classroom, Lippitt pointed out that the lessons learned applied to any size boat, but I was about to find out that understanding theory does not translate to proficient practice. We decided to sail one of the larger boats, and as we motored to the mooring I took in the surroundings. The center ‘s location can be identified in several ways. It’s considered upper Narragansett Bay, as well as the lower junction of the Providence and Seekonk Rivers; perhaps most appropriately, it’s also called Fox Point Reach. CBC’s designated sailing area stretches from their dock south to Fuller Rock, in East Providence. This area has been purposefully delineated for safety, since more southern points are prone to stronger winds and cannot be seen from the boathouse. My immediate observation was that there were large ships in the vicinity, and steady traffic. I ask about the danger level, specifically capsizing. Lippitt laughs, “It happens. You go in, we get you out. It’s not a big deal.” He mentions that the biggest issue with capsizing is Good Samaritan bystanders who call in capsized boats to the police, forcing them to respond while knowing it’s probably another first-day student who will be back to cruising by the time they arrive. (Don’t let this stop you from calling it in if you ever see a capsized boat… you never know.) We reached the sailboat and did some quick prep work – lowering the rudder and keel, untying lines and raising the main sail. We reviewed parts of the boat, and Lippitt went over Sailing Rule #1: “Don’t hit stuff.” My proposed revision to Rule #1 is: “Stay low.” Just trying to adjust my life jacket with the boat still attached to the mooring, I had to constantly bob and weave around the free moving boom (the horizontal pole at the bottom of the mainsail) to avoid getting knocked in the head. I can guess why they call it the “boom.” We set sail and my first assignment was to steer the boat – a task that takes all of three minutes to get the hang of. With a shining sun and a cool breeze blowing, we glided across the water at an easy pace. Totally relaxed and soaking in the weather, I was starting to understand sailing’s appeal. However, this was not a leisure trip – I was here to learn – and the next lesson is where the real work began. Lippitt took over the steering and gave me the lines that controlled the sails – it was now my job to read the wind and adjust the sails to move us
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East Side Monthly August 2012
in a pre-determined direction. I quickly figured out how to work with the lines and the impact they had on the sails. I sat there thinking, this will be a breeze (gratuitous pun intended). A wise martial artist once said that being 100% in tune with yourself is only 50% of the battle, because you have to also be in tune with your opponent. While manning the sails, these words had never rung so true. Reading the wind is not as easy as it sounds, and by the time you’ve figured it out, it may have already changed. The wind comes and goes, and a leisurely cruise can quickly become a sprint with the side of the boat you’re sitting on lifted out of the water. Adjustments are constant and you’re always on alert. I exaggerate slightly. I felt in control of the boat the entire time, and when we caught a gust just right it was a great feeling to coast along the water. I did get worked up, but only at the difficulty I had in reading the wind and positioning the sails correctly. I had sweat on my brow, and determination to do it better the next time. Most importantly, I now had an appreciation for the rigor, challenge and intricacies of sailing – maybe my high school friends had earned that varsity credit after all. Coincidentally, I left CBC and headed to Jamestown for previously-made plans to watch the America’s Cup races. Until that morning, I had only been looking forward to BBQ and sun. But when I arrived, I immediately grabbed a friend’s binoculars and stayed glued to the action for the rest of the day. I talked shop with my sailing friends, sounding like a rookie most of the time, but perhaps surprising them occasionally with a thoughtful question or comment derived from the morning’s lesson. Most of all, I just marveled at the boats, the crews, and their speed – something I never would have expected. It’s amazing what a few hours on a sailboat can do for a person. If you’re an avid sailor, you know about the CBC and what a fantastic resource it is for our community. This article isn’t for you. This article is for the people like me, who had a pre-conceived notion about sailing, had never done it, and wondered what all the fuss was about. This is for the people who like to challenge themselves and compete, learn new things, be outside, or hang in a boating community and understand what the heck everyone is talking about. Sailing can be whatever you want it to be, and your friends at the CBC will help you get there.