The Brown's first Solo Sailing Expedition - Clearwater, FL

We went sailing today. The hubbie wanted Sailing lessons for Christmas. Being from KS, it seemed like a cool challenge. I never even considered sailing. Last weekend we got our ASA sailing certification. So naturally while planning a trip to Tampa's Gasparilla Festival, a mardi gras like celebration of the most famous Tampa Bay pirate, we took full advantage and rented a sailboat in Clearwater to round out the 'Sailors Weekend'.
As the high schooler rigged our boat I quickly realized I did not remember anything about how to sail. Although on paper we were ready to sail, I was not ready.
Oh well, now the 'tiller is in hand'! All was good, we were practicing our sailor lingo. I had the jibsheets, Chris's at the helm. It was exciting ... then I took the helm.  For the first five minutes we were good. On a tack something went wrong and the boat keeled like we've never experienced... I fell, lost control of the tiller and the mainsheet  was loose and wrapped on my lifevest. I hear Chris yell OH $#@&! He told me later, his first reaction was to jump ship! Glad he didn't because he quickly got control, unwound me and we decided since we were on course to dock, we were ready to call it a day.

Plus after that I really needed to go to the bathroom. We recorded a little video as a way to remember our emotions over a cup of Starbucks coffee. What an experience - I hope we never forget it!