As seen in Sailing in Marblehead

Mainsail Mechanics From Bert's instructions, it becomes clear that sailing is a combination of geometry, physics, creativity and common sense. He challenges his students to figure out how to accomplish tasks. "Imagine there's a $100 prize for doing something," he says. "It's amazing how ingenious you become." Bert explains the mechanics of the mainsail, how to set it up and how to use it properly. He says that even after 40 years of sailing, he is always learning more efficient ways to operate his boats. "Sailing is a constant test of ingenuity. It's constantly testing me," he says. Fortunately, I am a genius and fairly mechanical." (He chuckles.) Hear some of Bert's lesson: Lesson.wav or Real Audio < Back   Next >  Back to Coastal Sailing School's Home Page