The Basics

What I hadn't realized about sailing is. . ."the basics" are nowhere near basic.  There's dynamics (aero/fluid/thermal) and topography and meterology and geography and cartography and oceanography and naval architecture and ergonomics and mechanics and carpentry and plumbing and organization and cooking challenges and psychology, both child and adult--oh yeah, and advanced stain-removal expertise (say, if the boat heels as one is pouring red wine. . .of course, that's a totally theoretical concern).  And those are just for starters :-)

In short, it touches on most aspects of regular ole life, plus requires a heightened understanding of--and attention to--one's whole environment.  I can sleepwalk through much of my land-lubber workday; I don't see doing that in my boat.  There's more riding on what happens in and to the boat, even at the dock. . .like personal safety, even continued existence (of both vessel and/or crew).  Not that every matter is life-and-death--HECK no!  A lot of it is just flat-out FUN :-) 

I'm quite certain any experienced sailor would respond with "Well, duh!"  Or the nautical equivalent thereof.   But, for the new initiate, it's fascinating to discover and deal with.  A whole `nuther world, indeed.