Sailing and Camping

There are a number of water activities available to the senior community. These include such interests as fishing, swimming, and kayaking. But, if these aquatic pursuits are not for you, there are still other hobbies to try, and sailing is one of them.

There are different types of sailboats:

Small Sailboats: These are small fiberglass boats that have wood or aluminum spars. They usually have two sails; a mini sail and a jib. Generally used for racing, these boats tend to be of lighter weight.

Daysailers: These are wider boats at the beam and have a lot more space on them, but they are very slow.

Cruising Sailboats: These boats are wider like the daysailer, but the boats are longer, at least twenty five feet. Commonly used for the pleasure of sailing on the water, this type of watercraft is perfect for the Columbia senior living community.

Sailing is not one of those activities that you can just go right out on the water and become an expert. There are some basic tenets that you need to know first, known as The Five Essentials, to keep the boat in "trim." They are usually memorized by the mnemonic "Can This Boat Sail Correctly."

C: Course made good - Turning the boat using the tiller or wheel and sail based on the winds to go in the desired direction. This takes practice.

T: Trim - This is adjusting the fore and aft balance of the boat by using the movable ballast (the crew).

B: Balance - Port and starboard balance. The idea is to adjust the weight "windward" or "leeward" to keep the boat from leaning (heeling) too far port or starboard.

S: Sail trim - The front edge of the sail should be exactly in line with the wind. The sail should not flap, but should be pulled in until it fills with the wind.

C: Centerboard - Allows for the boat to move upwind and prevents lateral motion.

You have to know the way the wind is blowing and be able to adjust your sail precisely to make the craft stay on course. If you do not, the wind will take control, sending you off in the wrong direction, and you run the risk of the boat blowing over. Once you have achieved some mastery over the boat, you will see how the art of sailing is an invigorating and fun pursuit for retirement living.