You can now call me Captan Kaelson. I completed the 3 day course in Anacortes, Washington last week. The first day was all in class and completing the written exam. Man, was I glad when that part was over. The next two days was all day on the boat. A bit nerve racking at first doing all the close quarter maneuvering in and out of the marina. “You want me to get this boat in that little space,” was often my thought. You either had to worry about hitting the dock, or even better bumping into the yacht parked next to you.
We practiced anchoring, tying up to mooring balls, man over board drills, and point to point navigation. The San Juan Islands are absolutely beautiful.
Below you’ll see me laying out a course with the Captain, our classroom for two days, pictures of the deck at Phil’s house on the lake, and finally on Saturday when I took command of my own boat. Let me be more specific, my chartered boat. I rented a 36 foot Selene for 4 days.
Hey, good job, Mate! It appears you have caused no major damage yet. I could tell you about my friend who lived on her 40’ sailboat for about 4 years and sailed everywhere, and you’d be inspired to do the same. And I can tell you about my other friend who ended up with his large sailboat stranded on the rocks along the San Francisco Bay, and you might reconsider it all!! I know you must be having a blast, and I’m glad I can live a little piece of it vicariously through your postings, so keep sending them. Cheers, Matey, JP