I had ridden a bike past these boats for years. I had looked across the forest of masts every Saturday for as long as I could remember. I had spoken the words countless times, “I need to learn to sail.”
Naturally, I bought a boat before I knew how to operate it. It was a Catalina 27 and it might as well have been a mega-yacht because the moment I bought it I was hooked and I knew I would always be a sailor.
I had a boat.
So many years later the couple of weekends that it took to learn to sail and feel confident at the helm are still some of the most rewarding moments in my life. They altered my life. They changed the lives of my children and they have shaped every aspect of my life.
That’s my story; what will be yours?
National Learn To Sail Month
July is “National Learn To Sail Month” and, with that, the American Sailing Association is encouraging as many people as possible to get out on the water and learn to sail. While sailing is a lifestyle choice at ASA the message is simple; sailing is for everyone. Recently, ASA launched the “Women on the Water” campaign to get more women sailing and this is an extension of that campaign as we encourage everyone to get out and enjoy the water.
ASA will make a charitable donation in the name of every person registering to take sailing lessons at an ASA school in the month of July. “National Learn to Sail Month” ties learning to sail with ASA’s ongoing marine environmental work such as the Plastic Pollution Purge. ASA will make charitable contributions to “Sailors for the Sea” a non-profit organization that is nearly 12 million strong and is a community that loves and is passionate about protecting the ocean.
Why Should You Sail?
You’ll be part of a large community that shares a passion for the ocean, for the outdoors and for the simple pleasure of feeling the wind in your face.
As a Sailor, you are a steward for the world’s oceans. You’ll work to protect the playground you so desire to be on. ASA Plastic Pollution Purge has worked to raise awareness of our plastic problem and continues to spread the word about advocacy amongst the sailing community.
Why Do Others Sail?
Captain Joe Mastrangelo of Veterans Sailing Association: “For the same reason I breathe…….I have to. Sailing has conditioned me both mentally, physically and spiritually – it has forged my soul into a new positive direction. I have always been a waterman (born and raised in South Florida) so this was the next logical route – couple this with the ability to help guide other members of our military and you have a win-win situation for all.”
Captain Stacey Brooks of Sea Dog Sailing: “I sail to truly and remotely see this beautiful world. I sail to meet intriguing people, experience different cultures and eat/drink great food and wine. But probably the biggest reason I sail is to prove to myself and other people (and especially women!) that they can do it. Be scared – it’s ok. As the saying goes, cast off those lines! You can’t sail a boat while it’s sitting in the harbor. Taking one chance in 1995 shifted my world and I can’t express how happy it has made me or explain in full the things I have seen and experienced!”
Do you need any more motivation? It’s the middle of summer and July is National Learn to Sail month so the time is now!
National Learn To Sail Month.
It’s time for you to learn to sail.
How Do You Get Started?
Take our free online sailing course – it’s easy and fun and you’ll learn all about the world of sailing, one that some see as a sport and others choose as a lifestyle.
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