Hey all:
I've just returned from a family vacation to San Diego, where I managed to get in some great sailing time.
I took the ASA Basic Keelboat Certification class. Two days, 9-3 each day, on a Capri 22. Great instruction, and I was out on San Diego Bay with some pretty hefy wind and waves, not to mention freighter and military traffic. It's so much fun on a keelboat - heeling is just not the scary proposition it is with a DS. But then it's not as responsive in other ways, either.
I also rented the same boat and took my wife out for a few hours on Mission Bay. We had a blast, and after the class I found that I had greatly increased my sailing skill and confidence.
I'm extremely glad I took this course, and highly recommend instruction to new sailors. Not only has my general skill level increased but I'm now able to verify those skills should I wish to rent any boat up to 25'.
Can't wait to get back in my DS and zip off!
Carlos