How Sea Affinity of Baltimore Implemented REACH

US Sailing interviewed Sea Affinity Director Steve Maddox recently to learn and share creative ways educational programs are successfully implementing the REACH program. REACH utilizes sailing as an educational platform, challenging youth to embrace education, establish a love of learning and explore productive Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) based careers. Sea Affinity is a…Read More

REACH and SailBot Share Passion for Sailing as Education Platform

US Sailing’s REACH program has made a unique connection with the SailBot International Robotic Sailing Regatta. These two innovative programs have a lot in common. SailBot is a robotic sailing competition historically held in North America in which teams of students from colleges and high schools compete. The goal of the event is to create an…Read More

Bareboat Cruising: Selecting a charter company

As a potential customer, you can contact several charter companies to determine the best service for your charter requirements. Ask friends who have used the companies you're considering for their opinions. Look for professional practices and a business-like attitude at all levels of contact. Make sure that you have a complete understanding of the financial arrangements.…Read More

Basic Cruising: The bilge system

Never let the bilge be "out of sight, out of mind." A regular visual inspection of the bilge should become a habit. You will quickly learn what is normal water in the bilge - rainwater coming down the mast, ice box drainage, and the drip from the stuffing box - and recognize water that indicates…Read More

Pre-Sailing Exercises

Before any exercising, including sailing, you should warm up and loosen up by stretching. Keep yourself in reasonably good condition, and before heading out, stretch out. These flexibility exercises should be done for about 30 seconds. Do not stretch to the point of pain, only to increase flexibility. Sailing requires movements in many unusual positions.…Read More

Junior Sailing Program Recruiting Tips

by: Chip Johns, Commodore of the Beverly Yacht Club and former owner of Vanguard Sailboats The process of recruiting and hiring staff for your junior sailing programs can be quite challenging. There are many factors to consider when trying to build an effective staff who are responsible for teaching fundamental skills to impressionable youth sailors. Chip…Read More

Basic Sail Shape for Instructors

Learn about proper sail shape, presented by Richard Feeny. Basic Sail Shape for InstructorsRead More

Teaching the Racing Rules

By: Dave Perry, Author of the North U Rules and Tactics Seminar Workbook, North U Intro to Match Racing Workbook, Understanding the Racing Rules of Sailing through 2016, Dave Perry’s 100 Best Racing Rules Quizzes, and Winning in One-Designs. On the Water • Practice starts with “live coaching” (vary the favored end) • Starting line too short for all…Read More

An Introduction to the Junior Big Boat Sailing Program

The Junior Big Boat Sailing (JBBS) Program is an opportunity for teens to sail with an instructor or coat on 35-45 foot well-outfitted sailboats. The JBBS program is structured around the use of a volunteered big boat lent for use to the program by a club member, owner, or volunteer who receives no compensation for…Read More

Ten Guidelines for Running the Junior Big Boat Program

As you begin a Junior Big Boat Program, keep in mind that you are dealing with a young, energetic crew. The following guidelines will help keep the crew engaged during the on the water training: 1. Make sure each of the JBB candidates stay busy and are engaged. 2. Keep the boat moving and in…Read More