AUTUMN 2006 • PAGE 3
new (and perhaps, more efficient) way to reef
under sail, new anchoring techniques,
navigating; the opportunity for growth is
practically unlimited.
Learning the fundamentals of sailing, or honing
advanced skills and experience, is part of the
ASA package and philosophy. Watching a person
transform from, “What does this thing over here
do?” to “I’ll trim the mainsheet,” is the best part
of the week. Two ASA couples arrived from
Oregon, each couple had a partner with minimal
sailing experience. Were the inexperienced ones
fairly reluctant, maybe even hesitant? You bet.
By the end of the week, they were in the midst
of the action, part of the crew and having a great
(Above) ASA members bask in the warm blue-green waters while swimming with the
time. The entire concept of sailing was
stingrays. (Below) Author Tom Varley plays and sings to the tropical breezes of Antigua.
demystified and they were having a blast! There
was an ASA group from Japan who attended the
event, and a couple from England.
FEATURE STORY
continued from page 1 Eating up island life
Caribbean can produce was in full view.
Life ashore was easy and breezy. Club Colonna/Sunsail is a
My thoughts drifted back to the past week, as I looked
nice, relaxing venue for the entire family; and for those
below at the islands, reefs, and harbors we were sailing in
looking to escape - a romantic getaway. The staff is
and around. One of the best
incredibly accommodating; from the local Antiguans who
memories was watching new-to-
make their livelihoods there, to the
sailing ASA members become
U.K. staff having a good time in a
accomplished sailors, on those
new latitude, the welcome mat was
beautiful Sunsail/Beneteau
in place for our arrival. An all-
Oceanis 473s.
inclusive resort, there was little to
think about when it came to
Learning together
dining. Buffets for breakfast,
“That’s exactly it - you’ve got it!”
buffets for dinner; and lunch was
There was a lot of that phrasing
prepared daily for those planning to
going around, accompanied by big
extract every minute of sailing
smiles. Several of the participants
time. Yes, they had box lunches
had little (or no) sailing
prepared to take aboard. For those
experience; while others were
with special dietary needs, the
seasoned, experienced sailors with
crew at Club Colonna were very
many ocean miles in their wake.
considerate. Vegetarian? No
And between the two groups were
problem, with the Rasta
those who had some time on the
(dreadlock) population, there is an
water prior to the demands of
understanding (and respect) for the
families and careers. Collectively,
importance of nutritional diversity.
all were ASA members: members who took the plunge
How was the cuisine? If the freshest seafood, fruits, meats,
and signed up for the week looking to gain more
and incredible desserts (oh, that island ice cream is the
experience and knowledge or just have a great sailing
best!), sound enticing, you’re in the right place! The AM
getaway. All of the above was accomplished. Several of
highlight was the coffee machine, a push-button, serve-
the very experienced sailors admitted that they learned a
yourself espresso machine. Latte, Café au Lait, Café
few new tactics during their time on the water in
Mocha, Americano, Café Regular - it was all there, and
Antigua: a hefty compliment to the ASA instructors.
refills were only limited to fortitude and effort. Evenings
Each instructor brought their own style of passing on
were spent rehashing the day on the water, hanging with a
information to the table, qualities to be shared and
few of the characters (read locals) who add to the flair of
received. That’s the beauty of sailing with others - no
Antigua, or just quiet time. One night was filled with a
matter the level of experience, everybody can learn a
continued on next page
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