Full Sail

Sailing is a spectacular way to enjoy the sun, the water and the open blue sky - three of my favorite things! During lessons last week, I learned that sailing is not difficult, though it takes some skill and attention. The best part about it is you have the wind to guide you and if you take your cues from it, you'll be good to go.The boat we took out was a 40 ft sailing yacht with a galley and salon that sleeps 4. You could, presumably, live on this beauty for a month or two.

 

The basics of sailing are knowing the fancy names for the different parts of the boat. The front is called the bow, the back is the stern, the right side is starboard, while the left is port. Once you get this down, when the captain calls out an order, you'll know exactly what he's referring too. For instance, "tighten the line at the bow!"

I love everything about sailing, though make sure to bring some ginger root chews along to stave off sea-sickness. The water can get a little choppy at times.

Once you get a good rhythm going, though, it's smooth sailing from there on out.

Apres-sail, a nice meal at the local cafe is always a welcome treat. In this case, the local joint is actually called, The Local!

Grab a mixed-green salad with tuna, potato, grilled portobello mushrooms, roasted artichoke hearts and balsamic vinaigrette.

And/or a grilled shrimp panini.

Then perhaps, head for a wine tasting at the Dog and Oyster Winery.

Sit in one of these pretty pastel chairs and reflect on the sailboat you're set on buying.

Then again, you might consider this piece of wisdom, before making the jump.