About this journey
OP Sailing Experience
OP stands for Optimist, symbolizing positivity and optimism.
Sailing connects us with nature, explores the world, and returns to the heart.
Captain Tie has years of global sailing experience and can calmly handle ever-changing external environments.
In Dali, Yunnan for 15 years, he founded 'Tie Sailing' to let everyone experience:
Combining movement and stillness, riding the wind and waves, the buoyancy of water.
Location: Caimi Farm (average water depth 1 meter, very safe)
Suitable for: Families, adults, children (children under 3 need parental accompaniment, ages 3-6 can be assisted by staff, ages 6 and above can enjoy the fun of steering independently)
Difficulty: Entry level, no experience required
OP Sailing Experience Preparation List
Water sports, pay attention to weather
Prepare in advance for possible wet conditions
No specific requirements, but recommended:
Convenient outdoor sportswear and shoes
Such as quick-dry clothing or windbreaker, hat (sun protection), sunglasses, etc.
Bring spare clothes and towel
Water and food provided as needed
There is a parking lot near the south gate of Caimi Farm.
There are toilets in the farm.
Restaurant recommendation: Cuitian near the north gate of Caimi Farm
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About Captain Tie
I first met Captain Tie at Qiuyuan, recommended by Bingbing. Bingbing said Captain Tie offers sailing experiences and saw our poster at Qiuyuan Cafe. Captain Tie was very interested, so he scanned the QR code to learn more about joining.
Out of caution, I replied: 'For now, I don't want to add new content immediately. Can we first contact on WeChat?'
Because I trusted Bingbing, I visited the public account 'Tie Sailing' and read Captain Tie's personal story, including his project to restore the sailboat. Between the lines, I caught a glimpse of another person's world and a field unfamiliar to me. It also challenged some of my preconceptions: in China and elsewhere, activities like sailing or golf are often seen as status symbols, attracting people for that reason alone. His articles had no such pretension; instead, they reflected his genuine love for sailing and its meaning in his life.
Over an hour later, the next day we met at Sule near the Three Pagodas. Tie came with his son, both very relaxed. We discussed our respective efforts, especially his Labora sailboat restoration project, which was imaginative and highly inclusive.
What impressed me was his past escort service for long-distance sailboat owners — an interesting job. Unlike bicycles or motorcycles that can be shipped back after sailing, sailboats need navigation to return.
Amid my hesitation and uncertainty, a sense of clarity emerged.
The next day, I came to Tie's base at the farm, a small water area surrounded by lush vegetation. Captain Tie's wife and son Haibao were also there, along with a teenager he had tutored during summer vacation in a vegetable community.
The small white sailboat had only one sail, a rudder, and a centerboard, almost like a toy. When I boarded, Tie suggested not to rush into maneuvering but to feel the wind direction and adjust the sail accordingly. At first, the wind was calm, but later it picked up and the sailboat began to glide. The teenager Haibao, his mother, and I sailed in different directions across the lake.
I realized that large multi-sail boats likely evolved from this simple model. This simple sailboat experience might be better — truly hands-on, feeling the wind, experiencing operation independently, not just watching.
The greatest value of this experience lies in the initial understanding, immersion, and direct sensory experience. Most importantly, someone guides you to understand the field in a suitable way and may lead you further into a world beyond daily life, gaining more experiences.
I think Captain Tie is such a person.
Therefore, we will launch this experience at Cangshan Hiking Home, believing that this sailing experience and Captain Tie will surely bring you rewards.
As he recently posted:
'Even in a small pond,
We can feel the embrace of water.
Whether using a pole or an oar,
Everything is a tool.
Going with the flow, riding the wind,
It is effortless and exciting.'
Participating in an activity or a sport, we experience, immerse ourselves, and sometimes connect with others. I believe this is the essence of beauty, just as we are doing now.
Let's try this lovely and simple sailing experience together and learn more about Captain Tie.
Jason 2024.08
About Captain Tie:
Graduated from Kingston University London Business School
Backpacked around the world
Circumnavigated the globe
For many years, he has been dedicated to long-distance sailing and sailboat training worldwide
WeChat public account: Tie Sailing
Video account video · Sailing at Dusk
