The Sport of Sailing

Thinking about sailing as a new pastime? Harry Carpenter, a Flying Scot sailor since 1971, gives you some thoughts about sailing...

Different things to different people

Sailing can mean different things to different people. For some sailing means cruising to a quiet cove, a splendid sunset; for others, sailing is a spinnaker reach in 20+ knots of wind or the excitement of boisterous competition. The Flying Scot has come to mean many things to her thousands of owners, but they all agree the Scot is comfortable and safe as well as fast and fun.

Harnessing the Wind

Sailing is a world of opposites- just like the wind. When the breeze is gentle, sailing is laid-back and carefree. But when the wind is blowing, sailing can be thrilling enough to leave you with a dry mouth and weak knees. You control the speed and heel of the boat. Its a great feeling to work in concert with the water and wind. And its a great classroom: you'll learn to use nature to your benefit, while building respect and admiration for her as well.

Mental challenge

The sport of sailing offers you the chance to exercise your mind as well as your body. At first there is the challenge of learning the lingo and rigging your boat. Soon you move on to learn about why a sailboat works and how you can optimize your boat's performance. You will want to learn more about weather, tide and the other elements of nature that surrounds you and your boat. Racing takes careful planning and clever strategy. No matter where you find yourself in the sport of sailing, there are new challenges and goals ahead. Sailing is truly a life-long sport.

Family sport

Sailing excels as a family sport and the Flying Scot excels as a family daysailer racer. Sailing is one of the few sports where the family can participate as a team. Parents and kids work together on a Flying Scot giving families some common ground that will improve all areas of their lives. And if you sail with a Flying Scot fleet (they're nationwide), you will make lifelong friends, guaranteed.

A Safe Thrill

Parents like sailing for their teenage children because it can provide thrills equal to driving a car or motorcycle at breakneck speed with far less danger. Planing sailboats move through the water at a top speed of 10 to 15 mph. Crashes seldom result in any damage to the boat or injury to those on board. Yet, the rush of the water and the surges of power from the wind can bring you to a level of excitement equal to sports that are far more dangerous.

We at Flying Scot invite you to start sailing!

-Harry Carpenter,
President, Flying Scot, Inc.