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The Countdown Has Commenced

June 14, 2015 by jarndt
The Countdown Has Commenced

It’s T Minus 7 days and counting. Yes, just one week until the Summer Sailstice weekend, June 20-21. We imagine most of you have already made plans. But if not, or you’re still on the fence, here’s a Top Ten list of ways you can celebrate.  

1. Go sailing by yourself – We’re not saying set off across an ocean, just a nice daysail on your or a borrowed dinghy – or perhaps your first solo on a bigger boat. Singlehanding any keelboat is scary the first time, even in gentle conditions. But once you do it, you will know the unique zen that no other kind of sailing provides.

2. Crew for someone else – if you’re crewing, or just a guest, do a little extra something for the skipper this weekend. Bring some food or drink, perhaps, and/or arrive early to get the boat ready, or stick around late to help put it away.

3. The More the Merrier – If you are the boat owner and are already planning a sail with the usual suspects, maybe invite a few extra folks you never have before, such as a neighbor or co-worker and their significant other. Don’t overload the boat, for sure, just spread the love around a bit.

4. Charter or Rent – Depending on your area, there’s likely still time to rent or charter a boat for the day or weekend from a local business. A bit out of your comfort range price-wise? Call a bunch of friends and split the cost

5. Sail a Multihull – If you count Nat Herreschoff’s 1876 catamaran, cats and tris have been sailing’s Next Big Thing for about the last 150 years. They aren’t eveyrone’s cup of tea, but if you’ve never tried more than one hull, try more than one hull for Summer Sailstice. But fair warning: you could get hooked!

6. Sail a New Boat – Are you the owner of a new boat? Perhaps plan her maiden voyage or sea trial on Summer Sailstice, which would be super cool.

7. Sail an Old Boat – Sailing an old wooden schooner or… be still our beating hearts… a true square rigger is a thrill beyond any words we can write. If you have the chance on Summer Sailstice – or any other time in your life – please do it.

8. Sail a Small Boat – Kiteboards and sailboards count for Summer Sailstice. The smallest actual production boats we know of are the few hundred 7-ft Jester dinghies, produced in the 1970s in Santa Cruz. But there are plenty of other tiny-boat options, from Optimists to Sabots to El Toros to your yacht tender to . . . whatever.

9. Sail a Big Boat – Okay, not many of us can afford to charter a J-class yacht, and it there’s no time to join the Coast Guard for a sail on the Eagle. But there are still plenty of large craft in virtually every largish harbor in the world. Many will be booked by now, but you might be able to join an already booked charter – or maybe just a dinner sail. Again, call some friends and split the expenses.

10. Family Affair – Yes, this one is a no-brainer. Sailing is one of few pastimes where the entire family can take part, have fun and build memories together. But again, think outside the box. Call that cousin you haven’t seen in years, or grampa, or even weird old Uncle Dougie. You might be surprised how much they enjoy it – and how the experience will reconnect you.

11. Clink a Glass - Yeah, we know this was only a top ten list. But you can add this final one to any of the above: At some point in the day, be sure to carry on a tradition that has been part of human history for millenia: dedicate some small part of your sailing day to celebrating the summer solstice and the first day of summer. Please no building of pagan temples or anything requiring animal blood. But a (legal) bonfire on the beach perhaps accompanied by a “sun dance” would be appropriate. Or just a simple toast of your favorite libation.

If you're now inspired you can post your June 20th weekend sailing plans here.

Above all, be safe, have fun, take pictures and send them in. We’d love to see your day!

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