I found the nautical world so daunting I withdrew and became really shy. I couldn't cope with the new language and culture, and as a person who wasn't particularly 'handy' I struggled with boat maintenance. I look back at that time and realise it is helping me so much now. As a professional mariner, I went from one extreme to the other. Now I can help others make that transition. Whether you are a seasoned sailor, a beginner, or anything in between - there is advice for you all - some may be a surprise... where do you sit with your knowledge, how do you help newbies fit in and have you tapped into this great resource of ideas...?