Keeping You Current - September 7, 2010

Greetings!

When I ask different people what they think it takes to make a "good sailor", I get varying answers. I asked Jerry, our new fleet manager, what his opinion was on the subject. Now, if you've met Jerry, you may know that he was a Quarter Master in the Navy and that he's been sailing for decades, but if you spend a little time with him, you will likely see that he has a certain matter-of-fact sensibility . . . so when I asked him what he thought made a good sailor, his response was simply "Good sailors don't do stupid s___!"

Well, being someone who has done her fair share of stupid . . . stuff . . . I shudder to think that I'm not a good sailor or that I lack the potential of getting there some day. Upon further expansion, Jerry admitted that we ALL do stupid stuff, none of us are immune to it, and that mistakes do happen. Ultimately you need to learn from your mistakes, be cognizant of your surroundings, recognize potential pitfalls and correct for them before they become dangerous, prepare for as much as possible, try to get the best performance out of your boat for whatever point of sail you're on, be adaptable and be safe.

Here's to becoming better sailors and doing less and less stupid . . . stuff!

MOTORING CLINIC

Saturday, September 11th
9am - 5pm
Alameda

THIS WEEKEND - 2 SEATS JUST OPENED UP!

For Basic Cruising certified skippers and above (or equivalent qualifications). Taught onboard one of our sailboats up to 33'. Learn to use all the factors such as wind, rudder and prop walk, that can make or break a successful docking. Take this clinic to get the skills you need to feel confident motoring in any situation.

Ultimate Members: FREE!
Members: $222/Non-Members: $295

Learn more about our motoring clinic

TODAY'S TIP

Look for fun things to do by boat!

Whether it's for cruising, racing or learning, there's nowhere we'd rather be than on a boat. It's pretty hard for us to comprehend that there may be people who don't feel the same way, but believe it or not, some people may need more encouragement. To entice the landlubber in your life, keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities to get out on the water. For instance, the other night on the news they were talking about how the increased seal population on the Farallon Islands has boosted the shark activity, and the whales are more plentiful than ever - wouldn't it be a great trip to go see that? If it's racing you like, the Rolex - Big Boat Series is being held in the Bay on September 18th and 19th. Or if you're into music, the Treasure Island Music Festival is being held on October 16th and 17th, you could get a slip and have your own private condo right there in the Treasure Island Marina! One last thought - visit the locations that you read about in a book, like traveling the path of the heroine from Isabel Allende's Daughter of Fortune.

BOAT SHOW IN JACK LONDON SQUARE

Wednesday, September 15th - Sunday, September 19th

Special deals on classes
See new cruisers and yachts, both power and sail, as well as a huge selection of previously-enjoyed brokerage boats
Purchase accessories & gear at Boat Show prices
Find out about charter information
Attend seminars

Click here to download a FREE ticket - Compliments of Club Nautique

Click here to view the Boat Show website