We left harbor with a student at the wheel. The instructors only touch the helm when demonstrating something or in emergencies. Within a few minutes, we had to reef in rising wind, a valuable exercise for neophytes. We tacked and tacked again. It was fascinating to watch the students gain increasing confidence as they began to feel the boat without the use of telltales or instruments.
Nothing is better for one's self-esteem than that magical feeling of being in the groove.
Then Geisheker taught the crew how to heave-to. But heaving-to fits in nicely with the emphasis on safety and safe options. Heaving-to is an invaluable option for a confused or tired crew with ample searoom. Slowly Geisheker switched from drills to diagnosis, as all good teachers do. He used jibing as the first diagnostic exercise.