| Some friends are amazed that I still sail every | | | | freedom to sail without having to worry running |
| weekend. These questions were thrown at me all | | | | into other dinghy of boats. On the water, it is just |
| the time. Is sailing complicated? Is sailing fun.? Is | | | | the sailor and the elements. In Singapore, sailing in |
| sailing intense? Is sailing expensive? | | | | the east coast, there are occasional water |
| Sailing looks complicated because there seems to | | | | sprouts forming. These water sprouts are less |
| be a spaghetti of ropes that you have to deal | | | | than a metre high and last for less than a minute. |
| with. Actually, when you are on the water, the | | | | Getting hit by these water sprouts really gives |
| only rope you need to deal with is the main sheet. | | | | you a real kick. |
| The rest of the ropes can remain in their positions | | | | When the weather is fine, light winds and the |
| without the sailor fiddling with it. The intense racer | | | | waters are not choppy. You can stop the dinghy |
| will of course need to adjust these during the | | | | and just enjoy drifting aimlessly in the vast open |
| course of the race. | | | | waters. You feel at one with the elements. These |
| The other part of the dinghy that a newbie had | | | | are rare moments of solitary solace away from |
| to deal with is the rudder which is attached to the | | | | the hustle of the maddening city. Just dangle your |
| tiller extension. The rudder controls the | | | | feet over the dinghy and enjoy the solitude. |
| movement of the dinghy. Assuming that the wind | | | | Sailing can be very intense if you are racing in a |
| is blowing into the bow (front of the dingy) and | | | | regatta. The tension is bow tight as you jostle for |
| you are on port side (left side of the dinghy). | | | | a advantageous slot in the start line. Getting off |
| Pushing the tiller away from you will cause the | | | | first means not being disturbed by the dirty winds |
| dinghy to turn to the left. Conversely, pulling the | | | | behind. Sailors need to be focused and tactically |
| tiller towards you will cause the dingy to turn to | | | | sound in order to maintain their lead or gain |
| the right. It is very different from driving. It takes | | | | positions patiently. Knowing the rules of the race |
| some practice to internalize this. | | | | is important so that you can present your case |
| The sea is unlike the highway where congestion | | | | when there is a protest. |
| can build up quickly. The sailor can have the | | | | |