Midshipmen from around the country received sailing lessons at the Old Dominion University (ODU) Sailing Center, Aug. 7.

The event was part of a four-week summer training program Navy ROTC midshipmen attend after completing their first year in college.

"As future Navy officers, it's important to understand the mechanics of the boats and how to handle them," said Midshipman 3rd Class Katie Lindsay. "I love sailing because we are out on the open water, and there is a feeling of freedom. I love being in control of the sailboat and being able to maneuver it to wherever I want to go."

The group of more than 100 future Sailors arrived at 8 a.m. and were split into groups for rotation between classroom training and hands-on practice. Lessons in the classroom taught the midshipmen tips and maneuvers applicable for the day's training and in their future careers in the Navy.

"The most important sailing lesson is the wind," said Ethan Lounsbury, an ODU Sailing Center instructor. "Figuring out wind direction along with every movement we make on the boat has to do with the wind. First you have to figure out exactly where that wind direction is, then you learn what to do with those sails in order to harness that wind to make your boat go."

During the exercise, midshipmen navigated small sailboats in close quarters. After receiving instruction from the ODU crew, the midshipmen were able to keep the small fleet of sailboats on path.

"We learned to jib and tack, how to recover from capsizing, and how a sailboat works," said Midshipman 3rd Class Peter Herlihey. "It's important as a midshipman to learn these skills, because it brings us back to basics and moving forward toward bigger complicated machinery."

Sailing is just one of the many exercises midshipmen will encounter during their time in the Naval ROTC program. These experiences instill core values and the knowledge required to join the fleet.

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