Just because the instructor is a woman, doesn't mean you'll learn a thing. Some can drive you nuts.  Pedantic lecturers, egomaniacs and bullies exist in female forms.  So do scatterbrains, blamers and Captains who don't have a clue how to be a teacher.  Last week, through an email conversation with a woman who's had quite diverse experiences in women's sailing courses, I was reminded how bad some teachers can make your life.  And how much money you can spend for a miserable time. 

Reflecting on my experiences aboard Tethys, both learning and teaching, it's clear that 3 key elements always existed in our teaching - beyond a safe boat and sailing competence, of course. 

1. A passion for women to learn.
2. Listening to & respect for each other.
3. Patient & persistent problem-solving skills.*

  *Why problem-solving, you ask?  Despite our constant work to maintain the boat, something always broke or needed maintenance.  We didn't get mad about that.  Instead, it was just another challenge.  Boats are endless classrooms for learning and our approach to fixing "things" was the same as "fixing" a learning challenge. The patience and persistence created a culture of learning that tied in with Tethys'  "Goddess of nurturing mythology", and fit our personal values of 1&2 above, despite how differently we might approach a problem. The best teachers keep trying new solutions, taking cues from others and are persistent.  They stay engaged with you. They don't give up.

Before you spend money or time on instruction, I'd recommend the following steps: 

1. Write down what you want to learn.

2. Talk to, exchange emails, and if possible, meet the woman or women who will be teaching.  Does she listen to you?  Does she ask you questions that make you think and help you clarify your sailing goals?  Does she treat you and other people respectfully, in the ways you admire? Have her tell you about some of her best and worst students. Do they sound like you and does her way of describing what happened sound good for you? If not, then keep looking.

3. Last but not least, practice prudence. Be sure the boat is equipped with what you'll need for the area you'll be sailing. If you're going to be in fog, have radar.  Ask questions, ask questions, ask questions.

I look forward to hearing about more of your experiences and welcome your additions or comments to the steps listed here.  Post a comment to this entry, or write me an email.  Our emails will not be posted but often influence the topics I choose and provide great examples for other people, as long as that's okay with you.  Your specifics will remain private.