The key content of this entry is courtesy of the instructor – indeed the owner of the sailing school – with whom I have spent my first set of days on a yacht since making the big move to the Canaries.  A professional opinion on my long unused (or lack of) sailing skills, crikey!

Quickly though, a sentence or two from me; last week I remembered how much I dislike tides, regained a huge respect for the power of the sea and wind, lost a pair of Prada sunglasses overboard, and reaffirmed how much I still have to learn.  But it was fun!  Imagine if after all this I decided I missed the City life already….

Over to Jim:

1) What did you expect from Maddie?

Well having been with Canary Sail previously, Maddie is well known to us.

The expectation was heightened by the fact Maddie has given up the “City” day job and turned to sailing as a potential career.  That made it somewhat different in terms of what to expect from her – it is quite an impressive change and commitment from her.

2) Did she live up to reputation?

Bubbly and happy as ever, Maddie turned up with her very familiar “glow” and zest for life and fun.

Yes, given the recent changes she has undertaken, Maddie is still as we know and admire her

3) Was there enough wine on board?

That is a definite NO!  The first task undertaken concerning victualing of the yacht was for her to top up with some Vina Sol.  An extra supply of cork screws were also required……

4) What were her strengths?

Maddie´s strength is her ability to stay calm under pressure.  This is really a winner should Maddie decide to continue her dream and become a sailing skipper/instructor.

This combined with her abundant enthusiasm will help in her new chapter with life.

5) On a scale of 1-10 (10 being pathetic) how weak was her winching?

Winching a sheet – Off the scale…..!

Winching a cork screw – Off the scale…..!

6) What should she work on before her next time on a yacht?

Winching!

Use of a cork screw!

Wind awareness – a small tip!  Imagine turning head, facing towards the wind, hair flowing back thus enabling full vision to reach out for an imaginary glass of Vina Sol….. 🙂

7) How did she cope sailing with strangers?

Super.  Maddie is the life and soul, a great communicator and interacts at all levels.  Good quals for a budding sailing instructor

8) Did she follow instructions?

Not always.  Maddie at the helm will have an idea of where the yacht should be going and sometimes ignore the wishes of the skipper of the moment, who even if going the wrong way, is boss!!!

9) Your highlight of the week?

Man Over Board training in 30 knots of wind in the WAZ, watching trainees improving their techniques under such extreme conditions.  Very satisfying for a sailing instructor!

10) Any final remarks?

Well done Maddie!  Keep up the positive attitude and work load and you will make it, I am certain.