,350

Don't wait to register !  These advance courses typically sell out 90 days prior to start date.  Call Cindy or Matt for details or to just talk sailing !! 

(770) 945-8810

Spaces are still available for Basic Coastal Cruising - 103 and Bareboat Certification - 104 in the British Virgin Islands !!

It's time to take that dream vacation -- It's time to become Bareboat Certified -- It's time to visit the land of tropical sailing fantasies and pirate legends.