Sadly, it’s that time again here in the North. The other day, we put Dark Star in the shop for the winter. As we are still learning the best way to get the boats into the new shop, getting her back to her spot between the doors was a bit of a process (photos below). By taking my time, and taking advantage of some outside help to get a different perspective (thanks Dad!), I was able to put Dark Star right where she needed to be, allowing plenty of room to work around both boats for this winter’s projects.

So many aspects of sailing are a process, and being a sailor is about so much more than just making the boat go.  Your boat needs to be properly set up and maintained, rigging needs to be adjusted properly, sails need to fit and be installed correctly, and all mechanical and electrical systems need maintenance and repairs. None of these skills are beyond the average person, but none of us are born knowing them either. Everybody has to learn at some point, and like every other learning experience, a bit of patience and a bit of coaching can be the difference between an enjoyable and confidence-building experience and an unpleasant, potentially dangerous and often costly one.

As with everything related to sailing, I have been doing it since I can remember. Dad said years ago that I know stuff about boats and sailing that I don’t even know I know. He wasn’t wrong, though I think that the years of teaching sailing and being part of my wife’s learning process has made me much more aware of all I have learned. And it’s a lot – I have been very fortunate in being able to grow up learning from such accomplished sailors. I love sharing this knowledge with others who are earlier in their journey, and hope our services continue to help new sailors grow their skills and confidence in an enjoyable way.

So anyway, check out the photos below, and let us know if you’re looking to take the plunge into owning your first boat, or are thinking about an upgrade this off-season, we’re happy to help!

Also – we would never tow the boat down the road with that little SUV, but it’s short wheelbase is just the thing for those tight space maneuvers.