So OK ... LD was talked into sailing on Vee Jay Xmas break and found himself with that great antique stainless steel hiking stick in his hand. What's a J30 without the original stainless steel hiking stick?

Faced with the relatively confusing left is right and right is left training mantra of the past ... we decided to use a technique we've been experimenting with on visually handicapped drivers ...

We have them hold the smooth steel handle and just follow along as we drive the boat ... slowly driving less and less as the new driver burns those synapses and neural pathways into his brain. This photo sort of summarizes the program, starting with the "no fear because the skipper has control with two fingers on the stick."

Interestingly at some point the new driver realizes that he, and he alone, is driving the boat ... not in the least concerned that left is right and right is left.

At which point they want to take over. Nice for an 8 year old on a J30 driving for his first day.