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

Sailing Program Sample: Syllabus for basic sailing beginner

This Sailing Program sample has been taken from various programs across the United States to provide a greater representation of methods, techniques, and styles. SAMPLE: SYLLABUS Basic Sailing Beginner FORMAT: (8) three-hour lessons for youth or adults for one week or several weeks TOPIC - CLASS 1 Introduction and Course Overview: 10 minutes Team Building:…Read More

Small Boat Sailing: Teaching Sportsmanship

When you’re trying to teach sportsmanship in competitive sailing, there are no proven methods to follow. You need to try different approaches because every group you teach will react differently to the request to “act sportsmanlike.” Practice sessions can fall apart if your team isn’t getting along and all you can is, “Will you please…Read More

Responsibility to Your Students As a US Sailing Certified Instructor

Safety, fun and learning are the three major directives for every sailing instructor. If your students enjoy themselves, return uninjured, and learn something new and interesting you will have met your primary responsibilities to your students. Safety People expect to be safe while in the care of an expert. As a sailing instructor you are…Read More

Teaching Fundamentals: Stress Management

Stress gradually takes its toll when an instructor feels overwhelmed by job pressures. Frequent pressing deadlines, long hours, conflicts, high expectations, insufficient resources, emergencies, sudden setbacks, financial constraints, and preoccupying personal problems are only a few of the things instructors may face every day which contribute to stress. Stress management is particularly important during a…Read More

Start Windsurfing Right: Understanding Wind

Wind speed and direction never stay the same - they are constantly changing. While these changes are often small and subtle, they can be substantial. You will, with experience, develop a skill called wind sensing or wind feel which helps you detect the wind and anticipate its changes. How can you tell the direction of…Read More

Quick-Stop Rescue

All sailors must know how to react quickly to a crew overboard situation. The hallmark of the Quick-Stop Rescue method is the immediate reduction of boat speed by turning in a direction to windward and thereafter maneuvering at modest speed, remaining near the PIW. This rescue requires these steps: 1) As soon as a crew…Read More

Getting In and Out of Irons

Have you ever found yourself stuck on the water facing into the wind, and your  boat just won’t budge? This situation is known as “being in irons,” which means your boat is stopped while pointing into the wind—also called the No-Go Zone. When this happens, your sails will be flapping (or luffing), and you’ll find…Read More

Seamanship and Water Safety – Capsize Recoveries

Once you know the basics of sailing, you should learn a few seamanship skills. Good seamanship helps you handle situations even when you're not sailing. Your boat may need to be towed for some reason. You may need to paddle from a dock to a mooring. And, of course, there are specific knots for specific…Read More