Craft Of Sail
Learn and enjoy big-boat sailing with a master.
- ON BOARD the 39′ Ketch Abigail
with Hans Vierthaler — June 22–28 - ON BOARD the 39′ Concordia Yawl MISTY
with Queene Foster — August 19–25 (FOR WOMEN ONLY) - ON BOARD the 39′ Concordia Yawl MISTY
with Queene Foster — August 26–September 1
Tuition: $700
Note: Students should be in good physical condition, have good balance and agility and the ability to enter and exit small boats from larger craft, beach or rocky shore.
CRAFT OF SAIL is for folks who have some previous sailing experience, whether it comes from a seamanship program or personal involvement with boats. The course is designed for those who want to improve their skills on the water, particularly in the context of a cruising-sized vessel. Subjects include sail theory, hull and rig balance, helmsmanship, piloting in clear weather and fog, approaching and leaving floats and moorings, knots and rigging, man-overboard strategy, handling ground tackle, crew management; and, with those of our vessels that have power plants, maneuvering under power, and the rudiments of auxiliary engines and navigation instruments. The seaman aspires to the mastery of many subjects, but the essence of the craft of sail is sea sense: the ability to tune in to a boat, the weather, and the crew, and apply good judgment so that all work together harmoniously. Our instructors understand this, and they will help you to acquire that sense by sharing their own experiences and by encouraging you to think and feel a boat through various real and “what if” situations. With a maximum of five students, there is plenty of opportunity to ask questions and try tricks at the helm. There are numerous sailing schools out there, but few offer experience in cruising/charter-sized vessels like these—and none that we know of offer instruction by such experienced sailors on such lovely yachts.
This last week ranks as one of the best vacations I’ve ever shared with my son. Every day was an adventure on the water. We learned far more than we expected about sailing, navigation, and seamanship. Hans Vierthaler is an excellent instructor who shared his vast knowledge easily and who made learning enjoyable. Thanks again for a wonderful time. 
