Youth Sailing Today
The American Development Model The growing focus on intense competition in youth sailing has parents, sailing instructors and program directors looking to US Sailing for guidance and a different approach. They’ve seen too many kids burn out and drop out, and they are not alone. This concern exists in almost every youth sport, as well…Read More
The New Olympic Paradigm
The Impact of Professionalization The 1992 Games marked the first time professionals competed, and by the 1996 Games, it was clear that nations adapting quickly to the new model were reaping the rewards. For US Olympic sailing, the impact has been profound: Professionalization brought significant government support to Olympic Sailing, and the funding gap…Read More
Crew Overboard Prevention: How to Remain Aboard
Following these rules can prevent virtually all man-overboard incidents: 1. Remain sober, especially if you expect to go on deck for any reason. 2. Wear non-skid footwear when working on deck and have nonskid paint or pads in critical work areas. 3. Walk or crawl on the uphill windward side in a crouched position with…Read More
Weather Forecasting: Thunderstorms and Squalls
by Stan Honey and Ken Campbell There are three types of squalls/thunderstorms: those associated with a cold front or low pressure area, the “air mass” thunderstorm, and trade wind squalls. Cold front thunderstorms develop along the leading edge of a cold front. Remember, the cold front brings a wind shift from the south or southwest…Read More
Dos and Don’ts of Planning and Cruise
An integral part, and part of the fun, of any cruise is planning for it. Preparing for a bareboat charter includes a number of responsibilities to consider. Here is a list of “Dos and Don’ts” of planning for your cruise. • Do make travel arrangements well in advance. • Do leave some extra time in…Read More
Bareboat Cruising: Weather and the Sailing Environment
Before you leave the charter dock, check the weather prediction for the next few days. Local weather stations will carry up-to-date information. Rapid and/or large barometric pressure movements usually indicate major changes in the weather. East Coast East Coast weather patterns change constantly as the continental land mass reconfigures passing weather fronts. Cool Canadian highs…Read More
Speed & Smarts: In heavy air, play the shifts
By David Dellenbaugh When you’re sailing in a lot of breeze, your boat is usually overpowered. Because of this, finding more wind velocity probably won’t help you go much faster or point higher. In fact, in some cases a strong puff might even slow you down. A good wind shift, on the other hand, can…Read More
Dave Perry’s Racing Rules: Quiz 23
Quiz 23 Boats W (a windward boat) and L (a leeward boat) are reaching towards the gybe mark. L becomes overlapped with W from clear astern. They are both sailing proper courses and are on a collision course. As they near each other, W hails, “You came from clear astern and I’m on my proper…Read More