Dan: 1. Congratulations. 2. NO one is a natural born sailor. Sailing is a complex set of motor skills and, as such, requires practice. (Checklists help too, especially for tasks performed infrequently) cheers- Shawn Boles Grey Mist (M17 #276 1978) -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces+shawn=ori.org@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces+shawn=ori.org@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of dmostue@comcast.net Sent: Sunday, June 10, 2007 1:32 PM To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Subject: M_Boats: first sail Well today I put my M15 in the water for the first time. It wasn't pretty. I am not a natural born sailor. It reminded me of my days as a carpenter, another skill that did not come naturally. I have to do everything wrong the first time (sometimes second, too). It also reminded me of my trip to Europe a long time ago. 5 buddies and I were off to Europe and it was going to be so GREAT!! 48 hours after landing in Geneva, I was depressed and wondering why the hell I made the trip. I just wanted to be back home. The reality is different than the dream. But I managed to launch, sail and retrieve the boat without damaging it. The same cannot be said for the mast support mounted on the stern. I forgot to take it off before backing the boat into the garage. It is now doubled over. I really need some sailing lessons. I know it will get much better. Like that trip to Europe..after three weeks there, I didn't want to come home. Besides, I've gotten pretty good at the bowline.... Dan Mostue M15 #500 _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats