Who Wants to Drive?

When I was a kid, I used to love it when my Dad would let me drive the boat.  That boat was a 20 foot Matilda sloop with a tiller.  Honestly, I don’t remember doing many tacks.  I think my Dad would just set me up and let me steer a straight course across the lake.

Fast forward to adulthood and I get apprehensive every time I’m asked to steer the boat.  In recent years, my sailing and racing has mainly been on boats over 30 feet, most of them with a wheel.  I’ve done multiple long distance boat deliveries; and have been at the helm on a regular watch schedule for every delivery that I’ve done.

Here I am driving the boat and having a good time -- even if I do look a bit apprehensive.

My favorite time to steer the boat is actually in the middle of the night in the middle of the ocean — especially on a clear night when I can enjoy the stars as my reference points.  Since I’ve got that experience under my belt; I would think that driving should be easy.  However, I still get nervous when I step to the helm.  You wouldn’t believe how many scenarios I can make up that involve an accidental gybe!

Anyhow, I drove the boat last weekend for the first time in a long while. It was a great day on the water, and really built my confidence back up.  Usually, I trick myself if I’m apprehensive about taking the helm.  I let myself think that I only ave to drive for 20 minutes.  That gets me to the helm.  Once I’m there, I typically realize that 20 minutes passed a long time ago and I’m still driving and having fun.

For me, the only way to get better at driving is to drive the boat.  I’m writing this post as a cheer to everyone who wants to take the helm, but is a bit afraid.  Stretch your boundaries and go enjoy some helm time on the water.  Have fun!