nom=de=plume wrote:
wrote in message
...

On Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:40:09 -0700 (PDT), Frogwatch
wrote:


Sometimes, close to a lee shore in strong wind, the safest thing to do
is to take the sails down and use the engine to get further out.

I prefer to leave up a deeply reefed mainsail to maintain directional
control and assist with keeping the bow into the wind. Without that
the wind will pick up the bow on every wavetop and push it back to
leeward.


I'm hoping that this stuff is going to be covered when I take the lessons.


Why did you argue that you didn't have a lot to learn?

Before you take your lessons, you might want to charter a sailboat with
an experienced captain. You will learn a lot but, more importantly, you
will know quickly if sailing is for you.