My First Real Sailing Adventure

I’ve just had my first real sailing adventure in the stunning Whitsundays, and it felt almost surreal. To my surprise, I discovered that I absolutely love sailing!

Before this trip, I wasn’t sure I ever would. Years ago, a fishing trip completely put me off. I spent the entire journey seasick. This time, I was sick on the first day as well, but by the third day I no longer needed seasickness tablets, and by the end of the week I had well and truly found my sea legs.

My Sailing instructor has a wealth of knowledge, decades of sailing experience, and, above all, a calm and encouraging personality which made him the perfect coach for a beginner like me. He challenged me just enough to build my confidence without ever making me feel overwhelmed. And his endless patience and sense of humour made this experience so enjoyable and memorable, an experience I will always treasure.

It was exhilarating to sail in Force 6 conditions. During the week I learned close-hauled sailing, broad reaching, sailing to windward, tacking and jibing. At times I was convinced our yacht was about to tip over, but he calmly reassured me that she wouldn't.

Ironically, I wasn’t worried about falling into the water myself. I was worried about my laptop! I still needed it to process Australian Boating Manual book orders while I was away. It made me realise that, since taking over Dick’s publishing business after he passed away eight years ago, I have been working 365 days a year. For those who ordered an Australian Boating Manual through our online shop last week, you haven’t experienced any delay and didn’t even notice I was away sailing.

For many years I introduced myself by saying, "I'm a boating book publisher who knows nothing about boating." I couldn’t even pretend otherwise. That has finally changed. I still have a lot to learn, but now I can genuinely say I know a thing or two about sailing and I love the feeling of steering a yacht by the wind, finding that perfect angle to keep the sails drawing, and the deep sense of satisfaction that comes from dropping anchor in a safe, sheltered anchorage after an exciting and demanding passage.

Before this experience, my understanding of sailing came mainly from reading outstanding sailing books, such as First Lady by Kate Cottee, Facing Fear by Lisa Blair and talking to these experienced sailors who I have met through the boating industry.

Now, after experiencing sailing myself, even in the relatively sheltered waters of the Whitsundays, I have an even deeper appreciation for what these extraordinary sailors have accomplished. This first voyage has not only taught me how to sail; it has inspired me to keep learning. I have a feeling this is only the beginning of a wonderful new adventure!

By Jing Gandy - Publisher of the Australian Boating Manual