One dreamed of sailing; now both are sailors!
Meet Gaius and Michele
Since childhood, when he first saw a sailboat on the horizon, Gaius had dreamed of learning to sail. In 2018 at the age of 53, Gaius knew it was now or never. He had a conversation with his wife, Michele, and began researching how to go about learning. Though Michele wasn’t particularly interested in sailing, the couple joined the Downtown Sailing Center (DSC) in Baltimore, and Michele learned too. Here the couple share more about their sailing journey.
Preconceived notions debunked
Michele: Since I get car sick, I thought that I would be seasick a lot. Surprisingly it only happens occasionally.
Gaius: I always felt that sailing was for the rich, and I would never be able to do it. However, experience has taught me that opportunities exist for people to go sailing in an affordable way.
Another misperception was that I could learn to sail by reading books and watching YouTube videos. While reading books introduced the concepts to me, I discovered a huge difference between reading about something and experiencing it. There is no substitute for getting out on the water and start sailing. Like any other learned skill, you must do it. Learning truly starts when you put the two together.
How did you get started?
Gaius: We started our journey at the DSC, where we learned to sail on J22s and Sonars. In 2020 I took the US Basic Keel Boat class and started skippering.
Michele: I started as crew with my husband and learned a great deal from the many experienced skippers at the DSC who were willing to teach. I give Gaius most of the credit for me continuing with sailing. He made sure that I enjoyed my time, allowed me to handle the boat as I felt comfortable, and, of course, bought me nice dinners afterwards.
This summer, in June, I took an ASA 101 all-women class at the Maryland School of Sailing and Seamanship. This was a unique experience for me as it was my first time sailing with an all-ladies crew and a female instructor, all of whom I now consider my friends.
Sailing as a couple
Gaius: Sailing for me was my passion, but I did not want to do it alone. I had a strong desire for my wife to embrace it. I knew I could not rush her and felt that my role was to provide opportunities and encourage her and let her advance at her own pace. I had to adopt a philosophy that ensured she was enjoying her time on the water, and I did not put her in situations in which she was uncomfortable or that were stressful. I jokingly tell my friends who want to do the same with their significant others that you have to “boil the frog.” Just because you enjoy heeling the boat and keeping the rail in the water, does not mean that your significant other does. If you want them to join you, make it comfortable and fun. As they slowly adapt and become comfortable on the boat it will be easier for them to handle heeling.
Cruising and Chartering
Gaius: When we were introduced to the cruising program at DSC we were instantly hooked. Since then, we have sailed on a variety of boats including several Beneteaus ranging in size up to 41 feet, a Bristol 33.3, a Pearson 39, and two S2s. We have also enjoyed bareboat charter trips with friends from the Peninsula Sailing Center to the USVI on a Fountain Pajot Isla 40 and the BVI on a Bali 4.2. I am currently taking the NauticEd training and working toward my international sailing license and credentials.
Tell us about Peninsula Sailors and what you like about the club.
Gaius: Peninsula Sailors offers a balanced range of activities and opportunities to its members. We have two weekly member sails, Sunday Funday races, full moon sails, day trips, weekend trips, and a DelMarVa circumnavigation trip. Skipper training classes focus on safe boating, and the social events are a great way to connect with other club members and plan our next outing. We enjoy the club’s boats and, along with the community, take care of them as if they were our own.
What are your future sailing plans?
Michele: Continue to enjoy sailing with the Peninsula Sailors locally and bareboat sailing vacations in beautiful locations. Eventually we would like to get our own boat.
Gaius: Continue learning and eventually purchase our own boat. I would like to sail the Chesapeake, the Bahamas, the BVI, to Bermuda and up to Maine. And if we are able, cross the Atlantic and sail the Mediterranean… then retire.
Advice for someone interested in learning to sail:
Gaius: Find an organization similar to the Baltimore Peninsula Sailing Center, join, and get out on the water. Access to boats and on-water experiences are so important and will allow you to develop the skills needed for sailing and handling a boat and crew safely. Don’t rush it; take your time to learn. Once you get the bug and want to expand your sailing, take formal courses and certifications.
We have found the sailing community to be full of wonderful people and have made great friends along the way. Never stop learning and improving your skills and look for ways to give back into the community what you take out.
