SPRING 2007 • PAGE 19
(Right) What kid wouldn’t
appreciate this kind of view for
a school day? (Below) A 46-foot
Benetueau makes a pretty great
classroom.
with a bowline and a sheet bend.
Toward the end of the week, we had organized a race day
between our two boats. We prepped the kids with
important sail trim and helm tips as well as strategy for
FUTURE SAILORS
beating up Sir Francis Drake Channel. They lit up with
excitement and literally took over the boat. Our safety
continued from page 18
officer had the boat prepped before we even had finished
It’s a great way to ensure that students and passengers
breakfast that day! They took their duties seriously and
on board are responsible for at least one major position
jumped in with both feet.
on board each day. Each day they rotate positions. The
position holder the day before becomes mentor for the
Our week wrapped up with a fun trip to the Baths on
student the following day who is taking over that new
Virgin Gorda and an awards ceremony for the group at
position. The rest of the day was spent getting everyone
“The Flying Iguana.” Rewards were given for the “Most
acclimated to the boat. That included ensuring that all
Improved Sailor” as well as “Best Team Player,” “Best
the kids got their sea legs. Some struggled more than
Knot Expert” and “Safety at Sea.”
others, but overall, these kids are troopers and could
probably show some adults a thing or two.
I was amazed and incredibly proud of how seriously this
group of kids took their new-found responsibilities on
My biggest surprise of the trip was how much these kids
board. They were enthusiastic and genuinely happy. I
absolutely loved learning knots. Most got on board with
awoke to their smiles and laughter each morning, and it
knowledge of at least four solid sailing knots. Every day,
made me stop to think that somewhere along the way,
I would find them either huddled in the cockpit
adults somehow lose their spark and forget the magic.
discussing knots or throwing their own knot contests on
They forget that life is not just about email or telephones
the foredeck. Our big knot contest day was a lot of fun
or the next “deal” they are going to strike at work. These
and the two boats competed fiercely to find and name
kids breathed life back into me as an instructor and
the best knot expert of the week. They not only
showed me the beauty of seeing things for the first time.
demonstrated a thorough knowledge of seven different
They walked away from this trip with new knowledge on
sailing knots, but more importantly they could tie them
safety, sailing and seamanship. What they may not
under pressure in any given situation thrown at them.
realize though is that they also left something behind - a
The ability to tie a knot does not mean much if you
fulfilled and proud teacher who learned a thing or two
cannot do it quickly and use the correct knot in the right
that week as well.
situation. By the end of the week, these kids were
effectively and safely tying up fenders with clove hitches,
For more information, contact Capt. Stacey Brooks of Sea Dog
tying up our dinghy with round turns two and a half
Sailing, Inc., by e-mail at captstacey@seadogsailing.com, telephone
hitches and demonstrating how many things you can do
at 404.228.0858 or go online to www.seadogsailing.com.
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