2 Weeks

Hey,

It has now been exactly two weeks since I arrived at Vassaro. On one hand, it only seems like I just got here, but on the other, I feel like I have already experienced so much.

Anyways, since Saturday, I have done many things. On Monday night, there was a volleyball game between the Funk (us) and the Konfirmands. They made it into a really big deal, setting up bleachers and a sound system. I played some and it was a very fun time. We lost, but keep in mind the point judge was taking bribes in the form of food and candy throughout the game.

On Tuesday, I took 2 groups of Konfirmands out sailing, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. It was fairly windy, and I really got to experience sailing in an ocean environment. It's pretty exciting when you're sailing against the wind and water is coming over the bow and spraying everyone. The morning group was fine, but it was the afternoon when things got interesting.

The afternoon group told me they were also sea scouts and had been sailing many times before. As we left, I reminded them that it was windy and how to stop the boat from heeling (leaning) if it gets bad. I sailed them out of Fladan, and let them take over on the open water. Big mistake. One of the kids took over and took us on a slight upwind direction, and as a result the boat began to heel. Heeling isn't a bad thing, as it increases speed, but too much can obviously cause capsizing. So, as the boat began to lean more and more, I started to tell him to turn up into the wind. However, he kept the mainsheet (the rope that controls the main sail) and the tiller in the same direction. At this point, water was beginning to come in, so I started screaming at him to let go of everything, at which he still did nothing. By the time I came over to rip the tiller and sheet from his hands, the boat had completely flooded. At this point, I still don't know how he failed to not hear me. My guess is that he began to panic and just froze up. I take responsibility too, because as the instructor, I should have been sitting closer to him and not have simply taken his word that he could sail in heavy winds.

Anyways, I continue. So, there we were, about 8 of us, standing up to our chests in water in a boat that was completely under water. Another staff on board, Adam, used the radio to call Fladan and they sent out Yxlo to get us. While we were waiting, it was a challenge to make sure nothing floated away, including the oars, floor boards, and people's gear. When Yxlo arrived, the Konfirmands were taken back to Fladan, and Adam and I were left trying to bail a boat submerged under water. It took about 15 minutes, but we finally managed to get most of the water out. We were then towed back to Fladan. I really wish some of the other passing boats had taken a picture of Adam and I standing there in the water, and all you could probably see was the mast of the ship. Looking back on it, it was pretty funny just standing there wondering what to do next. Fortunately, no one got hurt, and I think everyone learned a good lesson or two.

The next day, after a morning sail, about 30 of the staff, including me, went to a small Swedish village called Oregrund (there's a double do thing above the O, but I don't know how to do that). It's about an hour boat ride from Vassaro, and it was a good break from the island experience. While at Oregrund, you can buy candy, ice cream, and just have a good time. We stayed for about 2 hours, and got back just in time for dinner.

Right now, I'm getting pretty tired and the next few days are going to be busy, but of course, I am enjoying every second of it.