Guilt-free Sailing

[nigelhudson]

I've stumbled across a good way of going sailing when normally I would be working which may be of use to others.

Our company held a charity fund-raiser and I was asked to stump up a prize for the promises auction. My donated prize was an evening sail in our boat for 4 people.

So yesterday I was able to leave work much earlier than normal and go sailing mid-week - an unprecedented event! Our 4 guests really enjoyed the evening - the strong northerly wind gave us a good sail whilst keeping the sea flat, ideal for first-timers. Also the return to the marina in the dark gave them a bit of a feel for night sailing.

Getting out of work early, a good sail and £100+ for the local kids hospice - that's what I call a win-win situation!

 

[snowleopard]

Good on you. It's good to do something worthwhile and enjoy yourself at the same time.

I have pledged a day's sail for up to 6 people for an auction of promises due to take place in 3 weeks time. It's been billed as a star lot in the auction so expectations will be high!

I did it once before when I had a Sonata on the Solent - offering a day for up to 3 people. Unfortunately the auctioneer said 'take 3 friends with you' and I wasn't there to correct him so when I had to tell the winners it was 3 people not 4 we were off to a bad start. The agreed day turned out to be dull and chilly so that didn't help. I actually drove them the 70 miles to the marina and provided lunch as well but that didn't help so it was long faces most of the day.

If anyone else is thinking of doing the same, my advice is make it very clear in advance what they're getting, go to the auction to forestall any false advertising. Throw in a little extra above what was advertised, e.g. a glass of bubbly so the punters feel they're getting something for nothing. Brief them in advance about weather problems and risk of postponement. Don't skimp on the safety briefing so they know you are in charge and what you say goes. Encourage participation in steering, sheet-hauling, keeping lookout etc. to prevent them getting bored

 

[Seagreen]

All my sailing is guilt free. I call it my fervent religious duty - shuts up all adverse comments.

 

[Danny Jo]

Me too. All my sailing is guilt free. While on the water, the seamanship or lack of it is all that matters, everything else is unimportant.

All the guilt is concentrated into the week before and the week after the trip.