Illinois Genetic Algorithms Laboratory

One of our readers enjoyed the sailing blogging (here and here), so we continue our voyage with a discussion of sailing lessons. In the States, two organizations dominate keelboat sailing lessons, the American Sailing Association and US Sailing. Both offer curricula and certified instructors to teach budding sailors, and the resulting certification is akin to a driver’s license that can be used as a credential to charter a bareboat.

My wife and I have taken ASA courses, starting with 101 and 103 at Torresen Marine in Muskegon, Michigan. I continued on with Bareboat Chartering 104 at Fairwind Sailing in Chicago with Ben Sells. The courses were a combination of hands-on sailing and coursework in the rules of the road, boat terminology and workings, and navigation, and the courses did result in my being able to lease a boat. Once you’ve got your ticket, it is possible to charter boats all over the world from organizations such as Sunsail and others.

So, if you’re looking for a break from the rigors of genetic algorithms, consider learning how to sail today.