"Jonathan Ganz" wrote in message ...
Hey, here's an on-topic post.... sorry.

I had a student yesterday who just does not seem to get
it at all. She spent nearly 2 hours rigging a very simple
Holder 20. Literally, a main, a jib, and that's about it.
Most students take 30 minutes tops the first time out. It
seemed like everything was a struggle for her.

2 hours is a bit long... Has she rigged that boat before?

If so you need to pull another boat up next to her and challenge her
to a rigging race. Explain to her that you think it she has a problem
and you want to find out her weakness. A race is a good way to see
what she does not understand. Stop the race and address the issues as
they arise. You do have 2 boats right? If not do it with a stop watch.


I'm not sure how to proceed. When we finally got out on
the water, she did ok, but was very hesitant with almost
zero self-confidence, especially about gybing, even though
the wind was very light on the lake.

Why? is she afraid the boat will tip over. If so you need to go ahead
and filp it over. Better yet have her flip it over. Offer her a free
day if she can flip it on a light wind day without shifting ballast.




I hate to dissuade her completely from sailing, but I also
hate having her waste her money on lessons. She's had
two other instructors prior to me, and took the full basic
sailing class. Obviously, she's trying really hard... said
she wants some independence from her husband, her
own hobby, etc.

Then there is no question....if you are indeed and instructor you
keep teaching as long as she is willing to try.

I talked to one of the other instructors,
and he said basically the same thing... doesn't know
why she's having problems like this... didn't know what
to do.

Shouldent you address all these issues up front with her?
Perhaps hand her a report card, and teach her how to improve her
grades!


She's got the basic book, she can usually tie a bowline
the first time in about 5-10 seconds, but then she gets
totally stuck on a stopper knot (fig 8). I saw her take
3-4 minutes to do it right, even with me talking her
through it and showing her countless times.

Homework. Is that so important?

Has anyone had a student like this? What did you do?

I've had many, they were called Deckhands.

As long as they keep coming back saying thats what they want to do,
and they try hard, and dont give up you stick with em.

If they are totally lost and have no chance of ever making it no
matter what
............you got to let em know.

They might beg for another chance then you have to set a standard and
tell them if they can not meet the standard they must leave.

How high you set your standards is up to you.

She sounds to me like she honestly wants to keep going at it and she
keeps trying. Thats good enough for me, as long as she is not a danger
to herself or anyone else.

Joe



10 NG pts for a workable solution.

Jonathan