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Day 1 - ASA101 classroom and on-water intro There is a book that goes with the class, and students are expected to read it in full and be ready for classroom discussion. I pick it up a bit late due to travel so have to 'cram' the day before. I think I've absorbed it. Metting at the marina, Captain Scott does a round of introductions to start. His name is familiar - I seem to recall M mentioning him as the captain of the boat she crewed on for racing. Sure enough. Small world. The classroom discussion is very helpful and takes the first half of the day. Then we go over to the boat and head out. The boat is a Beneteau ASA First 22, basically a racing spec series design. Similar in size to what I'm used to, though somewhat more modern in rigging with furling jib, clutches and winches for the lines. The weather is perfect - about 70F with 10-15 knot winds.
Many basics are covered, though we spend a fair portion of time motoring and then some under sail. The river is high so there is strong current and lots of floating debris like logs.
Besides myself there are three other students, and we take turns at the helm and working the sails, just practicing the basics. At the conclusion of the day I attempt docking. I've done it many times with the other boats. The key is planning and going slowly. The big mistake I made here was not being absolutely sure which slip we were going into. The 'figure it out when we get there' approach was less than optimal, and it took a couple tries in wind and current to get it done. I didn't hit anything and did succeed eventually, so all is well and lesson learned. A good full day, more tomorrow.
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