On board a 30-foot Coronado sloop named Mer Nav, Captain Dutch Meyer delivers a lesson that touches on technical terms, life-vests and introductions. It does not mention doing accidental 360s on the open ocean. But that is precisely how my first sailing experience begins.

Earlier that Wednesday afternoon I took Monterey Bay Sailing up on their half-price deal on locals’ sailing lessons. Now Meyer is starting up the engine and we are leaving its berth at Old Fisherman’s Wharf.

I raise my hand to be the first at the helm. As I attempt to steer out to sea with the tiller, I tell myself that being a helmsman is easier than it looks. Feeling confused and a little scared, in my head I repeat, “Left is right and right is left.” But I soon hear another student trying to hold back laughter—I am giving the group a complete panoramic view of the harbor.   

Meyer and a more experienced student chime in with some helpful tips but I still struggle. A shift in duties offers a respite of sorts and I sit and prepare for some standard tacking and jibing. Sitting with the starboard line clasped in my hands I watch the boom swing across the stern of the boat.

The whole cool, breezy joy of the experience starts to sink in. Then my stomach decides it misses the Peninsula.

I prepare myself for a ritual spew into the marine sanctuary. But like a saint, the good captain comes to my rescue. He ducks into the cabin and hands me a little watch-like electrical device that zaps my wrist every couple of seconds.

Watching the sunset I feel relaxed and lucky and I can’t help but think of what I might normally be doing. Most likely, sitting around.

Meyer has seen my type before. “Some people will think about sailing their whole lives,” he says, “and never get off their couch.”

LOCALS SAILING DAYS continues on Wednesdays from 5-7:30pm at Old Fisherman’s Wharf #1 in Monterey. $25/one hour for locals. 372-7245.