Since the storms rolled in a little early yesterday, Mercury Mentors did not do their swim test or capsize drill. The rule for the pool is no swimming if lightning is six miles or closer away. The rule for sailing is no sailing if lightning is 10 miles or less away. Safety first! The Mercs did, however, get their swim test and capsize drill done this morning! They also had a ‘parts of the boat’ lesson, as well as pool safety talk. Tomorrow, fingers crossed for sailing!!!
When we had a break in the weather yesterday, Green Fleet and Opti Learn to Sail had the opportunity to finish their swim test and capsize drill- box checked! Moving on to on the water drills! Today, the Opti Learn to Sail group did a quick parts of the boat lesson, but the kids were really excited to go on the water, so we went to the next level and towed the Opti LTS group around the basin for them to learn how to steer the boat behind the coach boat. There are a couple reasons for this drill, first and foremost for them to be comfortable being towed behind the coach boat since they are often times towed from the Sailing Center to the basin, and if they are in trouble they will be towed to safety. It’s also to learn the basics of steering a boat under tow.
In the afternoon we had storms pop up so Opti LTS did a nautical word game where one sailor directs a blindfolded sailor around an obstacle course only using the terms ‘forward, aft, port and starboard.’ It’s a fun way for all the sailors to understand these important nautical terms! We also set up an Opti inside as a simulation for sailing and to learn more parts of the boat. Tomorrow, hopefully the weather holds out so we can tow them with their sails on, then we start to sail! Exciting times ahead!
This morning Green Fleet eased back into sailing and getting comfortable in the boat. They sailed around a two mark course and practiced tacks and gybes in the morning. In the afternoon, they went over body position in the boat in all wind conditions and did a hiking competition! More sailing practice tomorrow!
Lunchtime Exercise! 
Fun During the Capsize Drill!
