This semester, I decided to audit NAUT 301a: Introduction to Seamanship or Navigation (or the Sailing Class as most USC students call it). In this class we learn the basics of sailing, navigating using a chart, and skills like knot tying and taking bearings! Part of the class is two separate “field trips”.
At the first “dockside demo”, we get to see different sailing vessels, discuss the parts of a ship, and tour the cabins. I even got to see my professor fire a cabin!
After the lectures and dockside demo, I got to try out a 2 day overnight voyage to Catalina! It was really incredible spending so much time with 20 other USC students and the crew (along with doggo “Captain”). We got to hoist the sails, navigate, steer, and even climb up the rigging (“laying aloft”)! Despite getting pretty sea sick (there were really high winds), I had so much fun and would love to go again.
Sailing is definitely one of those *must take* classes at USC!
