On 17th December, just right after the last group of ASA 104 trainees, SAIL GLOBAL Sanya sailing base welcomed another group of old friends and club members who also had completed all necessary courses for ASA 104 in Suzhou earlier this year.
On the day trainees arrived in Sanya, there was a welcome drink. The instructor Chris introduced them the itinerary of following days like what would happen on the boat and how the course will be structured.
DAY 1
In the morning of next day, every one met on the boat. It was a Beneteau 46 monohull that is way bigger than the boat these trainees used to sail at Taihu. Chris showed them around and started the course with an introduction of boat structure, parts and their function to help trainees have a general idea of the boat they were going to skipper.
It was another great sunny day with quite a lot wind. The waves outside the bay sometimes were as high as one meter. It was a pretty challenging condition for those trainees who just began sailing at sea. However, every one enjoyed it a lot. Each trainee got quite a few chances to take the helm so that everybody could have such experiences being a helmsman.
Before the evening, Trainees headed back to the harbor where they could seize the chance to practice docking. Different ways of docking had been tried under the guidance of the instructor. Through a way of practicing specific task in rotation and repeating the most difficult part to make perfect, everyone could learn something each minute on the boat and go through all the knowledge and skills that bareboat charter requires due to the well-scheduled course.
DAY 2
In the next morning, there was less wind so that it was arranged to practice anchoring at sea and rescuing crew overboard. Everyone had done a good job on that. Part of time was spent on navigation chart, an important part of the course, which is also new for them.
In the evening of the second day, it was Friday night, a great chance for sailors to discover local culture and tasty food. First stop was a seafood restaurant, a must-go place when one visit this well-known seaside city. It was delicious enough to win all of sailors’ compliment.
Second stop was a bar with live music. It was a pleasing place very close to the sea where we could hear the sound of waves lapping on the beach and rustling of coconut palms in the wind. Nothing can feel better with a glass of wine or rum and chatting with friends. That’s exactly the sailors’ lifestyle we were longing for after so much energy and cost we spent on it.
DAY 3
On the third day, the group sailed around the East Island. The wind was less strong. Since there is adequate space, trainees take the theoretical test right on the boat in the afternoon. Before that , Chris had helped them review all the key points. No surprise that every one passed the test, which was celebrated in a sailor’s way with a glass of rum. An impressive sunset at sea perfectly ended the course by nightfall. There was another group dinner when back to the land. Every one was in good mood, not only because the ocean has the magic refreshing power, but also because they had accomplished the serial courses and got so close to acquiring an international boating license.
Instructor's Summary
On be half of SAIL GLOBAL, we must say thank you to both groups, for the trust you have in us and for the friendship. We have enjoyed a lot with them. It was very constructive group of great people full of passion to learn sailing. We had a very good and successful time together. We sincerely look forward to next adventures, next courses and next sailing with you in China, hopefully soon also out of China. And there will be many more courses next year.
While Christmas and New Year holiday is approaching, maybe you are considering going on holiday in Sanya. You can always contact SAIL GLOBAL to experience leisure sailing. See you on board!
